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Michael, Executive Director at Non-Profit: Advize Career Interview
This interview with a passionate Executive Director at Sandhills Pride reveals a dynamic career journey fueled by a love for social impact.
Early exposure to the non-profit sector through internships, coupled with a foundation in data analytics, led to a fulfilling career where the ability to "see your work changing lives" is paramount.
The role demands strong communication, prioritization skills, and the ability to navigate diverse stakeholder expectations.
While challenging, requiring self-care and the ability to balance competing visions, the work offers a directly visible social impact and a faster career trajectory than the for-profit sector.
The Executive Director's undergraduate exploration of various fields and a key internship in India contributed to their success.
Personal identity played a crucial role in shaping career choices, highlighting the power of aligning work with personal values.
The interview provides invaluable insights into entry-level positions, skills needed, and lessons learned, making a career in the non-profit world seem both rewarding and achievable.
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Michael Bleggi
Executive Director
Non-Profit
Duke University, 2017
UCLA Anderson MBA
Political Science, American Studies
Nonprofit
Strategic Management and Executive
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Career Path of an Executive Director at a Non Profit
Michael's career path began with early exposure to the non-profit sector through internships at the Should Not Our Foundation, where they "loved social impact" and developed analytical skills. This foundation in data analytics, further honed in media and real estate, ultimately led to their current role as Executive Director of Sandhills Pride.
Main Responsibilities of an Executive Director at a Non-Profit
Michael's main responsibilities as Executive Director include ensuring "financial stability" through fundraising and effective program budgeting, and acting as "chief marketer" to expand the nonprofit's reach and impact by driving "mission" and assessing program effectiveness.
A Day In The Life Of An Executive Director At A Non Profit
A typical day for Michael, an Executive Director at a smaller non-profit, begins with personal centering before diving into emails and connecting with volunteers, ensuring "they feel competent and supported." The day then involves program oversight, stakeholder outreach, and "going to sites of impact," directly observing programs and engaging with the community to maximize the organization's reach and influence.
Most Important Skills For an Executive Director at a Nonprofit
Michael, an Executive Director at a non-profit, emphasizes communication as the "number one skill," highlighting the need to connect with diverse stakeholders, from ardent supporters to skeptics. The ability to prioritize tasks efficiently while maximizing impact, "seen what is most essential," is equally crucial for success in this leadership role.
Favorite Parts Of Being An Executive Director At A Non-Profit
Michael, an Executive Director at an LGBTQ youth-focused non-profit, finds the greatest reward in "seeing the impact" of the organization's work, directly interacting with the community to understand needs and witnessing the positive results of their efforts; this direct, tangible impact makes even small steps feel monumental.
Biggest Challenges Faced By An Executive Director At A Non Profit
Michael's greatest challenge as Executive Director is "managing expectations and desires of interested stakeholders," balancing the "very different Visions" of the board of directors with the aspirations of community constituents and available resources. This requires skillful communication and prioritization to translate ambitious dreams into achievable realities.
Favorite Parts Of Working In The Non-Profit Industry As An Executive Director
Michael's favorite aspect of the nonprofit industry is the directly visible "social impact," a key element differentiating it from previous roles in real estate and media analytics where impact was less tangible. The ability to "see your work" and know it's "changing lives" is a significant source of job satisfaction for this Executive Director.
What Type of Person Thrives in the Non-Profit Industry According to an Executive Director in Non-Profits
Michael, an Executive Director at a non-profit, describes thriving professionals in this sector as "a typical consultant but with a social impact bend," possessing strong analytical skills and a passion for making a difference. The ability to balance the often lower compensation with the profound impact of their work is key to success in this challenging yet rewarding field.
What an Executive Director at a Non-Profit Wishes They Had Known Before Entering the Non-Profit Industry
Michael, an Executive Director at a non-profit, emphasizes the crucial, yet often overlooked, need for self-care in the demanding role. The organization "can operate without you for a little bit," but to maximize impact, taking breaks and respecting boundaries is essential, a lesson learned through experience that should be proactively shared with aspiring professionals.
Entry-Level Positions For Aspiring Non-Profit Leaders
Nonprofits offer diverse entry-level roles for undergraduates, with a "myriad of different fields" highly sought after, including quantitative skills and strong communication abilities to help share their mission. The relatively accessible career ladder makes nonprofit work an excellent way to gain "higher level experience much quicker" than in the for-profit sector.
Significant Career Lesson From an Executive Director at a Non-Profit
A significant career lesson learned by the Executive Director is the importance of pausing to consider both emotional and logical responses before acting; "taking a step back and understanding the situation...and potential consequences" has proven invaluable in navigating various aspects of their professional and personal life, avoiding mistakes, and maximizing positive outcomes.
College Experiences That Helped An Executive Director At A Non-Profit Succeed
Michael's undergraduate experience involved "trying everything," from accounting to art history, and diverse extracurriculars, revealing both interests and aptitudes. This exploration, coupled with an impactful internship at a non-profit in India, provided valuable insights and practical experience that proved crucial for their subsequent career success in the non-profit sector.
How Identity Has Influenced An Executive Director At A Non-Profit's Career
Michael's identity as a gay man significantly influenced their career path toward non-profit LGBTQ+ work, driven by a desire to "give back to a community" and explore how their identity could create impact within a "shifting environment." This experience highlights how personal identity can inform career choices and professional growth, suggesting that aligning work with personal values can be a powerful career strategy.
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