Sarah Pomeranz is an expert in career transition. In this episode she shares tools she and her team at Consultants for Impact use to assist consultants in their transitions to social impact careers. Looking to have an outsized impact? Tune in to learn essential steps to defining your career path along with the frameworks and tests to get you there.
Forget passion, follow these steps instead:
Identify the PROBLEM, find the LEVER, fill in your knowledge and skills GAPS, create 10x IMPACT
Explore the Career Theory of Change Framework to roadmap your search
Discover low-effort, high-reward Cheap Tests—from social media following to short-term consulting projects—to test if a role or organization is the right fit before you jump in head first
Gain new personal insights by using the Weighted Factor Model: Get the formula for moving beyond a simple pros and cons list to objectively compare complex career paths or job offers by weighting your unique priorities like financial stability versus autonomy
Plus, Sarah offers advice on how to translate consulting skills like project management and executive communication to the impact space, how to think about salary trade-offs for mission-aligned work, and her 10 Quit Business Days policy to avoid making desperate career moves. If you want to move on from where you are and make an outsized positive impact on society, this episode is for you.
Resources:
ABOUT THE GUEST
Sarah Pomeranz is the founder and CEO of Consultants for Impact. Since launching the organization, she has built a global network of 1,200+ consultants and facilitated over 80 career transitions to high-impact roles at organizations including the Clinton Health Access Initiative, Anthropic, Mercy for Animals, the World Bank, and the US and UK governments. Through 800+ personalized career advising sessions, Sarah helps strategy consultants channel their skills toward solving pressing global challenges. Before founding Consultants for Impact, Sarah was a top-performing strategy consultant at Accenture, where she advised clients including the World Economic Forum, Goodwill International, and Feed the Children.
Are you a job seeker trying to land your dream role or a hiring manager struggling to find the perfect fit? In this episode, we're joined by Rachel Platt of PLATTinum Consulting who shares interview process insights from both sides of the table.
Rachel reminds us that it is rare to find the perfect candidate. She reveals why hiring managers often prioritize soft skills over hard skills, explaining that it's much easier to teach someone a new software program than to change their mindset or motivation. So, how do you stand out? Rachel explains that candidates who demonstrate a strong alignment with an organization's specific success factors and values are the ones who get the offer.
We also tackle the push and pull between the urgent need to fill a role and the desire to make a good, long-lasting hire. Rachel offers invaluable advice for both companies and job seekers on how to avoid a bad cultural fit, boiling it down to a powerful quote from Maya Angelou: "When someone shows you who they are, believe them the first time."
Finally, we discuss how to use AI to supercharge your interview preparation, from in-depth organization research to identifying potential questions based on a specific job description. Rachel emphasizes that every candidate should be ready with compelling examples of their adaptability, how they handle ambiguity, and their collaboration skills.
Tune in to discover the secrets to a successful hiring journey!
In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Sherece West-Scantlebury, a 30-year veteran of the nonprofit and philanthropic sectors and CEO of the Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation. Dr. West-Scantlebury shares her powerful journey, from a 7-year-old who knew things could be better to a leader committed to shifting power and changing systems.
She offers essential wisdom for anyone looking to make a lasting impact. You'll learn what truly sets successful candidates apart in mission-driven work—it's not just about what you've done, but how your unique skills and lived experiences will move the mission forward. Dr. West-Scantlebury reminds us that you don't need permission to do good and that in a world full of challenges, there's only one path forward: “See something, make something happen.”
For Dr. Sherece West-Scantlebury, CEO of the Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation and 30-year veteran of the nonprofit and philanthropic sectors, successful candidates succinctly articulate how their contributions will advance the mission. Candidates with staying power join the sector with a social justice heart and are not driven by ego. They are self-aware of their own power, biases and growing edge to serve the mission instead of their individual needs. The best interviewees are those who get to know the organization before the interview and understand how the role they are applying for is pivotal to the organization. They ask questions that are thoughtful and curious, not to impress but to truly understand the work and the people it impacts. They include their accomplishments as well as their lived experience to showcase how they will use their skills and perspective to further the mission.
