Believing in your employer’s mission is important, but it’s not all you need to be happy at work. Use your nonprofit resume to get a job with the full package. Here’s how.
I had an interview yesterday and the first thing they said on the phone was: “Wow! I love your resume.” Patrick
I love the variety of templates. Good job guys, keep up the good work! Dylan
My previous resume was really weak and I used to spend hours adjusting it in Word. Now, I can introduce any changes within minutes. Absolutely wonderful! George
Dedicated executive director with 5+ years’ experience managing nonprofits. Seeking an opportunity to extend Mace Fair’s reach while broadening its support-services. At the Midwest Animal Welfare Alliance, leveraged $9+ million in revenue and created a partnership worth $350,000 a year while increasing capacity by 15%.
Experience
Executive Director
Midwest Animal Welfare Alliance
2017–present
Oversaw the consultation and implementation of 11 sets of livestock-handling best practices.
Spearheaded a range of organizational changes worth over $9,000,000.
Negotiated new fundraising partnership with Sly Media, slated to bring in $350,000 p.a.
Directed the design and construction of a shelter capable of housing 450+ domestic animals.
Program Manager
Thompson’s Addiction Support Center
2015–2017
Organized the Center’s most successful community outreach program to date.
Led the onboarding of 12 new staff at the Center’s secondary offices.
Co-developed new protocols that have kept referred in-patient relapse rates down 14%.
Saved up 100 labor hours per month by streamlining reporting and feedback processes.
Education
MBA, Colorado State University
2011–2013
Pursued passion for business ethics and social responsibility.
Worked closely with the nonprofit Macy’s Group for final consultation project.
Accolades
Recognized at the Colorado Nonprofit Summit for Outstanding Contribution, 2019
Awarded the Paws/Play Highest Tier Contributor Prize, 2018
Languages
Ukrainian – Advanced
Spanish – Intermediate
Key Skills
Budgeting
Communication
Decision making
Delegation
Leadership
Management
Negotiating
Persuasion
Problem solving
Project management
Here’s how to write something just as good as the executive director resume nonprofit example above:
1. Start With the Right Nonprofit Resume Format
More and more people are looking for work in non-profit organizations.
Trading in some extra income for a clear conscience.
Here’s how you lose:
Write a resume that’s cramped, cluttered, and off-putting.
When winning is easy:
Make your resume layout neat, tidy, and a pleasure to read through, again and again:
When it comes to resume length, submit a one-page resume unless you have many achievements and 7+ years’ experience, in which case go with a two-page resume.
Virtually every job in the corporate world has its counterpart in the non-profit space.
That’s a lot of different skill sets, whether they’re practiced from shiny foyer reception to dazzling penthouse or dilapidated front room to fire-hazard copy/break/powwow room.
Use the following as inspiration, but always tailor your list to the job ad at hand.
Expert Hint: If the job ad mentions “collaboration skills”, use that phrase instead of “teamwork”. It’s called targeting a resume and helps pass the ATS scan.
The ResumeLab builder is more than looks. Get specific content to boost your chances of getting the job. Add job descriptions, bullet points, and skills. Easy. Improve your resume in our resume builder now.
Nail it all with a splash of color, choose a clean font, and highlight your skills in just a few clicks. You're the perfect candidate, and we'll prove it. Use our resume builder now.
4. Take Your Education from ‘Meh’ to aReason to Hire You
List just the bare essentials:
Degree, school, dates attended.
Include an expected graduation date if you’re still at it.
Want to try a different look? There's 21 more. A single click will give your document a total makeover. Pick a cover letter template here.
Key Points
For a nonprofit resume that gets interviews:
Use the nonprofit resume template up above. It’s clear, efficient, and effective.
Put nonprofit achievementsin your summary, work history, education, and other sections to show you’re who they’re looking for.
Pick the right nonprofit skills. Study the job ad to find out what the most desirable skills for this particular job are.
Write a nonprofit cover letter. Use it to showcase your achievements and demonstrate your passion for the role and the organization.
Leave a comment below if you have something to add or any questions to ask. Getting a good nonprofit resume together is a step in the direction of a more meaningful work life. Let us know how you go!
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