With job demand declining in 2009 in the for-profit sector, what jobs are in demand in the nonprofit sector? According to Opportunity Knocks, development jobs are in high demand, accounting for 18% of all jobs posted on the nonprofit job board in 2009.
In 2009, news headlines ran coverage of mass corporate layoffs and high unemployment claims. However, the nonprofit sector added jobs in 2009 according to a new report published by the John Hopkins Institute. The report states in two previous U.S. recessions (1990-1991 and 2001-2002), nonprofit employment nationally increased by an average of 2.4 percent while for-profit employment declined by 2.2 percent.
Nonprofit organizations searching for development talent in 2009 recruited for certain titles. Development Director topped the list of most recruited development job at 36%, followed by Grant Writers at 12%.
Other top demanded development jobs are as follows:
- Development Associate/Coordinator (11%)
- Major Gifts Officer or Manager (7%)
- Development Officer/Specialist (6%)
- Director of Major Gifts or Annual Giving (5%)
- Individual Giving Director (5%)
- Annual Fund Coordinator, Director or Manager (1%)
Although development jobs topped number one in 2009, Executive Director/CEO positions were in second place at 8%. The following are the 2009 Demanded Nonprofit Positions:
- Development Directors
- Executive Directors
- Program Officers/Managers
- Administrative Support
- CEO/CFO/COO
- Accounting/Finance
- Communication
- Policy Advocates
- Marketing Managers
Teacher and Social Worker positions were in low demand. Both professions are majorly funded with state or federal dollars at many nonprofit organizations. With state budget cuts many social workers and teachers experienced layoffs in 2009.
“With the high number of posted development and executive director positions in 2009, it is clear that the recession played an important role in the demand of positions at nonprofit organizations.” says Michele Banares Client Services Manager of Opportunity Knocks. “Nonprofits seem to have sent a message that they needed and searched for leadership and development personnel to guide them through a dark hour.”
More information about Opportunity Knocks can be found at http://www.opportunityknocks.org/