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career advancement

Dec 01

United Way’s Workforce Pathways Accelerator Initiative leads to industry credentials, jobs, better wages

By Sponsor Insight

Five local nonprofits are offering the initiative in its second year

Submitted By United Way of Central Indiana

Careers that require credentials – a commercial driver’s license or health care certification, for example – can earn people livable wages that help their families thrive.

But barriers stand in the way.

First, there’s the price tag. Earning a commercial driver’s license can cost at least $5,000. Certified medical administrative assistant: $4,900.

Then, there’s the time commitment: often months of training.

On top of that, families must find – and pay for – child care. They may need a laptop or equipment for training that they can’t afford. They may have an unreliable car or lack transportation to get to and from training.

Now in its second year, United Way of Central Indiana’s Workforce Pathways Accelerator Initiative is designed to be an “on ramp” for people seeking industry-recognized credentials. The initiative eliminates barriers and helps participants earn certifications and land jobs that pay livable wages – on a quick timeline.

Beginning in July 2024, Dress for Success Indianapolis and Indianapolis Urban League piloted the initiative in its first year. United Way funding covered the cost of participants’ training and certification testing, helped eliminate barriers and allowed the nonprofits to hire a coach to guide them through training and employment – and beyond.

In that first year, the initiative served more people than United Way and its partners anticipated: 76 enrolled – and 41 earned credentials.

In July 2025, United Way expanded this work: Fathers and Families Center, Public Advocates in Community Re-Entry (PACE) and Indiana Plan joined Dress for Success Indianapolis and Indianapolis Urban League in offering the initiative.

What is the impact? In the first year, Dress for Success Indianapolis helped women earn Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) credentials, in a field where jobs are essential and in-demand.

Karrise was one of the program’s graduates. After a stroke in 2016, Karrise could no longer work the physically demanding jobs she one held. Now with her CMAA, Karrise can see herself in a health care job that is meaningful, where she can stay for the long term and work up the career ladder.

“Our work doesn’t stop. There is a huge need for this type of programming,” said Bernadette Monk, United Way’s economic mobility director. “Residents and neighbors are interested in short-term credentials, because it gives them hope. In that quick amount of time, they’re able to see their income increase.”

Read – and watch – more about Karrise’s journey and the Workforce Pathways Accelerator Initiative’s first year on United Way’s website: https://www.uwci.org/blog/2025-dress-for-success-workforce-pathways-initiative

Jul 08

Navigating Career Growth in the Nonprofit Sector

By Feature

by Charitable Advisors

The nonprofit sector, with its rich tapestry of causes and missions, offers a landscape of immense career growth for those who are passionate about making a difference. For those driven by a desire to contribute to the greater good, the journey within this sector is not just a career path but a lifelong commitment to fostering positive change. Yet, beyond the noble pursuit of societal betterment, there lies a dynamic environment filled with opportunities for professional advancement. Here are some strategies to help you navigate your career growth in the nonprofit sector.

Setting Clear Goals

Embarking on a career in the nonprofit sector requires setting clear, achievable goals. Begin by defining your career objectives and envisioning where you see yourself in the next five to ten years. Are you aiming to become a program director, a development officer, or perhaps a policy advocate? Once you have a clear vision, create a roadmap for achieving these goals. Break down your long-term objectives into smaller, manageable tasks and milestones. Regularly assess your progress and be prepared to adjust your goals as needed. The path to success is seldom a straight line; adaptability and resilience are key.

Seeking Feedback

Actively seeking feedback is crucial for personal and professional growth. Constructive criticism from supervisors, peers, and mentors can provide invaluable insights into your strengths and areas for improvement. Make it a habit to solicit feedback regularly, and more importantly, act on it. Embrace a growth mindset where you view challenges and setbacks as opportunities to learn and evolve. By being open to feedback, you can continuously refine your skills and enhance your performance.

Taking Initiative

In the nonprofit sector, taking initiative can set you apart and demonstrate your commitment and capability. Volunteer for new projects, propose innovative ideas, and don’t hesitate to step into leadership roles when the opportunity arises. Being proactive not only showcases your enthusiasm and dedication but also allows you to gain diverse experiences and build a robust skill set. The willingness to go above and beyond your defined role can lead to new opportunities and career advancement.

