Archive for January, 2010

2009 Most Demanded Nonprofit Positions




By Michele Banares

In 2009, news headlines ran coverage of mass corporate layoffs and high unemployment claims. However, the nonprofit sector added jobs in 2009 according to a new report published by the John Hopkins Institute. The report states in two previous U.S. recessions (1990-1991 and 2001-2002), nonprofit employment nationally increased by an average of 2.4 percent while for-profit employment declined by 2.2 percent.

With job demand declining in the for profit sector, what jobs are in demand in the nonprofit sector? According to Opportunity Knocks, the premier national nonprofit job site and resource center, development jobs are in high demand, accounting for 18% of all jobs posted on the nonprofit job board in 2009.

Nonprofit organizations searching for development talent in 2009 recruited for certain titles. Development Director topped the list of most recruited development job at 36%, followed by Grant Writers at 12%.

Other top demanded development jobs are as follows:

  • Development Associate/Coordinator (11%)
  • Major Gifts Officer or Manager (7%)
  • Development Officer/Specialist (6%)
  • Director of Major Gifts or Annual Giving (5%)
  • Individual Giving Director (5%)
  • Annual Fund Coordinator, Director or Manager (1%)

    Although development jobs topped number one in 2009, Executive Director/CEO positions were in second place at 8%. The following are the 2009 Demanded Nonprofit Positions:

  • Development Directors
  • Executive Directors
  • Program Officers/Managers
  • Administrative Support
  • CEO/CFO/COO
  • Accounting/Finance
  • Communication
  • Policy Advocates
  • Marketing Managers

    Teacher and Social Worker positions were in low demand. Both professions are majorly funded with state or federal dollars at many nonprofit organizations. With state budget cuts many social workers and teachers experienced layoffs in 2009.

    With the high number of posted development and executive director positions in 2009, it is clear that the recession played an important role in the demand of positions at nonprofit organizations. Nonprofits seem to have sent a message that they needed and searched for leadership and development personnel to guide them through a dark hour.

    • The Best Jobs For Recent College Graduates


    By James McClinsey




    Particularly in uncertain economic times, it can be difficult to find a job, even with a college degree. If you are not able to immediately find employment in your chosen field, make the most of your situation. The best jobs for recent college graduates are those which are the most fulfilling. To obtain one of these jobs, be sure to make yourself stand out from other candidates.

    Being underemployed is a growing problem in the United States. With unemployment rates still very high, jobs can be tough to come by. You worked hard to attain your college degree, so make sure the job you do between now and when you get the job you really want is worth your time. There simply are better choices when searching for jobs for recent college graduates.

    Don’t take a job that dulls your mind and is tedious if it can be helped. Keep your mind sharp and challenged so that you’re one of the first people ready to put on a stellar performance when the economy recovers.

    Jobs for recent college graduates that are fulfilling will be different for each individual. One way to be fulfilled is to help other people. You could work for a not for profit company, which may net you a smaller paycheck but also has the potential to send you home at the end of your work day with the satisfaction that you have spent your day doing something positive. You can find jobs with not for profits by checking sites like Opportunityknocks.org or other reputable sources.

    Anything within reason that you can do to make yourself stand out to an employer will go a long way in securing a good position. A relative of mine began his career at a very well known insurance company by offering to work for half pay for a certain amount of time. After this time period, he would either be told to leave or would be offered a job with full salary. He did eventually wind up as a partner in the company, to finish the story. This is the kind of thing that makes someone remember you and never forget that people love to tell stories- make the one they tell about you something to be proud of. This is a good example of someone making good on their search for jobs for recent college graduates.

    Offering part time work for a certain amount of time, often 6-8 months, is an increasingly popular option employers with budget deficits are using to attract good employees who are willing to make a sacrifice. Prove that you’re a loyal person (employee) and you will be ahead of much of the rest of the crowd.

    You might consider a new challenge if you’re searching for jobs for recent college graduates. Getting yourself out of your comfort zone keeps you from being complacent and stimulates your mind. There’s also a nice side effect of beating a new challenge that we all like to have called confidence in your abilities. Walking into an interview with confidence can often mean the difference when it comes to being hired or not.

    Source: Ezine Articles

    Taking Care of ‘You’ When Laid-Off or Downsized





    It’s been eight months since you were laid off. You have done everything that you can think of to find another job.

    Being out of work for any length of time can be challenging financially, physically and emotionally. Still, there are several things that you can do to take care of yourself when laid-off or downsized.

