It’s increasingly important for many students and grads to find a career with purpose. Studies have indicated that Millennials value purpose and fulfillment more than a large paycheck. They want to know that what they are doing is making an impact, for themselves and for others. When you feel connected to your job, organization and team, you are more likely to be fulfilled. So, where should you look to hatch your career with purpose? Here are the top entry-level jobs with impact if you’re seeking a career with purpose in the nonprofit sector.
1. Marketing, Communications, and Social Media
Want to test out the graphic design, writing, editing, and strategic planning skills you developed in college or university? This is a great entry level role for marketing, communications and advertising students and grads. Every organization needs someone to help facilitate the organization’s message and mandate and capture the attention of donors. In this role, you are able to connect donors, volunteers and professionals to an organization and tell that nonprofit or charity’s story in a meaningful way. This role can range from $35,000 – $55,000 in salary and is a great starting role in marketing and communications.
2. Child and Youth Worker
If you are interested in helping children and youth develop and grow, then a child and youth worker job could be a great entry level position for you. This role is suited to people who take initiative, have great leadership qualities and can relate to young people. Depending on the organization you are with, you could be responsible for creating and executing activities for children and youth, providing emotional support to youth and parents, as well as counselling. This role focuses on empowering children and youth through personal, social, cultural and educational development. Through your guidance and support, you are able to provide them with opportunities to reach their potential. Typically, this role is paid hourly, but the annual salary ranges from $26,000 to $55,000.
3. Fundraising Coordinator
A fundamental part of the nonprofit sector is fundraising. Are you enthusiastic, have the ability to motivate others and have stellar communication skills? Some key responsibilities include: creating effective fundraising campaigns, identifying fundraising and grant opportunities, as well as assisting in writing and preparing funding proposals and reports, networking and attending fundraising events. In this role, you’d play a vital role in securing funding for a cause you feel passionately about. Experience in accounting and finance is a definite asset to this position! Salary ranges from $31,000 to $51,000 per year.
4. Administrative Assistant
Managing the day-to-day operations to ensure an organization is working efficiently and without any hiccups is a critical role for the smooth operation of a nonprofit. This role provides stability to an organization. While specific tasks can differ depending on the organization, you would be responsible for providing clerical support, performing data entry, managing calendars, answering phone calls, scheduling and coordinating meetings and appointments, as well as preparing documents such as reports, memos and emails. Technological skills are a definite asset to this role, however soft skills, such as collaboration, flexibility and time management are also very important. The entry level salary for this position ranges from $29,000 to $51,000.
5. Volunteer Coordinator
Volunteers are an integral part of nonprofit organizations, so having a coordinator to ensure seamless communication and scheduling is vital. Coordinators are typically responsible for maintaining the volunteer database, handling applications, tracking volunteer involvement, delivering key information to volunteers and volunteer recognition initiatives. Other tasks may include organizing and managing volunteers at fundraising and other events. This role is great if you are able to connect easily with others, love training and genuinely love recognizing the contributions of others. Salary can range from $30,000 to $52,000 per year.
Each of these positions can provide a great deal of purpose to your life. As a young professional, the nonprofit sector can offer you a fulfilling and meaningful career. When you find a role or an organization that you can connect with, and you make a positive impact on society, community, the environment or other people’s lives, your work becomes purposeful. This is especially true when you can relate with an organization’s mission statement, values and culture. When you work in the nonprofit sector, you will feel a sense of accomplishment knowing that your role contributes to a greater good and a cause that you’re passionate about!
Explore opportunities in the nonprofit sector with CharityVillage job listings and visit our website for more entry-level career resources!
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