As early as age 7, Dr. West-Scantlebury – then she went by Sherece and was unimpressed with the broken playground, among other things in her neighborhood – knew things could be better. She started her career in policy and advocacy and grew to become an influential nonprofit and philanthropic executive. After thirty years in the non-profit and philanthropy sectors she knows that lasting change requires a shift in power that leads to a change in systems that hold back the disenfranchised. Listen in to hear about her impactful journey which began in housing advocacy and led her to becoming the founding CEO of the Foundation for Louisiana, the current CEO of the Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation and a founding board member of the Women’s Foundation of the South. She shares more about the policies and systems that affect housing, how underinvestment in communities is a policy choice that spans generations and how people working 2-3 jobs are still economically insecure. Insights from her journey will benefit anyone interested in joining the sector.
Looking at the sector as a whole. At this moment, Dr. West-Scantlebury encourages those new to the sector not to be deterred by the current chaos. In addition to providing necessary services in our communities, the nonprofit sector is a notable portion of our local economies.
She reminds listeners that you do not need permission to do good, to impact systems and to positively impact change. As she puts it, there is only: “see something make something happen. Instead of complaining about the change you want, be the change you want it to be.”
In the future she hopes to see funders and nonprofits working together as co-creators where funders build trust with grantee partners so they are comfortable with community-defined impact and make unrestricted, multi-year gifts. She wants to see nonprofits being leaders instead of lagging behind when it comes to technology or innovative ways of work. This requires that all in the sector hone their craft; she encourages listeners to read, A LOT…alot, alot, and make regular space for thinking and planning.
In this crossover episode, Samar Kargbo of the Sort of Sure podcast interviews Asking for Good host Katherine Pooser about the nonprofit sector, fundraising and overcoming Imposter Syndrome.
Begin your transition to the nonprofit sector by volunteering and making a personally meaningful gift. These interactions with the sector will give any job candidate a leg up as they have demonstrated commitment to the sector.
For those ready to become development professionals, listen in to hear two essential frameworks to become a successful fundraiser:
Be INTERESTED + INTERESTING to create strong donor relationships
Every ask is an invitation to change the world and should include these essential elements:
PROJECT + TIMING + AMOUNT
Finally, hear how to overcome Imposter Syndrome in the job search by identifying and reframing Automatic Negative Thoughts.
Lisa Lager is a nationally recognized philanthropy expert, all-around fundraising guru, and mentor to host, Katie Pooser. In this inspiring episode, Lisa shares why she prioritizes mentoring, lessons learned along a robust four-decade career journey, and provides invaluable advice for navigating job interviews and offers with confidence. Listen in as Lisa shares:
✨ See Beyond the Sparkle: Learn why it's crucial to approach new opportunities with open eyes, ditching those rose-colored glasses to truly assess if an organization is the right fit for you.
🤝 Mentorship Magic: Discover the profound impact of mentorship and hear firsthand how Lisa has guided countless professionals toward fulfilling careers.
🧐 Interview Intelligence: Unlock the secret to using the interview process to gather essential information, empowering you to make informed decisions when you land an offer.
🌟 Crafting Your Legacy: Be inspired by Lisa's journey in helping donors create meaningful legacies and how her own career has become a powerful reflection of her values.
Tune in for a dose of career wisdom that will leave you feeling empowered and ready to make a real difference!
Professor David Rhode, author of Passion Isn’t Enough: a practical guide for nonprofit leaders, uses the foundation for nonprofit success outlined in his book to advise job seekers. David has coached hundreds of nonprofit CEOs to grow their organizational capacity and scale. He knows that finding the right people and putting them in the right positions is essential. HIs insights will deepen your understanding of the sector overall and help job seekers artfully navigate the interview process.
Listen in as we discuss:
Key distinctions between larger and smaller nonprofits. Job seekers should be aware of the advantages and pitfalls to both.
No matter the organization’s size, job seekers want to show hiring managers that they are passionate, able to problem solve, reliable and can provide strong references.
