Jared Chung
CareerVillage.org TeamWhat makes a community management job in the for-profit sector different from a community management job in the non-profit sector, and how should I decide which is better for me?
Are there differences? If so, what is the implication for you as a working professional? What should our students consider when making a decision of where to submit their resumes for those entry-level jobs? What should working professionals looking to make a career change consider?
_This is part of a question series for CMX Summit to highlight exciting careers in community management. If you are interested in a career in community management, now would be a good time to ask a question of your own!_ #community-management
3 answers
Lauren Manar
Lauren’s Answer
CSR Assoc. here for a for-profit company! It depends on the job definition, to some in the for-profit space community manager means connecting and building relationships with non-profits that will be non-profit partners for the corporation. To others, community manager can mean that you are connecting people within the corporate community to non-profits.
In the non-profit sector I imagine it can also have multiple meanings, but either way, I think for both the for-profit and non-profit sectors, the main point of your job is connecting people to non-profits or connecting people and companies to your non-profit. You have to be good at networking and building relationships, as well as personable.
As someone mentioned earlier, you might have more perks and better pay at a for-profit company, which might be the case sometimes, but sometimes there is red tape, and hoops you have to jump through to get things done, leadership buy-in etc. You might have more flexibility and freedom in a non-profit, and many are very well funded!
Hope this helps :)
-Lauren
Laura Read
Laura’s Answer
A community management job in the for-profit sector definitely has its perks! One being better pay and benefits. You also get to touch a lot of different organizations which is my favorite part! Non profit work is rewarding but you definitely won't get paid as well and you are focused on your mission only.
Ha (Windy) Pham
Ha (Windy)’s Answer
You can also work for corporations that have corporate social responsibility program. You can support nonprofits in different ways, through grants, employee engagement, etc.