Careers for the Common Good

Research shows that students who take service-learning classes earn more money than those who don't. Research also shows that students who participate in service-learning greatly increase the chances that a student will pursue a nonprofit or governmental career. Whether you choose to work for a charity, social justice organization, environmental group, start your own community organization or run for public office, you will make a living and difference in your career for the common good.

And, there are jobs in the nonprofit sector! According to the Independent Sector nonprofits employ 11.4 million individuals, or approximately 10% of the country's workforce. To provide a comparison, more people work in the nonprofit sector than in the finance industry, including insurance and real estate, combined. Employees of nonprofit organizations account for 9% of wages paid in the U.S. in 2010, and the nonprofit sector paid $587 billion in wages and benefits to its employees.

So, what are you waiting for?

More websites with local job postings (San Francisco, Bay Area, North Bay):

  • Young Nonprofit Professionals Network - Network is based in and around San Francisco, and has loads of information on nonprofit organizations and job postings. Also has a listserv where job postings are send out every day
  • Volunteer Center of Sonoma County - Local volunteer center, has lots of connections to local non-profits. Also offers many training opportunities on topics related to nonprofits.

More websites with California job postings:

  • Idealist - The most comprehensive web site for working in the non-profit fields: nationwide job listings, tips on resumes, interview ideas, and other career information.
  • Nonprofit JobSource (formerly Nonprofit Oyster) - Offers a venue for employers to post low-cost high-functionality nonprofit-related job listings, and for jobseekers to post their resume online for employers to find.

Other websites with Non Profit job postings and resources:

Salary Websites:

  • Glassdoor.com - The most complete data on real employees' salaries.
  • Occupational Outlook Handbook - Part of the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, it provides information on salaries in different areas of the country.
  • JobStar - All around resource for job searching; has a section on non-profit salaries.
  • Salary.com - Gives benchmark salaries and advice.