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.
Problem-Solving, Communication, Executive/Leadership, Social Impact, Analytical Skills
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, Foundations & Grantmaking
Strategic Management and Executive
Video Highlights
1. Thriving in the nonprofit world often involves long hours and travel, but the work is fulfilling for those passionate about making a social impact.
2. Executive director roles require strong analytical skills, the ability to identify core issues, and a consultant-like approach to problem-solving.
3. Nonprofit salaries may be lower than in for-profit sectors, but the chance to see tangible positive change is a key motivator for many who choose this career path.
Transcript
How would you describe people who typically thrive in this industry?
The typical consultant in the non-profit world, especially for my specific role as an executive director, is someone with a social impact bend. This person really thrives in this environment.
This often involves a lot of travel and potentially longer days. While the work can be enjoyable, it does demand significant time commitment. They need strong analytical skills to break down problems, often involving numbers.
Additionally, they must be able to identify the main idea driving the work. This type of consultant, seeking social impact, is well-suited for an executive director role in the non-profit sector.
These are individuals who genuinely love seeing their work create change in the world and are willing to put in the effort. Unfortunately, non-profit salaries are often not comparable to other industries for similar roles.
For instance, a financial analyst in a non-profit may not earn the same rate as their corporate counterpart. However, the balance lies in seeing tangible impact versus not seeing it.
People who understand this distinction are likely to thrive in the non-profit sphere. It's a challenging, exciting, and expanding path, though it may not offer the same structure as a corporate role.
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