Nonprofit hiring managers may not be seasoned in hiring. Job seekers can use the interview process to clarify the role including having a clear sense of what success looks like and how their performance will be evaluated.
Future fundraisers: David reminds us that many of us are already fundraising be it a bake sale or running a 5k for a cause. Leverage non-professional fundraising experience to showcase and hone your skills.
Looking ahead, the nonprofit sector will need those with skills in social media and AI.
Most nonprofit careers are not easily mapped from the outset, get started on the journey and build from there.
About the Guest:
David Rhode founded Dot Dot Org where he mentors nonprofit CEOs and helps nonprofit organizations grow their capacity and impact. David is a nonprofit founder; he scaled and ran the global organization for almost 15 years. David's career began in the for profit sector at blue chip companies like Procter and Gamble, H.J. Heinz and others. David is the author of "Passion Isn't Enough: A Practical Guide for Nonprofit Leaders".
He is a Wharton MBA and currently teaches non profit branding and nonprofit consulting at the University of Pennsylvania.
Show Notes:
Stanford Social Innovation Review
Podcast: How to Hire the Right Person Every Time by Brooke Richie Babbage
Ellen Gifford wants you to find your authentic voice by defining your purpose and understanding your non-negotiables. With these you can define the WHY that will guide your career. She drops fundraising truth bombs and tells us what to do to get out of the rut of being a subject matter expert.
Ellen reserves the right to get smarter and thinks you should too. Having a growth mindset and saying yes to the stuff that scares us makes a difference. She reminds listeners that while people do want to help others grow and develop, it may not be front of mind when they're caught in their own hamster wheel. In every organization, there should be people who are there to champion your professional growth and development - many are specially trained members of the human resources team. And what if your company doesn't have it? You get to be that leader yourself.
Are you thinking of starting your own not-for-profit? On the eve of the 5th anniversary of a nonprofit she founded, Ellen shares that resilience and belief in the mission are linchpins. Take notes from her lessons learned:
a. Know how you will make money; make a business plan
b. Get the IRS designation/legal status ASAP
c. Build relationships. Get to know the people in your community and nationwide.
And when it comes to fundraising-
-With funders, “No means. No, not right now.”
-The staff of funding organizations may not be the decision makers but they are your champions in the room and they want to see nonprofits succeed.
-Stay true to your organization, don’t create or bend programs to fit to a funding application
About the Guest:
Innovative Human Resources executive, coach, business consultant and nonprofit founder with nearly 30 years of leadership experience in the healthcare, insurance, entertainment and hospitality industries.
Ellen has successfully helped both small not-for-profit organizations and multi-billion dollar corporations grow their businesses by advising them on how to execute on business strategies that enable them to outpace their competitors even in times of complex talent landscapes.
Ellen is known for her ability to build highly productive human resources organizations and she does this by empowering others to use their gifts and talents to deliver on high priority business strategies.
When she is not working she loves to travel and discover new sites, eat new food and meet new people. When she visits new places she often goes to the locations that are less traveled so she can gain a more authentic perspective. As a passion project, she runs a professional theatre company that employs artists from all over the world. They perform live theatre in site-specific spaces with a mission to “reimagine live theatre with innovative experiences that bring our community together”.
Ellen earned her MBA degree from Oklahoma Christian University and is a certified Lean Leader, SHRM-certified HR professional, and a Results Based Leadership Institute graduate. Her leadership has earned her the Ultimate Software Innovation Award and recognition from publications such as Becker’s Hospital Review.
Ok, ok it’s not as catchy as No-Shave November or Dryanuary but it’s important…DON’T sit December out, you can make real progress in your job search.
In this episode, for those new to the sector, we take a few minutes to talk through what is happening at the height of giving season and what leaders and hiring managers are thinking about this December including the 🪦“nonprofit killer” bill.
There is no hiring season, nonprofits are hiring now. Each role represents a problem the organization is looking to solve. By the time a position is posted on the organization’s website, it’s almost certain the team has been working beyond capacity. APPLY NOW! You will not be overlooked if you apply in December.
