Human Resources Jobs in the Nonprofit Sector

If you’ve ever considered a career in nonprofit human resources, you're in for an inspiring read. This month, we interviewed two HR professionals from the Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana (GSGCNWI) to provide an inside look at their journeys into nonprofit HR and share advice for those interested in following a similar path.

Patty Fay, VP of Human Resources and Administration, and Marissa Colgate, an HR Consultant, offer insights from their unique career experiences and explain why working for a mission-driven organization is so fulfilling. In today’s post, we’ll explore their career backgrounds and the steps they took to land a human resources job in the nonprofit sector.

Thank you for taking the time to talk to us today! Tell us a little about yourselves and how you got into this work.

Patty: I’m the VP of Human Resources and Administration and I’ve been with GSGCNWI for three years. I spent the first 20 years of my career working in different sectors (higher education, chemical, banking) before deciding to make the switch to social impact.

Marissa: I have been working in a human resources job for about seven years (banking and insurance), and less than one year at the Girl Scouts as a consultant. During parental leave, my community involvement included volunteering at my children’s schools, the church, Adler Planetarium, and Children’s Home + Aid.

What prepared you both for a role in nonprofit HR?

Marissa: Learning how to communicate and relate to others—applicants, employees, colleagues, girls, and all other manners of guests, donors, and volunteers— in a way that honors their personhood. This I learned from raising my children!

Patty: I definitely got my start in customer service roles. Being able to skillfully talk to people, and sometimes de-escalate situations, is key to working a human resources job. Then, of course, I've always been an organized person who found joy in making processes more efficient!

What do you love about working at Girl Scouts?

Marissa: Our mission has staying power. The first Girl Scout troop was formed in 1912, and its mission of helping girls discover their strengths, passion, and talents is as relevant today as it was 103 years ago. Our founder, Juliette Gordon Low, knew way back then that it takes a village!

Patty: The sense of purpose that our employees have is palpable! Many are truly passionate about the mission of transforming the world one girl at a time. I love working for a mission-based organization with coworkers who are dedicated to the purpose of our organization.

Do you have any advice for job seekers pursuing a human resource job in the nonprofit sector?

Patty: When applying for roles, emphasize your communication and organizational skills. It's important to highlight your passion for a particular organization's mission, too, as they know you're onboard to help them succeed in their goals.

Marissa: Ditto! I also think that empathy is a strength in HR. As a mother and lifetime volunteer for organizations I care about, I've worked with a lot of different people and managed a lot of different feelings.

Think about the aspects of your personality that make you who you are and honor them in your job application. Today, organizations want to make sure you feel at home with them, so don't try to make a job fit when it just doesn't.

Patty and Marissa, thank you for taking the time to share your experiences and insights with Idealist Career Advice readers!