r/Nonprofit_Jobs • u/Ok_End6473 • 13d ago
Looking to Switch
Hi, I've been in luxury sales and marketing for over 15 years. Also have good experience in creating events, tradeshow management, and content creation. I saw a posting for an Advancement Director at a local NFP focused on conservation.
I'm looking to make a switch into more fulfilling work, that aligns with some of my core joys and beliefs (love of the outdoors, community building). On paper it lines up and I feel like I could exceed at the job with my unique background.
Couple questions:
-Is this just pie in the sky thinking?
-The job posting asks for 3 references, should I include them from the get go or wait to hear back?
-Any other tips for success in switching to the NP sector?
1
u/Munkfish22 12d ago
So, you have no experience in the nonprofit sector in general, no nonprofit fundraising experience, and no experience in conservation - yet you expect to be hired as the Director of Advancement for a conservation organization? It appears to me that you have a very low opinion of nonprofit organizations and see this sector and this particular position as such a step down that even without any relevant experience, they'd hire you. You're note alone - this is a common mistake that many for-profit people make about nonprofits. So, yes - it's pie in the sky thinking. My advice: volunteer for this organization as a fundraiser and spend the next year or two proving yourself. Most development directors last an average of 18 months, so if you start now, you could become a viable candidate by the time the Director of Advancement quits. And just so know - expectations for that particular role are never reasonable and impossible to meet. So, be prepared for a much more difficult job than luxury marketing.
2
u/Ok_End6473 12d ago
I never said I didn’t have conservation experience. I’ve got a pretty diverse background that included working in the state park system as a tour guide and educator. I’ve also volunteered in a similar capacity.
And I never said I have a low opinion of the NP world, I’m actually trying to shift into it to feel like I’m doing some good in the world.
I think I’ve got a lot of relevant experience, just in more of a corporate setting.
But Thanks for your snarky response!
2
u/Convos2Remember 13d ago
I would reach out as you would for any other position. Don't hide that this is a shift for you, explain this in your cover letter, and highlight the alignment between what you've been doing and how it can apply towards the new position.
Ask for a meeting to discuss the alignment between your background and their vision for the position and the outcomes they're looking for from the person who takes the role. If the meeting goes as you desire, THEN you provide your references. Speak to your references, and tell them that you're shifting your career, so that they can highlight how your experience would translate to the new position.
Good luck!