MUST DO: Revamp your elevator pitch for the season. As you reconnect with your oldest pals and loved ones, let your answer to the inevitable question, “so, what are you up to these days?” be filled with your values, your future and the impact you want to make. People who are interested in knowing what you’re up to usually want to help you.
EXTRA CREDIT: Take time in December to be your own coach. Take a break from your plan and look onto your job search with an outsider’s eye to find and fill gaps. These four questions can get you started:
Have I identified my values and the impact I want to make on the world? Has that gotten lost in the search process?
Have I identified the organizations or job titles that are of interest to me? Where am I sourcing job opportunities? Check out: Idealist.org, Nick Martin, Interested Newsletter, Young Nonprofit Professionals Group 🐘 Don’t forget the power of networking to access the hidden job market.
In the past 12 months, which elements of the job search process have I excelled in and which need improvement? Also, who can I enlist to help me with these elements? 📣 Try YouTube for interview questions and answers and tap into your alma mater’s alumni career services.
Do I think I can get the job I want? Check your Imposter Syndrome. Practice REAL self-care to stay resilient.
EXTRA EXTRA CREDIT: Dig deeper and listen to the full episodes referenced.
Keep your job search moving in December, 2025-you will thank you.
Episodes Referenced:
Use your North Star to be Value-Add & the First Professional Doctorate in Philanthropic Leadership
Selectively apply, Ace your interview
Imposter Syndrome Can Wreck your Nonprofit Job Search, Before it Even Starts
Weak Ties, Big Results: How to Network Beyond your Inner Circle (Part 3 of 3)
Judy left an executive role in the not-for-profit sector to become a mission-driven entrepreneur. She and her co-founder of EvolveMe built a gap-filling, job search program for women in midlife.
Listen in to hear these keys to search that apply to everyone:
1. Ditch the career ladder and the “shoulds.” Your first step is about checking in with you. Check out their free SWOT** tool in the show notes.
**Strengths, Wishes, Opportunities and Truths
2. Don’t go it alone. Judy shares the power of community. Job seekers from a variety of industries and experience gain confidence faster and see new paths when they are on the search together.
3. A compelling “elevator pitch” is about your future, the impact you want to have, and your values.
4. Defining and managing your personal brand puts you in the drivers seat. This articulation helps your network make the best connections for you.
5. Try it on. Strategic volunteering (even one day) or project-based work will give you the exposure to the not-for-profit sector you need to see if it’s a right match for you at this moment.
For women in midlife, this is a can’t miss episode. Judy shares most common stumbling blocks and how to clear them. (Hint: growth mindset, self-reflection, career reframing, it’s not too late). She noticed that women tend to focus on doing a great job in their current role and neglect to think about their career.
If you don’t know where to begin or are feeling rudderless, this episode is for you. Judy distills the job search and will help you move your bias toward action.
Show Notes:
EvolveMe's Reinvention Collective training
Schedule your EvolveMe complimentary 1:1 call here
About the Guest:
Judy Schoenberg is co-founder of Evolve Me where she works with groups of women in midlife looking to relaunch, reinvent or level up their careers. She also works with companies invested in building and sustaining top female talent.
She honed her skills at national organizations like Girl Scouts of the USA and the Ms. Foundation for Women as well as locally at Pace University’s women’s leadership initiative and has also worked for community-based and start-up ventures. Her work has been featured at the White House, MAKERS, npr.com, Forbes.com, USA Today, The Chicago Tribune and The Washington Post.
Additionally, she brings her background as a wellness coach to promote an integrated approach for women exploring meaning and work. She holds leadership roles at several nonprofit educational institutions and a Master's of Education in human development and psychology from the Harvard Graduate School of Education.
#careercoach #nonprofit #careertransition #jobsearch #philanthropy #midlife #thirdsector
Tired of feeling like a passenger in your own career? Join us as we chat with Christa Stelzmuller, a seasoned tech pro who traded the hustle of e-commerce for world-changing work. Christa made a bold leap into the not-for-profit world, landing the coveted role of Chief Technology Officer at charity:water.
