Alan Neville had worked in the banking industry for 30 years. But four years ago, he decided he wanted more than a paycheck every week. So he made the switch to the nonprofit sector, from a profitable job in the corporate world, and he’s never regretted it for a minute.
“This is not only the most interesting job I’ve ever had but I’m doing something for the greater good,” said the executive vice president of communications for United Way of Rhode Island in Providence.
His new position came with a substantial decrease in pay, but he said the rewards more than make up for it.
“The nonprofit sector isn’t for everyone, and some leave after three or four years. But the ones who stay love what they do and are willing to make the sacrifice to make a difference in people’s lives, especially now,” Neville said.
With the economy looking something less than promising, nonprofit organizations are feeling the crunch more than ever. Budget cuts, donations and grants are down, but the need for everything from heating fuel and affordable housing to day-care programs and jobs is greater than ever.
Last winter, the Housing & Energy division of The East Bay Community Action Organization in Providence served 30,000 residents who otherwise would have been left in the cold – literally.
Debbie Hambly, the nonprofit’s director of Housing & Energy, has been working for East Bay Community Action for 30 years. She wouldn’t think of doing anything else. “I can sleep soundly at night knowing my staff and I did the best we could to help those in need,” she said.
People like Neville and Hambly have found a home in the nonprofit sector, but many others cannot afford to make the switch, and that is making it difficult for nonprofits to attract new employees. Hambly went on to say that most of the people at Family First tend to be 35 or older and are there because they want to be. Younger applicants tend to leave the sector after a couple of years.
“Our staff earns a lower rate of pay than they would at other jobs. But we do offer a good benefits package, and I think people who choose to do this kind of work have to have a social worker’s attitude. Someone has to make a difference,” she said.
Steven Hug, senior vice president for development and communications at Family Service of Rhode Island, said that when it comes to hiring, his organization attracts new employees pretty much the same way a for-profit company would. But, he added, the challenges in the human services part of the nonprofit sector are significant.
“You must have a deep desire to build brighter futures for children and adults who are going through poverty, abuse and other terrible things in their lives. We need talented people here just like the ones in the for-profit sector,” Hug said, adding that “there’s a lot of joy working here, along with the challenges.”
Finding dedicated employees can be as daunting for a nonprofitas trying to meet the needs of an ever-growing population of potential clients. But at the YMCA of Greater Providence, Communications Director Hugh Minor said that with jobs so hard to come by, the YMCA’s online job-posting page is getting more hits than ever. People who might not have considered the nonprofit job market in the past are giving it a second look.
“Our mission is to help the community, and there are young people that are drawn to this kind of work,” Minor said. “Some start working here in the after-school program and end up making a career here.
“The hiring process is designed to find people that will be a good fit for what we do. I had four interviews when I was hired,” he added, “but it was worth it, because I’m very happy with my job.” •
