My name is Seth Myers. I have friends in Portland, OR and have the ability to move to the area. I am very interested in moving to the area and getting a job with a progressive company, organization, or foundation which seeks to address one or all of the many issues that are facing us as a society and world. I have a stong interest in humanitarian, social and environmental causes. Does anyone have any advice, contacts, or tips for me?

Well, your interest is pretty broad... which is a good and bad thing. Good because it means that you are open to a lot of possibilities. Bad because it can be difficult for people to give you advice, contacts, and tips since there is not really enough to focus on. For example, if you were interesting in health care or the environment or education (as well as having a background in any particular areas), then I would be able to point you to some specific contacts and organizations with whom to connect.

I'd suggest reading Chapter Six of "The Idealist Guide to Nonprofit Careers for Sector Switchers" to help you conduct some research on what is available here in Portland. The link to the chapter is: http://www.idealist.org/en/career/guide/sectorswitcher/ch6.html

Then set up some informational interviews with organizations and people that interest you. The job market is pretty tight in Portland in general and this is all the more true in our current economic climate. Consider creating some pro bono opportunities (I blogged about how to do that the other day here on the site: http://www.idealist.org/if/i/en/h/blog/career-corner--the-2009-nonprofit-career-resolution--be-intentional-) to get your foot in the door, raise visibility, etc. And, of course, look for a paying gig at the same time. Just be ready for the likely inevitability that it will take you a while to find that dream job and not having any revenue stream in the meantime will create a lot of undue stress.

Finally, let me know how it goes! steven@idealist.org