Learn how she navigated the transition, filled in knowledge gaps, and found a mission and culture that truly resonated.
Whether you're considering a similar switch or simply want to take more control of your professional path, this episode offers valuable insights and inspiration.
Listen in and take some pointers from her process:
Take control: Don't let your career happen to you. Own your path and make intentional decisions.
Take the time: A major career change may be several months in the making, start today.
Skill up: Identify your knowledge and skills gaps and actively seek out opportunities to learn.
Find your fit: Use the interview process to discover if the organization's mission and culture align with your values.
Go with who you are: Make a clear statement in your application about the skills you have to offer and how you plan to use these transferable skills in the role.
Christa digs into tech in the not-for-profit sector. Two essential transferable skills for moving from the for-profit to not-for-profit sector are change management and database/CRM management. She shares examples of transferable skills from sales funnels to fundraising and using data for storytelling. She shares that success comes when you can drive data through to the human experience.
A year into her sector-switching role, she’s very happy she made the shift. She encourages you to go for the career switch of your dreams.
A common thread throughout Christa Stelzmuller’s career has been a multidisciplinary approach to leveraging data and technology for better decisions, better products, and better delivery. She is focused on building innovative and useful digital experiences and is deeply motivated by mission. She has a demonstrated ability to translate a vision to a strategy and then connect that strategy to execution. Key to that are her strengths in communication and team leadership. She easily pivots between conversations with investors and board members, fellow leadership team members, and more junior team members and fosters high levels of productivity through a service-oriented, participative approach to leading her teams.
Dreaming of a career change with purpose? You're not alone! In this episode, career development coach Emily Lamia shares practical advice on how to design your ideal not-for-profit job and make it a reality. Discover how to:
Emily's expert advice will inspire you to take control of your career and create a fulfilling path in the nonprofit world. Don't wait any longer – start planning your pivot today!
Ready to turn your passion into a fulfilling career? Hit play and start your journey towards a more meaningful job!
About the guest:
Emily Lamia founded Pivot Journeys in 2016 to provide professionals with the strategies and support they need to find meaningful work and to empower them to be inspired, engaged, and effective on the job.
As a career development coach, she has been helping people grow and develop in their careers for over a decade. She has supported countless people to network more effectively, interview more confidently, and think more strategically about how to get where they want to go. But, before that, she had to navigate my own career journey.
She knows what it’s like to feel stuck and be unsure of how to find the right kind of work for you, and how to land the job you want. She also knows what it’s like to work on a dysfunctional team with bad management. And I know a bad manager can be the reason you leave your job.
Her goal is to make it less painful for you to identify what you love doing and for you to get the opportunity to do it.
As a Gallup-certified Strengths Coach, certified Designing Your Life Coach, and certified administrator of an Enneagram assessment, Emily has completed 100+ hours of training and regularly participate in ongoing education to become the best coach she can be for her clients.
Dr. Lisa Orbe-Austin, a licensed psychologist and career coach, joins us to discuss how Imposter Syndrome can hold people back in their careers and how to overcome it specifically in the context of a non-profit job search.
You’ll learn:
Imposter Syndrome is a common issue, but it doesn’t have to hold you back. This episode will equip you with the tools you need to launch your non-profit career with confidence.
Resources Referenced:
Own Your Greatness: Overcome Impostor Syndrome, Beat Self-Doubt, and Succeed in Life
Dr. Lisa Orbe-Austin provides career advice on NBC LX
The Impostor Phenomenon: Psychological Research, Theory, and Interventions
Feeling stuck in your job search? Emily Christakis, NCRW, tells us how to gain all-access to the hidden job market through networking. This episode is packed with actionable advice to help you build your confidence, expand your network and move forward.
Here are the key takeaways:
Weak Ties Theory
Weak ties refer to infrequent contacts in your network, like old colleagues or acquaintances.
