March 7, 2014
For organizations and job candidates, positions in the nonprofit sector are in demand. Many older individuals, those in the middle of their careers and those who have already retired, are looking to move into jobs that they believe make more of a difference.
According to Encore, a nonprofit that promotes meaningful careers for those 60 and over, 31 million people between the ages of 44 and 77 are looking for jobs with more social impact. While some seek volunteer work, others simply wish to continue their careers in the nonprofits sector. The site points out that the boomers are the most educated group to reach the 55 and over mark and they strive for the continued success and meaning that they found in their careers.
Those that are retiring but do not wish to settle down are especially interested in the opportunity to continue working in some capacity while also giving back. However, nonprofits often struggle to hire new talent so the two groups are clearly not finding one another. While Encore itself is not a job placement firm, it does provide links to resources to help people find work in the nonprofit sector.
Volunteers are playing a larger role in nonprofits
According to The Wall Street Journal, while the majority of positions for these individuals looking to enter the nonprofit sector are volunteer-based, they can lead to paid positions. If a nonprofit brings on a particularly skilled and devoted volunteer, they should consider the person for a part-time or even full-time role. Many volunteer positions in the nonprofit sector require only five to 15 hours a week, so even candidates that do not wish to leave their current employment in the private sector can still help give back to their community.
Even if the commitment of time is small, having experienced and mature candidates to fill the need for volunteers can help an organization operate more effectively. If the individuals are coming to the nonprofit from high-level careers then they are likely able to make informed decisions, work with less oversight and are more reliable. Nonprofits looking to acquire some of these workers can use the LinkedIn Volunteer marketplace or visit the list of sites at Encore.org.
Content presented by First Nonprofit Companies, the leading provider of state unemployment insurance solutions for 501(c)(3) nonprofit employers.
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