  • First — stop ‘revisiting’ the lay-off moment.
    Okay, so you had no idea a pink slip was coming until you were summoned to your supervisor’s office and had it shoved into your hand. Rehashing the incident over and over either in your mind or verbally to family and others only serves to fuel your hurt and anger. Go ahead – cry, vent and get it out of your system and move on.

  • Watch your spending.
    If you have no money coming in this won’t be difficult. If you received a severance package the temptation may be to spend money by telling yourself that you deserve that trip or that expensive handbag after everything that you’ve been through. Ask yourself, once your severance or unemployment money is gone will you have money to continue to pay your mortgage, make your car note, or pay other bills?

  • You think that since you don’t have to get up and go to work that it’s okay to ‘party like a rock star’ or ‘party like it’s 1999’ as coined by the rocker, Prince.
    Don’t do it. Not getting enough sleep/rest can add more stress to an already stressful situation. On the flip side, don’t sleep away the day either. This may be tempting especially if you have savings or receiving unemployment benefits.

    If finding another position is critical, start your job search immediately, as finding another job in this scary economy is taking longer than it used to. Keep in mind that job hunting involves more than simply applying to on-line positions. Don’t just focus on flooding jobsites with your resume. Doing that is counterproductive. Get out there and network.

  • Now may be the time to think outside the proverbial box.
    Is there another field or industry where your unique skills and experiences may be parlayed? For instance, a former accountant could find happiness as a business manager in a university setting. Job fairs provide excellent opportunities to explore various companies and industries all under one roof.

  • Consider utilizing one of the many job assessment tools available to help you determine your strengths and abilities. For instance, the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI), a psychometric questionnaire was designed to measure psychological preferences in how people perceive the world and make decisions. Many area colleges offer this assessment and others.

  • Re-evaluate your situation every couple of weeks. How are you doing financially? Is there something else you can cut out during the interim to save money? For example, is it necessary for all of your children to have cell phones? Or all those functions like texting or melodic ring tones?

  • Being unemployed for any length of time can cause depression, so it’s also imperative that you don’t isolate yourself from friends and others.
    If you belong to a fraternity, sorority or professional organizations, continue to attend meetings if possible. These meetings offer job seekers an excellent opportunity to network.

  • Lastly, consider using your skills by volunteering.
    Due to serious declines in funding and resources, many non-profit organizations have trimmed employees. However, while non-profits are downsizing staff client needs for services are steadily increasing.

    The late Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. once said, “You don’t have to have college degrees to serve. You only have to have a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love.” Helping someone else temporarily takes your mind off of your own troubles. Not only does volunteering provide excellent networking opportunities, it frequently translates into brand, new fulltime careers.


    Carol Gee

    About the Author
    Carol Gee, M.A. has worked in education for 26 years in positions ranging from teaching to administration. Currently she is an editor and business writer at Goizueta Business School at Emory University. She is also the author of books, The Venus Chronicles and Diary of a ‘Flygirl’ Wannabe (Life Lessons of a Cool Girl in Training,) and a contributor to the baby boomer book, Age Smart-Discovering the Fountain of Youth at Midlife and Beyond. Carol is a recipient of the Center for Women’s 2009 Unsung Heroine Award for recognition of her dedication to issues that affect women at Emory or in the larger community.
    www.venuschronicles.net
    venuschronicles@aol.com


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    Opportunity Knocks Acquires PHR, SPHR and GPHR Recertification

    Opportunity Knocks has been approved for 1.5 (General ) recertification credit hours toward PHR, SPHR and GPHR certification. The HR Certification Institute approved the recertification for OK Online Training’s upcoming webinar, Working Across Generations: Defining the Future of Nonprofit Leadership, which will be held on February 3, 2010 at 2pm Eastern Standard Time*. Frances Kunreuther, Helen S Kim, and Robby Rodriguez, authors of the new book Working Across Generations: Defining the Future of Nonprofit Leadership, will discuss ways we can work together in multigenerational settings and the implications of generational change on leadership in the nonprofit sector. Participants will learn
  • How to approach leadership changes in ways that value the contributions of long-time leaders
  • How to recognize what new and younger leaders have to offer
  • Techniques for working across generational divides Along with recertification credits, participants will also receive the Working Across Generations: Defining the Future of Nonprofit Leadership book. Books are fulfilled and shipped (UPS Ground) by publisher, John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Click here to register for the OK Online Training - Working Across Generations: Defining the Future of Nonprofit Leadership *The use of this seal is not an endorsement by the HR Certification Institute of the quality of the program. It means that this program has met the HR Certification Institute’s criteria to be pre-approved for recertification credit.