These connections are valuable because they expose you to new job opportunities you might not otherwise find through your close network.
A LinkedIn study confirmed that weak ties lead to a higher likelihood of job mobility compared to strong ties.
Actionable Tip: Expand your network beyond close friends and family. Reach out to old colleagues or acquaintances in person, via text and email, or on LinkedIn and let them know you're looking for new opportunities.
Imposter Syndrome
Imposter syndrome is the feeling of doubt and inadequacy despite your accomplishments.
It can manifest as negative self-talk, perfectionism, and downplaying your achievements.
Actionable Tip: When experiencing imposter syndrome, challenge your automatic negative thoughts (ANTs) and replace them with evidence of your skills and experience.
Does it feel like you’re sending your resume into a black hole?
Learn the resume secrets that get you noticed!
This episode of Asking for Good is packed with tips from Nationally Certified Resume Writer, Emily Christakis. She reveals the FIVE AND A HALF biggest resume mistakes that sabotage your chances of landing the interview and teaches you how to craft a resume that passes initial screening and is an irresistible magnet for hiring managers.
Listen in to learn this and more:
The secret layout trick that makes your resume visually appealing and easy to read (recruiters only spend SECONDS scanning resumes!)
How to ditch outdated email addresses and phrases that scream "old-fashioned" (and potentially bias recruiters against you!)
The way to use AI tools to your advantage without your resume sounding like a robot wrote it.
Why a "one-size-fits-all" resume won't work and how to target your resume for the specific job you want.
The bonus tip that is essential for resumes in the not-for-profit world.
Stop getting passed over! Tune in to finally write a resume that gets you interviews!
Drained by poor response to your generic resumes and uninspired job applications? There's a better way!
Join career coach Emily Christakis and discover the secrets to a targeted job search that gets you noticed.
In this episode, you'll learn:
The power of your North Star: Find your purpose and craft a resume that shines.
Beat the AI: Craft resumes and cover letters that sail through applicant tracking systems.
Modern Job Search Landscape: a review of screening tools, how to learn industry jargon and tips for interviews
Stay Motivated: how to stay productive even after setbacks.
Plus, get answers to burning questions:
How many applications should I submit?
Career break blues? We've got you covered.
Should you hire a career coach?
How to unlock the power of LinkedIn for your job search.
This is just Part 1! Stay tuned for more insights from Emily on launching your successful not-for-profit career.
About the Guest: Connecting people to work they love has been the hallmark of Emily Christakis’ career in human resources and career coaching.
She is a Nationally Certified Résumé Writer, one of only <75 writers to hold this distinction and an “Ask the Experts” contributor to pressing job search questions on behalf of The National Résumé Writers’ Association. She is a LinkedIn “Top Job Search Strategies” voice. Emily brings 15 years of experience spearheading organizational and talent development initiatives in global organizations spanning the mobile solutions, financial services and non-profit sectors.
A first-generation college graduate, she holds a Master in Counseling degree in Education from Fordham University and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from St. John’s University. Her graduate work focused on career counseling theory and putting it into practice, including interpreting career and personality assessments.
When she’s not chasing after her two children at a NYC public playground, you will find Emily tinkering in the kitchen with her husband.
Episode 7 is the final episode of the STAKEHOLDERS SERIES and we’re talking about the tangential and necessary third-party players that support not-for-profit work. In this episode, we delve into the fascinating role of government relations and its impact on the nonprofit sector.
Our guest, Larisa Wick, JD, a seasoned government relations professional at The Wright Group. The Wright Group is the only government relations firm whose practice focuses exclusively on not-for-profit clients. Ms. Wick shares her insights on:
How government relations firms support nonprofits: Learn how Larisa and her team help secure public funding, advance legislative policies, and ultimately, deepen the impact of nonprofit organizations.
Different paths to a government relations career: Discover that there's no one-size-fits-all approach! From internships to legal backgrounds, Larisa shares various entry points and highlights the value of hands-on experience.