Establishing Thought Leadership

Positioning yourself as a thought leader in your area of expertise can significantly enhance your career prospects. Share your knowledge and insights by writing articles, speaking at events, and engaging in discussions on social media. Contributing to industry publications, creating learning opportunities, and/or hosting webinars are excellent ways to establish your voice and build your name and work in the sector. By sharing your expertise and experiences, you can build credibility, expand your network, and open doors to new opportunities.

Staying Informed

The nonprofit sector is always evolving with new trends and challenges. Staying informed about industry developments is crucial for staying relevant and competitive. Regularly read industry publications, attend webinars, and participate in professional development opportunities. Engage in continuous learning through courses and certifications relevant to your field. By staying informed, you can anticipate changes, adapt to new realities, and position yourself as a forward-thinking professional.

Building a Strong Professional Network

Networking is a vital component of career growth in the nonprofit sector. Building a strong professional network can open doors to new opportunities, collaborations, and mentorship. Engage with industry peers by attending conferences, workshops, and networking events. Join professional associations to connect with like-minded individuals and access valuable resources. Volunteering with other organizations can also expand your network and provide new perspectives and experiences. A robust network can support your career growth and provide a platform for sharing knowledge and resources.

Investing in Continuing Education

Continuing education is crucial for staying current and advancing your career. Many nonprofits offer training programs, workshops, and seminars for professional growth. Pursuing formal education and certifications, such as nonprofit management courses, grant writing workshops, or digital marketing training, can enhance your skills and credentials. Leadership development programs can prepare you for higher roles. Investing in education helps you stay ahead and position yourself for career advancement.

Embracing the Opportunities

The journey in the nonprofit sector is one of continuous learning, growth, and contribution. By following these strategies, you can unlock your full potential and make a significant difference in the communities and causes you are passionate about.

Apr 19

Professionals working or volunteering for nonprofits share how they gained new insights through alternative law program

By Sponsor Insight

by Rebecca Trimpe, writer/editor, IU Robert H. McKinney School of Law

Many professionals working and volunteering in not-for-profit organizations find it invaluable to gain knowledge of the law and how it intersects with their entity’s efforts. You don’t need a law degree to gain that skill set. Leaders at many Central Indiana nonprofits, who are graduates of or current students in the Master of Jurisprudence (M.J.) program at IU Robert H. McKinney School of Law, shared their insights into how the program has helped them in their positions.

Aura Day, who is on track to graduate in May 2021, volunteers through Families First on the crisis and suicide prevention hotline as a crisis intervention specialist. Day said she is gratified by the immediate impact the organization has on people’s lives.

“Everyone needs support and assistance during different points in their lifetime and being able to support others is not only self-rewarding but it inspires others in many ways,” Day said. “Some people need to hear it’s OK to accept assistance. I believe we aren’t supposed to do life solo. It’s really a way we can start seeing how a small gesture grows into a making a huge impact to our neighbors.” Day said the flexibility of the M.J. program held a lot of appeal because she was able to tailor the coursework to align with her specific interests and to choose from day, evening, or a combination of class times to fit into her schedule.

Arun Murali serves as President of the Board of Directors for Lawrence Township School Foundation and is on the Board of Directors for the Ronald McDonald House of Central Indiana. The 2017 M.J. graduate was drawn to IU McKinney from a desire to learn more about the legal processes that affected his business and to potentially position himself for future board member roles. Murali is passionate about not-for-profits that help people in need and in particular ones that focus on children’s needs. “I think this is an important time for non-profits in the history of the world,” Murali said. “I believe when most people hear ‘non-profit,’ they hear ‘please donate money.’ And while that is an important part of the dynamic there is so much more to it, like organizational leadership, financial management, marketing, volunteering, and more.”

Eddie Rivers, a 2017 M.J. graduate, has worked as a guardian ad litem for more than 20 years and has served many child advocacy organizations. Rivers currently is the chief development officer at Kid’s Voice of Indiana, after serving as its chief executive officer for 15 years. While he already had the skill set needed to work at the organization, Rivers wanted to understand law so that he could better manage the team of lawyers he supervised. “I ran a law firm with only managerial skills and a big heart,” Rivers said. The M.J. program allowed him to focus his coursework on child and family law so he could better understand what the lawyers he worked with were up against in their work at Kids’ Voice.

