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Morgan, Manager, Strategy & Impact at Meals on Wheels America: Advize Career Interview
A career in the nonprofit sector, specifically within organizations like Meals on Wheels America, offers unique and impactful opportunities.
This interview with a Manager, Strategy & Impact reveals a fulfilling path built on relationship-building skills honed through diverse experiences at Polaris, No Kid Hungry, and RAINN. The current role centers on managing a significant grant focused on combating senior isolation through pet partnerships, requiring meticulous organization, attention to detail, and a positive attitude.
Day-to-day work involves grants management, data analysis, resource development, and collaboration with a nationwide network of partners. Success in this field requires passion, organization, a positive outlook, and self-advocacy.
Entry-level positions such as program coordinator or executive assistant, combined with internships or fellowships, provide valuable experience.
The interviewee's journey emphasizes the importance of exploring different roles, building relationships, and advocating for oneself to achieve a rewarding and sustainable career.
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Morgan Hultquist
Manager, Strategy & Impact
Meals on Wheels America
University of Arizona 2014
N/A
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Political Science, American Studies
Nonprofit
Business Strategy
Scholarship Recipient, Greek Life Member
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Career Path of a Manager Strategy and Impact at Meals on Wheels America
Morgan's career path, beginning with a desire to work in the nonprofit sector, focused on "building partnerships," evolving from anti-human trafficking work at Polaris to roles at No Kid Hungry and RAINN, leveraging this skillset to reach the current position at Meals on Wheels America, where the focus on combating senior isolation through pet partnerships perfectly aligns with their passion. This journey demonstrates a strategic career approach built upon identifying and developing a core strength—relationship building—across diverse nonprofit settings.
Main Responsibilities Of A Manager, Strategy And Impact At Meals On Wheels America
Morgan's main responsibilities at Meals on Wheels America center on supporting the organization's pet services programs, funded by a $1.1 million grant from PetSmart Charities, working with grantees and the charity to report on successes and challenges, and sharing findings with Meals on Wheels America to inform future initiatives; this work is crucial because "homebound older adults...may have some challenges caring for their pet," and programs help keep older adults and their pets together.
A Day in the Life of a Strategy and Impact Manager at Meals on Wheels America
A Manager, Strategy & Impact at Meals on Wheels America spends their day immersed in grants management, from "reviewing grant applications" to evaluating "impact data" such as "pet served" and "pounds of pet food." This role also heavily involves developing new resources and showcasing the broad impact of Meals on Wheels programs, going beyond the common perception of just meal delivery to highlight "pet services" and efforts to combat social isolation.
Most Important Skills For A Manager Strategy And Impact At Meals On Wheels America
Morgan, a Manager, Strategy & Impact at Meals on Wheels America, emphasizes three crucial skills: meticulous attention to detail and organization, especially vital in grants management and coordinating nationwide partners; and a positive attitude, essential for navigating complex challenges within the nonprofit sector. Maintaining "ducks in a row" and ensuring "everything is incredibly organized" are paramount to success in their role, alongside a consistently upbeat approach to "tackling such complex and such difficult issues."
Favorite Parts Of Being A Manager, Strategy And Impact At Meals On Wheels America
Morgan enjoys seeing the impact of Meals on Wheels services and working with diverse providers across the country, from "a smaller program in Alaska" to "a large program in Austin, Texas," each with unique approaches to serving older adults. This allows Morgan to build relationships with "sincere partners and almost friends" who are doing "impressive and really different work."
Biggest Challenges Faced By A Manager, Strategy And Impact At Meals On Wheels America
Morgan's biggest challenge as Manager, Strategy & Impact at Meals on Wheels America is the ever-increasing need for services, leading to potential burnout; a helpful shift in perspective for Morgan has been to focus on "what you've done...to make a difference," rather than "what you haven't done."
Favorite Parts of Working in the Nonprofit Industry As A Manager, Strategy and Impact
Morgan, a Manager of Strategy & Impact at Meals on Wheels America, finds the most rewarding aspect of the nonprofit industry is "making a difference," achieved through collaborative teamwork towards a shared mission. The continuous learning and development fostered by numerous partnerships and collaborations also significantly contribute to career fulfillment.
What Type Of Person Thrives In The Nonprofit Industry According To A Manager Strategy And Impact At Meals On Wheels America
Morgan, a Manager, Strategy & Impact at Meals on Wheels America, identifies four key traits for success in the nonprofit sector: being "very organized," "passionate about what they do and working with their team," "focused on the issue," and maintaining a "very positive" attitude believing in the power of "encouragement and hard work" to achieve mission goals. This perspective offers valuable insight into the personal qualities that drive success within a mission-driven organization.
What a Strategy and Impact Manager at Meals on Wheels America Wishes They Had Known Before Entering the Nonprofit Industry
Morgan's career path unexpectedly diverged from their initial plan of a long-term commitment to one field, highlighting the value of "trying out different roles" and discovering a strength in "building relationships with...community-based organizations, government organizations, or corporations." This adaptability, learned through experience, proved highly transferable across various sectors, a realization that would have been beneficial early in their career.
Entry-Level Positions For Aspiring Nonprofit Professionals
Morgan, a Manager, Strategy & Impact at Meals on Wheels America, highlights program coordinator and executive assistant roles as excellent entry-level options in the nonprofit sector, noting that "those are really phenomenal opportunities to really support, um, executive leadership and learn more about their day-to-day, their priorities." Further, paid internships or fellowships are also strongly recommended, as they offer valuable experience and can quickly lead to full-time employment.
Significant Career Lesson From a Manager Strategy and Impact at Meals on Wheels America
Morgan, a Manager, Strategy & Impact at Meals on Wheels America, emphasizes the career lesson of "standing up for yourself," advocating for fair compensation, appropriate time off ("taking care of yourself"), and reasonable workloads, even when presented with "awesome new projects." This self-advocacy, particularly important for women in negotiating pay, ensures a healthy work-life balance and prevents burnout.
College Experiences That Helped a Strategy and Impact Manager at Meals on Wheels America Succeed
Morgan's undergraduate preparation for a career in the anti-trafficking field stemmed from "small things," such as exploring books like *Hack the Sky* and pursuing even small internships to gain deeper understanding of relevant organizations' work. This approach of "reading books, articles, talking to people, [and] networking" proved invaluable in shaping their career path.
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