Why a government relations career is fulfilling: Hear firsthand from Larisa about the unique rewards of working with nonprofits and making a difference in communities.
Whether you're a recent graduate, a career changer, or simply curious about the not-for-profit sector and the government relations field, this episode is packed with valuable information and inspiration.
Tune in and:
Gain insights into a unique career path in the nonprofit sector.
Discover how your skills and passion can contribute to meaningful change.
Get motivated to pursue your dream job in the world of good.
Remember to subscribe and leave a review! We're here to help you find your perfect fit in the not-for-profit world.
In Episode 6 of the STAKEHOLDERS SERIES we talk about a career connecting with Donors. Join us in this conversation with Lamont Wray, Jr., a fundraising expert who shifted gears from annual campaigns to building deep, one-on-one relationships with major donors.
Lamont's journey is inspiring and includes working for multiple worthwhile missions and advocating for his own career growth to leading a team of fundraisers at the Food Bank of New York City. In this episode, you'll gain valuable insights on:
Unlocking the secrets of securing major gifts: Discover the process, the preparation, and the key strategies to turn passionate supporters into impactful changemakers.
Gearing up for relationship-based fundraising: Tips for job seekers and career changers who want to dive into the rewarding world of building meaningful connections with donors.
Evaluating not-for-profit job opportunities like a pro: Learn how to assess an organization's mission, culture, and impact before and during the job search process.
Bonus takeaways:
No experience, no problem? Dive into Lamont's advice on gaining valuable donor interaction through volunteering and peer-to-peer fundraising.
The power of self-advocacy: Discover how to take charge of your career path and navigate conversations with confidence.
Building meaningful relationships is key: Learn how organization, persistence, and genuine care are instrumental in fostering long-lasting connections with donors.
Whether you're a seasoned fundraiser, a curious job seeker, or simply someone who wants to make a difference, this episode is packed with actionable advice and inspiring stories. Tune in and join us on a journey where donors are key stakeholders, and together, we create a ripple effect of positive change.
Step into the world of non-profit, where success is measured by the positive impact on lives and communities, not just profit margins. Today, we're joined by Brianne Kilpatrick, a seasoned non-profit professional who'll guide you through navigating this fulfilling career path.
In this insightful conversation, Brianne shares her journey from the corporate world to a non-profit career driven by purpose. She'll delve into the concept of beneficiaries, the heart of the non-profit sector, and how their lives are transformed by these organizations.
Learn how to identify beneficiaries and understand their unique needs, the driving force behind non-profit work. Brianne will also shed light on how everyone has benefited from a non-profit, whether directly or indirectly.
For job seekers transitioning into the non-profit sector, Brianne provides invaluable tips on crafting a compelling response to the interview question: "Why this charity? Why now?" She'll also reveal the must-ask interview question to assess an organization's commitment to beneficiaries: "How does this charity include beneficiaries in organizational decision making?"
Embrace self-advocacy and learn how to request follow-up conversations to gain clarity after an interview. Additionally, Brianne guides you in aligning your career aspirations with the organization's mission and intervention point, ensuring your values and goals resonate with their work.
Whether you're seeking a meaningful career transition or want to enhance beneficiary engagement in your non-profit leadership role, this episode is packed with actionable advice and thought-provoking insights.
Join us and discover how you can contribute to a better world through the power of non-profit work.
About the guest: Brianne Kilpatrick is a dedicated Planned Giving Officer at Environmental Defense Fund. She has more than a decade of experience in direct fundraising, fundraising operations, and digital communications and she has collaborated with numerous nonprofit leaders to identify fundraising gaps and develop comprehensive strategies in support of their missions. Brianne started her career in for profit corporations, working at AB Data, LTD and interning at Time Warner Cable, before moving on to the nonprofit sector. Brianne holds a master’s degree in Nonprofit Administration from North Park University and a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from Alverno College in Milwaukee, WI.
Ellisa Brown, Founder of Civic Essentials Education Fund, shares her insights on how to land your dream nonprofit job.