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    NONPROFIT JOB GROWTH IN MARYLAND DEFIES RECESSION





    Despite the recession, nonprofit employment in Maryland increased by 2.7 percent in 2008, according to a new report from the Johns Hopkins Center for Civil Society Studies. By contrast, for-profit employment in Maryland decreased by 3.3 percent during this same period. Maryland’s nonprofit workforce grew to 256,618 jobs by the end of 2008. This represented 10.1 percent of all jobs in Maryland (or about one out of every 10 jobs) and 12.5 percent of total private-sector jobs in the state (or about one out of every eight private jobs), which is well above the United States average.

    This workforce makes Maryland’s nonprofit sector the second largest employer among Maryland industries, behind only retail trade.

    Reflecting this, Maryland nonprofit organizations pumped more than $11.5 billion in wages into the Maryland economy in 2008, or more than 9 percent of the state’s total payrolls. These wages translated into an estimated $635 million of personal income tax revenue for Maryland’s state and local governments and nearly $1.6 billion in federal tax revenues.

    The new data indicate that nonprofits in Maryland seem to be confirming an earlier finding by the Johns Hopkins researchers about national nonprofit performance in previous recessions: that nonprofit organizations are a counter-cyclical force in the economy, actually adding workers in times of economic downturn. In two previous U.S. recessions (1990-1991 and 2001-2002), nonprofit employment nationally increased by an average of 2.4 percent while for-profit employment declined by 2.2 percent.

    The study authors attribute this trend in part to the fact many nonprofits receive substantial portions of their income from public sector programs such as Medicaid and Medicare, which are designed to buffer citizens from economic downturns.

    “That nonprofit employment in Maryland continued to rise in the face of the most severe recession since the Great Depression is a testament to the resilience and determination of Maryland nonprofit leaders and those who support them in the public and private sectors,” said Lester M. Salamon, study author and director of the Johns Hopkins Center for Civil Society Studies. “But this accomplishment, impressive though it is, still left many needs unmet and many organizations under severe strain.”

    “This report shows that nonprofits not only strengthen communities across the state through the services they provide, but also strengthen the economy through increased employment, wages, and general commerce,” said Darryl A. Jones Sr., CEO of Maryland Nonprofits, the state’s nonprofit association. “We are concerned about the sector’s continued ability to meet rising demands as the recession drags on and state fiscal problems deepen, and will watch nonprofit employment numbers beyond the conclusion of 2008 to monitor the effects of the recession in 2009.”

    Other key findings in the Johns Hopkins report include:

  • The recent record of nonprofit job growth in Maryland continues a long-term trend. Between 1999 and 2008, nonprofit employment in Maryland grew by 27 percent—nearly seven times the 4 percent growth rate achieved by the for-profit sector during this period.

  • Nonprofit job growth during 2008 was evident in every section of the state, but was especially strong in Western Maryland, where nonprofit employment grew 5.3 percent, and in the Baltimore suburbs, where it grew 4.5 percent. Nonprofit job growth in the city of Baltimore was well below the state average (0.8 percent versus 2.7 percent), but it still greatly outperformed the city’s for-profit sector, which suffered a 4.9 percent job loss. Net losses in for-profit jobs were evident in every other section of the state as well.

  • These changes further solidified the position of the suburbs of Baltimore and Washington as the main hub of nonprofit employment in Maryland, with 53 percent of all nonprofit workers, easily outdistancing the city of Baltimore and the rest of the state.

  • Nonprofit job growth was especially robust in the professional and scientific services field, which grew by 5.8 percent during 2008. While private nonprofit hospitals experienced slightly lower than average job growth, they still added 1,208 jobs during this period, or about 20 percent of the state’s nonprofit job growth.

    To view the entire report, Nonprofits and Recessions: New Data from Maryland, which includes a county-by-county breakdown of nonprofit employment, visit http://ccss.jhu.edu/.

    The private nonprofit sector includes private universities, schools, hospitals, clinics, day care centers, social service providers, symphonies, museums, art galleries, theaters, environmental organizations and many others. The report is one in a series produced by the Nonprofit Economic Data Project at The Johns Hopkins University’s Center for Civil Society Studies (CCSS). The data in this report cover the period through the end of 2008 and draw on filings submitted by employers to the Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation as part of the federal government’s Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages.

    Source: John Hopkins Institute

    • 10 New Years Resolutions for a Successful Job Search in 2010





    By Chelle Shell

    Oh I know, the dreaded New Year’s Resolutions. Did you really think I was going to let you start the New Year without these?

