I am a journalist here in the Portland area who is facing the terrible fate of downsizing. I have two months left before I am unemployed. A few of my friends work in the non profit sector here in Portland and love it. They believe I would be a great grant writer and development manager, since I am passionate about helping people and have great communication skills. The problem is, I have little experience in the field. I wrote one grant right out of college and have worked in journalism since. I do have some experience working with non-profits, since I am a radio host at KBOO in my off time and also volunteer with another local org. But I just don't know how to get myself noticed by the non-profits looking for development people, when so many other people are out of work and likely have much more experience. Any advice/avenues I should be turning to?

You should join WVDO - Willamette Valley Development Officers. They have events for the field, and you also get access to job postings, etc. It's a great resource for the field, and I would recommend it to anyone who is thinking about development as a career.

-Jamie

thanks -- i'll check it out.

WVDO is a very helpful resource. I'm sure you're already familiar with CNRG and Portland State's Institute for Nonprofit Management - and I've found these resources to be important touchstones in the nonprofit community. My advice is always Volunteer, Volunteer, Volunteer. Be a Superstar Volunteer at a nonprofit where you may want to work. Volunteer to research grants for that nonprofit. Every nonprofit is shorthanded. I wish you well! It's a tough time to get a job in the nonprofit sector in Portland -- but if you are doggedly persistent and shine as a volunteer, you'll make yourself too valuable to overlook. Best wishes! Kelley

You might also want to check out larger organizations/institutions for development writer positions. Many institutional fundraising enterprises (universities, hospitals, etc) have a development communications group/department, usually comprised of journalists, writers, public affairs professionals, etc.

Good luck!

I just checked out the WVDO site -- I can't believe it's 75 bucks to look at their jobs! With me losing my job, that is kinda steep for me... that's like one month of electric bills. Yeah, I know it could lead to a job, but still..

But thanks to everyone for the advice.

I thought the same thing, but you have access to a lot of different resources also...seminars, roundtable lunches, etc. Those are where you will do your best networking, so they are the most valuable part of the membership. I am just a regular old member, not advertising for them :) I have been impressed with the amount of activity the group has.

-Jamie

PS- As Kelley mentions, CNRG is free, and a tremendous resource also.

PPS- Daniel's suggestion is a good one too. In a larger org, you may be able to make a transition into PR with your journalism contacts, then move internally into Development...that path is a strong option.

I would recommend not only looking at larger organizations but also checking out smaller organizations. A lot of times it will be easier to get involved with a smaller nonprofit that doesn't have a dedicated grant-writing/development position and it will be invaluable to them if you have writing abilities that parlay into other areas (the aforementioned PR being one). As well, try to set up some informational interviews with folks in the development field to see what in-roads they recommend as well as people to talk to. Larger organizations (don't forget colleges and universities!) will have a grant-writing department with professionals who should be willing to talk with you. Finally, consider contacting some of the foundations in town (Oregon Community Foundation, Meyer, etc.) to see if they have any recommendations for professional with whom to talk. A great question to ask someone who reviews grant proposals is, "Who do you think are some of the best grant writers in town?"