From Entry Level To Leadership

Slide 1: Getting From Entry Level to Leadership Upgrading to a New Nonprofit Job Rosetta Thurman Perspectives From the Pipeline October 2007

Slide 2: \"I started out just like you guys - on trash. Now, I'm washing lettuce. Pretty soon I'll be on fries. In a year or two, I'll make assistant manager....and that's when the big bucks start rolling in!\" - Louie Anderson as a fast-food restaurant employee

Slide 3: this is what you do all day also known as

Slide 4: this is who you want to be when you grow up but how do you get from entry level to leadership?

Slide 5: Is it Time to Take the Next Step in Your Nonprofit Career? • Your role limits your opportunities • There are no opportunities for advancement • You're being blocked by your boss(es) • You're not receiving a fair salary

Slide 6: Agenda • Assess your current skills to determine readiness for a mid-level position • Effectively frame your entry-level experience on a resume • Conduct a strategic job search to find the right opportunity

Slide 7: Assess Your Current Skills • A clear area of expertise • Strategic, long-term thinking • Strong writing and communication ability • Organizational skills • Managing projects from start to finish • Strong interpersonal skills Are You Ready for Leadership?

Slide 8: If Not, Consider: • Coaching to address • “Stretch” assignments evident gaps in skills, to learn on the job behaviors, or confidence • Working outside your comfort zone to • Training programs expand horizons and developed either experiences within or outside an organization • Mentoring to become more aware of how • Networking to share others respond to you ideas and techniques with others Source: BNET.com

Slide 9: Framing Your Entry-Level Experience on a Resume • Focus on accomplishments, not duties • Make connections between education and tasks • Show teamwork and “leadership from within” • Be specific with scenarios of how you’ve solved problems

Slide 10: Directed operations of X program Supervised X volunteers or interns Managed X process or X committee Implemented X activities, including… Administered X program Reorganized X procedure Facilitated the launch or expansion of... Focus on Accomplishments

Slide 11: …Not Duties Prepared packets for meetings Made copies of important documents Researched information on the Web Scheduled important meetings Supported program staff Answered phones

Slide 12: Presenting Entry-Level Experience as Leadership Potential Highlight: • Special training or certifications • Key projects • Working with a Board committee • Supervision of interns or volunteers • Board service/Committee member • Organizing a conference • Membership in professional associations

Slide 13: Strategic Job Searching Understanding entry-level vs. mid-level

Slide 14: Entry-level: receptionist, assistant, coordinator, associate Keywords: assist, support, clerical, administrative, scheduling, preparation Mid-level: director, manager, officer Keywords: develop, implement, planning, management, key role, oversee, supervise

Slide 15: Finding Nonprofit Jobs Craigslist.org – Nonprofit jobs section Networking/word of mouth is still king

Slide 16: Summary • Decide whether this is the right time for you to move up • Understand the difference between entry- level and mid-level nonprofit jobs • Determine your strengths and skills relevant to a mid-level position • Frame your entry-level experience as leadership skills • Find the right nonprofit job that will utilize your full leadership potential!

Slide 17: Presented by: Rosetta Thurman Perspectives From the Pipeline www.fromthepipeline.com rosettathurman@gmail.com 703.965.6631 About the Speaker: Rosetta is an emerging nonprofit leader of color with experience in fundraising, human resources, financial management, communications, and training. She holds a Master's degree in Nonprofit Management and blogs about professional development and other issues affecting young nonprofit leaders.