    10 New Years Resolutions for a Successful Job Search in 2010

    1. “I will stay positive and have a good attitude towards my job search.”
    Nobody likes a Debbie Downer.

    2. “I will wake up early every morning and work on my job search as if it were a full time job.”
    Lying around in bed until you just wake up on your own is never a good idea. Get up, drink some coffee, shower and start your day by 9 am like everyone else you know.

    3. “I will attend at least one networking event per week.“
    I’m being easy on you with this one. You should attend more than one and if you’ve been reading my articles monthly…YOU KNOW WHY!

    4. “I will make contact with at least 3 people per day.”
    This means pushing yourself out of your comfort zone and reach out to the people you’ve met at these networking events you’ll be attending. And don’t hide behind emails. I know that phone is heavy, but pick it up and dial and then speak. It’s really easy once you get the hang of it.

    5. “I will further develop my professional skills.”
    Take online training classes, webinars, attend career conferences or even get a degree through an online university or enroll in some night classes.

    6.“When applying for jobs online I will read the job description carefully and follow the directions for the application process to the T.”
    If the job postings says climb a tree and leave your resume on the top branch you better be scurrying up that tree in a hurry!

    7. “I will reassess my budget and cut out luxuries I do not have to have in order to consider less pay for an opportunity at an organization offering growth.”
    Do you really need that new Xbox 360 game or your nails done?

    8.“If I have had more than 6 interviews in the last 2 months with no offer I will talk with a professional.”
    Hire a career coach, speak with a recruiter or someone you’ve met through networking with hiring experience because your interviewing skills probably need some work.

    9. “I will tailor each and every cover letter for each job I apply to.”
    If you’re not already doing this then that is why you’re still unemployed.

    10. “I will not apply for jobs in which I am not qualified for.”
    Would you agree to give your best friend brain surgery? Not on your life you wouldn’t, so don’t apply for a Director of Finances position if you are a Research Associate.

    And last but not least (this is actually a bonus resolution as it is number 11. I can count.),

    “I will volunteer at an organization with a mission that I am passionate about.”

    Try to take a volunteer position that utilizes your specific skill set. It may just land you a permanent position but if not, you’re helping to make a difference.

    Happy Job Searching and Happy New Year everyone!


    About the Author
    Michelle “Chelle” Shell has worked in management for over 14 years in positions ranging from recruitment to public relations. In her current role as Client Development Manager for Opportunity Knocks she assists national nonprofit organizations and recruitment agencies connect with talented, qualified nonprofit professionals and HR management solutions. Chelle is active in her transitioning neighborhood association as well as local tennis associations. She is also a Board Member of ANP, Atlanta Nonprofit Professionals.

    For questions and/or comments for Chelle please click on “comments” below and start typing away. Many of you have the same concerns and this will allow you to read what others have to say as well as help the masses. And don’t worry, you don’t have to identify yourself if you would like to remain anonymous.

    Is it OK to salary gouge to save?





    By Chelle Shell


    The answer in short is NO! Any employer who thinks it is OK to purposely and severely underpay an employee for a new position for the sake of “saving your organization money” should be embarrassed of themselves for even contemplating this for several reasons:

    1. Shame on you for taking advantage of someone that who will work for less than their worth in order to scarcely survive in today’s harsh economic climate.
    2. You are not helping our struggling economy.
    3. You are not saving your organization any money at all. In fact, you will cost them money in the long run because as soon as another opportunity arises for that employee they are out the door.
    4. You are creating a cancerous culture within your organization. As much as we hate to admit it, employees talk amongst one another about their pay. Do you want your organization to be classified as the WalMart of the nonprofit world?

    I actually spoke with an Executive Director of a CA organization the other day in regards to a position that has been open in his organization for 6 months. I was consulting with him about the job title and the proposed salary. Shockingly when I told him that they were offering around $15-$20k less than this position should be paid he said, “Pretty soon employees are going to be paying us to take attendance.”

    The nonprofit sector has been the fastest growing sector over the last 2 decades with an estimate of over 2 million organizations in the US alone. I am proud to belong to a crucial part of our society that has a long history of giving to the well-being of others, health, education, culture, and serving the community. If you are salary gouging others who want to give, are you helping the cause? You’re the one who has to lay your head to rest at night. Think about it!


    About the Author
    Michelle “Chelle” Shell has worked in management for over 14 years in positions ranging from recruitment to public relations. In her current role as Client Development Manager for Opportunity Knocks she assists national nonprofit organizations and recruitment agencies connect with talented, qualified nonprofit professionals and HR management solutions. Chelle is active in her transitioning neighborhood association as well as local tennis associations. She is also a Board Member of ANP, Atlanta Nonprofit Professionals.