Ellisa knows a thing or two about starting and running a successful nonprofit. She founded Civic Essentials Education Fund in 2020 with the mission of providing civic education to young people. In this episode, Ellisa shares her must-do's before starting a nonprofit and can be applied to landing a job at a nonprofit, including:
Do your research. Learn about the issue that matters most to you and discover which organizations are offering solutions and how they provide them.
Find your niche. What are your unique skills and perspectives? What will you offer?
Take a crash course in nonprofit governance. Nonprofit regulations and relationships are different from other organizations, learn the basics before beginning.
Find two good people. No one can do it all alone. When you're starting out, it's important to find two good people who share your passion and can help you achieve your goals. You can’t do it alone, even if you want to.
Further she encourages all changemakers to keep trying. Tell people about your ideas, and eventually you'll find the right people who will meet your passion with passion. She shares what a founder is thinking when looking to hire. She empowers anyone looking to be hired at a nonprofit to ask a ridiculous amount of questions to understand the vision of the leadership and provides a critical insight: the job a nonprofit is hiring for has likely never been done before, it doesn’t exist and that’s why they are hiring. This is where understanding your own niche and what you can offer will set you apart from other job seekers.
Will you help us reach more people? Our mission is to help people like you successfully launch their nonprofit careers. And we need you to help us reach more people through your ratings and reviews.
If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to rate and review us wherever you're listening. Thank you for your support!
STAKEHOLDERS SERIES EPISODE 4:
Ellisa Brown is a Texas native and founder of Civic Essentials Education Fund. Ellisa is committed to innovating traditional civic education by building a practical, engaging, and experience-based civics education curriculum.
With her bachelor’s degree from Johns Hopkins University in Political Science and her master’s degree from Institut d'Etudes Politiques de Paris in Politics and Public Policy, it should be no surprise that Ellisa also occasionally dabbles in the political scene.
Episode 3 of our STAKEHOLDERS SERIES discusses nonprofit boards which are responsible for overseeing the organization's operations and ensuring that it is fulfilling its mission. Board members play a critical role in shaping the organization's strategic vision and ensuring that it is successful.
In this episode, we hear from Brandon Monteith, a tech executive who serves on two nonprofit boards. Brandon shares his experiences serving on boards and discusses the benefits of board membership. He also talks about the differences between "roll-up your sleeves" boards and advisory boards, and helps you consider which one you would prefer to work under in your ideal organization.
Brandon speaks to his passions for mentoring, the arts, as well as his community and how serving on boards helps him make an impact in these areas. As a job seeker you may find yourself drawn to multiple causes. This episode will help you consider how board membership, in addition to your primary career, can allow you to serve these missions simultaneously.
Brandon’s experience finding the right board and service opportunity can be applied directly to a nonprofit job search:
Consider your skills and interests. What are you passionate about? What is your model of Servant Leadership? What skills and experiences do you have that could be valuable to a nonprofit organization?
Do your research. Find a nonprofit organization that aligns with your values and interests.
Network. Talk to people who are already serving on nonprofit boards. Get their advice and insights.
Be prepared to commit. Serving on a nonprofit board is a commitment. Be prepared to donate your time, energy, and expertise.
Once you’re part of the organization, LISTEN first before trying to add value.
Don't miss this episode! It's packed with valuable information that can help you make a difference in the world and advance your career.
P.S. If you are a job seeker, we begin the episode with interview tips and remind you that season 1, episode 6 “Selectively apply, Ace your interview” is a deeper dive into interview preparation.
##Brandon Monteith is the Senior Vice President of Strategy at Tempus Ex Machina, a data technology company that partners with major sports leagues and conferences to provide proprietary solutions. Previously, Brandon held roles in management consulting at McKinsey & Company, diversity and inclusion at the Atlanta Hawks, and finance at PepsiCo. Brandon serves on the Board of Directors for Live2Create Foundation Network and the Board of Advisors for CHRIS180. He is passionate about mentoring young men and women of color. Brandon earned a BA in Communication and an MS in Management from Wake Forest University, as well as an MBA from Harvard Business School.