Profit at a nonprofit

Want an executive job but hate the endless corporate politicking? Have you considered the non-profit world?

Earlier today, the New York Times reported on the dearth of candidates to fill top spots at nonprofits, even as the number of open senior management positions has swelled to 77,000. Two years ago, one advisory group predicted there would be 54,000 open spots now; that company now says the total could climb to over 100,000 by the end of 2009.

All the open space is the result of several factors, key among them the fact that these jobs just aren't as sexy or rewarding as the ones at the likes of General Electric or PepsiCo. The Times says more Baby Boomers are getting older and leaving long-held positions for retirement. The field has also expanded due to the "good times" effect: New positions have been created in recent years as nonprofits have changed and expanded the scope of their missions while the donations were flowing freely.

Although their coffers are experiencing shrinkage, nonprofit groups are still big operators, even if they're lacking the size and the PR mechanisms of the Fortune 500. And since 2005 or so, the sector has more openly courted competitive types to bring a more aggressive approach to fundraising. So give it a go! The nonprofits need managers, people need the jobs available there -- everybody wins.

--Posted by Todd Obolsky, Vault News & Commentary