    Join Chelle’s LinkedIn Group at http://www.linkedin.com/myprofile?trk=hb_tab_pro

    Employers Plan to Increase Staff Levels in First Quarter





    U.S. employers anticipate a moderate increase in their hiring plans for Quarter 1 2010, according to the seasonally adjusted results of the latest Manpower Employment Outlook Survey, conducted quarterly by Manpower Inc.

    “There is still a lot of ground to make up in the labor market, but the overall increase in hiring intentions is clearly a positive,” said Manpower Inc. Chairman and CEO Jeff Joerres. “The first quarter is a seasonally slow hiring quarter. To see an increase over the fourth quarter is unusual and seems to indicate increased confidence levels from employers.”

    Of the more than 28,000 employers surveyed, 12 percent anticipate an increase in staff levels in their Quarter 1 2010 hiring plans, while 12 percent expect a decrease in payrolls, resulting in a Net Employment Outlook of zero percent. When seasonally adjusted, the Net Employment Outlook becomes +6 percent. Seventy-three percent of employers expect no change in their hiring plans, the highest in the survey’s history. The final 3 percent of employers indicate they are undecided about their hiring intentions.

    “The data points to encouraging news. A record number of employers plan to keep staff levels stable, which is good for the employed, and an overall positive outlook means expanding opportunities for job seekers,” said Jonas Prising, Manpower president of the Americas. “Employer uncertainty around hiring is shifting from whether to consider adding staff, to when — and at what rate — to make the investment.”

    The national survey data shows employers in Mining, Durable Goods Manufacturing, Information and Government expect hiring to moderately increase in Quarter 1 2010, while slight increases are expected among employers in Nondurable Goods Manufacturing, Transportation & Utilities, Professional & Business Services, Education & Health Services, Leisure & Hospitality and Other Services. Employers in two industry sectors, Construction and Wholesale & Retail Trade, anticipate a slight decrease in hiring levels. Financial Activities employers intend to maintain relatively stable staff levels.

    When compared to a year ago, employers in the West are the most confident, but all of the survey regions have weaker year-over-year employment outlooks. Using the seasonally adjusted data, all regions anticipate moderate quarter-over-quarter increases in staff levels, with employer confidence highest in the South and Midwest.

    Source: Manpower.com

    Easter Seals merge with advocacy group





    Easter Seals Central Texas merged with the United Cerebral Palsy of Texas Inc.

    Jim Hemphill, chair of the Easter Seals Central Texas board, said the merger will “enhance Easter Seals ability to provide additional quality services to those with disabilities in Texas.”

    The combined nonprofits will be known as Easter Seals Central Texas.

    ESCT offers early childhood intervention, outpatient medical rehabilitation services, workforce and employment services, as well as recreational camps for adults and children with disabilities. The United Cerebral Palsy offers housing opportunities as well as excellent legislative advocacy for families living with disabilities.

    UCP Texas staff will become part of ESCT’s staff.

    Source: Austin Business Journal

    Survey shows declining job satisfaction





    Fewer than half of American workers like their jobs and another 1 in 5 think they will not be with the same employer next year.

    The Conference Board said Tuesday a national survey of workers shows 45 percent says they are satisfied in their jobs. That is the lowest mark for the Conference Board worker satisfaction survey since the business group began conducting such polls in 1987.

    In 1987, 61 percent of workers said they liked and were satisfied in their jobs.

    “The downward trend in job satisfaction could spell trouble for the overall engagement of U.S. employees and ultimately employee productivity,” said Lynn Franco, consumer research director for Conference Board. Franco said the decline in job satisfaction cuts across age and income groups.

    The survey also found that 22 percent of those surveyed don’t expect to be in the same job next year. The recession, credit and housing crunches have hit Southwest growth markets such as Phoenix, Riverside, Calif. and Las Vegas very hard.

    The Phoenix area leads the nation in construction job losses and has also seen cuts in the financial services, communications and aerospace sectors. Major employers — including Honeywell Aerospace, Arizona State University and the Arizona Republic newspaper — have also furloughed or laid off workers.

    The layoffs, pay cuts and uncertainty and public sentiment against Wall Street bailouts, foreign outsourcing and executive bonuses have all weighed against worker satisfaction in their jobs.

    In 2005 (before the recession hit), 52 percent of workers said they were satisfied in their jobs. The 2010 survey found that only 36 percent of workers younger than 25 like their jobs.

    Source: Phoenix Business Journal - by Mike Sunnucks

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