Nonprofits/NGOs
Careers in Nonprofits/Nongovernmental Organizations
What is a Nonprofit?
Nonprofits are organizations that do not declare profit but instead use revenue in service to a public interest. They exist to serve a cause or purpose and include social service and charitable agencies, private schools, professional associations, religious organizations, political and advocacy groups, or cultural programs to name a few. Examples of nonprofits include The American Heart Association, The Boys and Girls Club, United Way, American Civil Liberties Union, The Knoxville Museum of Art, and the National Association of Colleges and Employers. There are a variety of career options in the nonprofit sectors. Almost all career disciplines and majors can be utilized in nonprofits!
How do I find a Job in the Nonprofit sector?
In some ways recruitment and hiring for NPOs differs from for-profit organizations. Typically NPOs hire only as a need arises so there isn't a "season" for recruitment. Many times NPOs only hire one person at a time rather than recruiting a whole "class" of new employees. Because NPOs usually don't have a large budget for recruiting activities, they may hire more by word of mouth or by people they know from internships, field experiences or volunteering. However, many of the same job search rules apply for finding positions in this sector. Consider each of the following methods when conducting a job search.
- Online job postings - there are numerous websites that relate specifically to NPOs and contain job openings.
- Get involved - find an internship or volunteer opportunity with organizations that work toward an issue or cause that is important to you. Many organizations will hire from within. Also, consider temporary but very valuable Term of Service and Fellowship opportunities after graduation.
- Conduct informational interviews - meet with professionals and ask them about their work and their insights on the field.
- Network - use your personal contacts to learn valuable information about area of interest and job leads.
- Job Fairs - attend the Annual Public Service Career Fair at UT (every Fall semester) and look for some NPO's to attend campus-wide career fairs throughout the year.
- Directly Contact local NPOs in your community.
- Register with Career Services - some NPO's will recruit on campus, post jobs/internships, and search the resume database for acceptable candidates. They cannot find you if you're not registered!
To learn more about careers in the nonprofit sector visit: Nonprofit Careers for the First-time Job Seekers
Nonprofit Career Websites
- Action Without Borders- Idealist.org
Excellent resource to find advice, organizations, jobs, internships, and volunteer opportunities in nonprofit organizations - NYU Wagner School for Public Service
Contains a wealth of websites, print resources, guides and professional associations for Public Service - Nonprofit Career Network
Nonprofit Career Network has been created to fill the needs of the nonprofit sector. - Social Service Job Listings
A job site for jobs in social work, counseling, psychology, sociology, mental health, case management, employee assistance, volunteer management, substance abuse treatment, domestic violence, community development, mentoring, youth development, child welfare, developmental disabilities and all other areas of social services. - Internet Nonprofit Center
This site publishes the Nonprofit FAQ, a resource of information provided by participants in many online discussions about nonprofits and their work. - Guide Star
National database of Nonprofit organizations - InterAction
American Council for Voluntary International Action - DiscoverET
This is East Tennessee's nonprofit community information network. - The United Way
Search for local United Ways and access lists of member organizations in that community - Independent Sector
A coalition of leading nonprofit organizations and foundations - Philanthropy News Network
Job postings in nonprofits - Community Career Center
Lists several hundred job opportunities - VolunteerMatch
Tens of thousands of opportunities are available through this online network every day. Even if you already volunteer, chances are you'll find opportunities that you didn't know existed. Want to feed the hungry? Tutor kids? Deliver medicine to seniors? This site can help you find a great place to volunteer! - Meaningful Work & Travel
Explore the many programs and opportunities that are at your fingertips. Whether you seek adventure in a remote location, or want to work for a good cause, you will find ample opportunities here to apply your personal and unique abilities. - What Can I Do with This Major?
While many majors can lead to a career in nonprofits, you may want to view specific links under majors such as Human Services, Social Work, Environmental Studies, Public Health, Psychology, Child & Family Studies, Criminal Justice, Public Administration, etc. - Community Mediation Center
Listing of Social Service agencies in Knoxville, TN. - East Tennessee Social Service Organizations
Career Services’ compiled list of organizations in East TN. Contains brief description and website.
