Jane Hunt was the founding CEO for Fitted for Work – an organisation that supports and empowers disadvantaged women to find work. Prior to this she worked in the corporate sector. She is often asked about why she chose to move into the not-for-profit (NFP) sector and what benefits it boasts.
“When it comes to moving into the NFP sector the most important thing is to make sure you are driven by the same values as the organisation. Most NFP organisations are under-resourced, challenging and will use your full skill-set,” says Hunt.
“The NFP sector is so great to work in because you can be creative and entrepreneurial in solving complex social issues.”
And in response to the question of why work for a NFP, perhaps Hunt sums it up best in her own words. “Working in the NFP is a challenge, but ultimately extremely rewarding as you see the results of your hard work helping make a difference.”
Other key benefits of working in the NFP sector are:
- Job satisfaction – this is a natural outcome for many employees who are driven by purposeful work, helping others and actioning change.
- Career growth – there are many opportunities for career growth in the sector for driven, capable and compassionate leaders.
- Skill development – NFP jobs often provide employees with opportunities to undertake multiple projects at the same time and in areas that may not previously have been considered.
- Collaborative learning – as the sector draws together individuals from all corners and careers, there are always chances to learn from colleagues.
- Positive contribution – jobs in the NFP sector drive positive social and community change, this can even be through teamwork and project completion or in a direct sense (i.e. grassroots field work).
To find a job in the NFP sector, or help others, organisations can post jobs on the Third Sector Jobs board – a site accessed by over 9,800 NFP professionals per month.
Organisations such as Charities Aid Foundation (CAF) Australia have found it a useful service. “Two of our candidates said they saw the job advertised on Third Sector’s Jobs board,” says CAF’s Client Relations Manager.