Working with Charities: 5 Types of Roles in the Organization

Working with charities is one of the most fulfilling professions there is. It gives you access to an unlimited number of opportunities to help people and change lives. Volunteering and working for a charity is a form of service for the greater good of others. If you are looking into a career in volunteering or a nonprofit organization, here are some points worth considering.

Larger nonprofit organizations usually provide their volunteers and employees with training programs and internships for more structured career development in the industry. Smaller charitable groups go for generalist people, capable and willing to do several jobs when needed. More prominent organizations like Red Cross, World Vision, and UNICEF, compared to smaller ones, have more complex structures and require specific functions from their volunteers and employees.

5 Common Roles When Working With Charities

There are several specialized roles required for nonprofit organizations. However, the most common and basic ones give you an idea of the main types you can go after to get into the nonprofit industry.

Administration and Management Jobs

Strong, motivated, and eager leaders who make up the organization's foundation - the admin and operations group play an essential role in the processes-driven aspects of a nonprofit. If you have experience working for operations and a highly organized career in management might be the best option for you.

Among the common types of positions available under administration and management jobs for nonprofits include Office Managers, Administrative Assistant, Legal Services Support, Front Office Specialist, Executive Assistant, and Coordinators. More prominent organizations require at least two years of experience working with a nonprofit organization or similar setup before application. A great attitude to facilitate day-to-day activities in an office environment is also a primary requirement.

Human Resource

Personnel and human resource people play a significant role in the success of charities. The human resource department ensures that these people remain happy, fulfilled, and looking forward to growing together with the organization.

The human resource personnel are in charge of ensuring that the employees and volunteers working in the charity are equipped with the skills and training essential for their functions inside the organization. If you enjoy working with people in and outside the nonprofit organization, this type of job is for you.

Among the positions available for human resources include resourcing manager, people development coordinator, HR Systems Administrator, HR Generalist, Recruiting Coordinator, and Human Resources Associate.

Marketing and Advertising

Donors and sponsorships serve as the lifeline of nonprofit organizations. Without donations, it would be difficult for a charitable organization to grow and continue with its causes. Thus, communicating with donors and sponsors and marketing the organization's missions is essential to gain substantial donations to keep nonprofits going.

Thus, nonprofits require the help of marketing and communications experts capable of representing the organization for events and its online platforms. They are also responsible for integrating marketing campaigns that will help the organization raise funds for its missions. Professionals with superb communication skills and the talent to influence others are plus points required for these positions.

Basic positions available under this area include Communications Officer, Communications Specialist, Government Relations, Global Social Media Personnel, Communications Strategist, and Content Managers.

Volunteer Management

Nonprofit organizations are flocked with volunteers, each with a different skill essential to the organization's day-to-day activities. Thus, the need for someone to lead these volunteers is necessary. Volunteer managers working with charities are responsible for the recruitment, interview, and management of the organization's volunteer work.

These professionals are also responsible for developing and driving volunteers to improve their skills that are beneficial for the charity's growth. Some more prominent organizations require a volunteer management qualification for the role. However, it is not always a prerequisite. Good communication skills with people and organization skills can help a professional excel in this area.

Positions available under this area include Assistant Volunteer Manager, Troup Support Specialist, Stewardship Manager Volunteer, and Chief Advancement Officer.

Grant Officers and Advisers

Charities exist to raise money for their causes. They fuel their outreach campaigns through the donations they collect and receive from their supporters. However, for nonprofit startup organizations, accepting contributions may not be as frequent as more established charities. Thus, requiring financial help from private and government grants.

Grant officers and advisers are responsible for ensuring that the overall funding requirements of the organization are being met. They should be capable of producing high-value applications to grants, statutory funders, and international trusts that can fuel and finance their goals and missions.

If you are looking to work in a charity as a grant officer, thriving under pressure is one requirement you need to satisfy. Working with tight deadlines is also a continuous challenge most grant-officers face.

Different charities feature unique management structures. However, no matter how big or small these organizations are, they require some form of expertise to lead the organization to success. Before you start to work for a charity you believe in, consider your options and the skills that you need to thrive as a significant member of these institutions.