Melody Schulz took part in Leadership Johnson County (LJC) and, after completing the M.J. program in 2019, she was asked to join the organization’s board of trustees, where she serves as a member of the Alumni Relations Committee. Schulz, a 2017 M.J. graduate, said that the program taught her to think differently and helped strengthen her analytical skills, which she uses to help monitor LJCs’ finances, programs, and performance.

Maureen Shiel is on track to graduate in May 2021 and is IU McKinney’s first M.J./M.A. in Philanthropic Studies at the IUPUI Lilly Family School of Philanthropy. She serves on the board of directors for Impact 100 Indy and serves as the assistant treasurer and vice chair of a grants committee. “I am passionate about non-profit work because I value peace for the human race and our planet,” Shiel said. “I hope to contribute to transformational change in the Indianapolis community and around the world. An M.J. supports my work by enhancing my operational knowledge and ability to manage partnerships with the public sector.”

To learn more about how the M.J. program at IU McKinney, visit the law school’s website.

Rebecca Trimpe is the former editor and publisher of Indiana Lawyer. She also served as managing editor of what was then the Daily Ledger in Noblesville. Trimpe, who has a degree in political science and journalism from Indiana University, writes and edits for the I.U. Robert H. McKinney School of Law’s website, as well as print publications.

Apr 17

10 ways to boost your nonprofit career

By Sponsor Insight

By Patrick M. Rooney, associate dean, Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy

With the myriad demands nonprofit professionals face for their time and attention, it can be tough to make professional growth and career advancement a priority. Here are some steps you can weave into your schedule that will help you in your current position and prepare you for your next opportunity where you are now or elsewhere.

  • Become an issue expert and share what you know. Research and educate yourself on a key topic, and then develop original podcasts, blog posts, and opinion articles. ““Blogging makes you a go-to person,” Joe Waters, a cause marketing speaker and coach, wrote in an article for HubSpot, noting that becoming an expert lets you become “the person in your organization that people seek out to understand an issue.” Waters says that the experience “prepares you for your next big thing,” whether that’s being noticed by recruiters, writing a book, starting your own nonprofit or becoming a consultant.
  • Volunteer at your organization and beyond. “Volunteering to help with an event or a special project at your nonprofit — particularly those that cut across functional boundaries — can help provide the sort of well-rounded experience that leadership roles require,” according to an article by Bridgespan Group. Volunteering elsewhere lets you observe which roles are of interest or a good fit for your next career step, and serving on a nonprofit board helps you gain skills including decision-making, fundraising and program direction.
  • Step up for a stretch opportunity. Accepting assignments that stretch your limits helps you grow and enables managers to identify whether you are likely to succeed with more responsibility, The Chronicle of Philanthropy
  • Job shadow and do informational interviews. Not just for first-time job seekers, observing and talking with people who hold the type of position to which you aspire can help you determine what that type of role entails and whether it is really for you. It can also show you what additional knowledge, training, and skills you’ll need if you pursue it.
  • Select an effective mentor. People with mentorsearn higher salaries, are promoted more frequently, and report higher job satisfaction than those without mentors, according to research by Audrey J. Murrell, Ph.D., of the University of Pittsburgh.
  • Form or join a peer-to-peer leadership group. Also called leadership circles, these small groups are made up of nonprofit professionals that meet periodically to listen to and coach each other. As the Center for Nonprofit Excellence says, “These circles provide a confidential setting in which peers can discuss and solve real-time problems with real-world experience.” For more information, see the March 14 issue of Indianapolis Not-for-Profit News.
  • Stay on top of developments in the field and in your issue area. Not sure which podcasts or newsletters are most helpful? Ask your peers, mentor, or other, more experienced professionals what they read, listen to, and follow.
  • Join a professional association and take advantage of the member benefits. Membership in professional associations offers numerous career-boosting advantages, including access to the latest information and best practices, professional development and training, conferences and networking.
  • Make time to participate regularly in professional development. Be intentional about blocking out and adhering to time on your schedule for professional development. Stick to the commitment as you would any other appointment. It’s easy to let the challenges of the day-to-day workload and over-the-transom projects derail your plans.
  • Earn a graduate degree. Increasingly, most of the people that Bridgespan Group spoke with agreed, formal degrees provide a distinct advantage for those aspiring to leadership roles. Article on developing oneself as a nonprofit leader. “I can think of several great nonprofit leaders who don’t have advanced degrees, but it’s an increasingly indispensable attribute,” said Stephen Pratt, CEO of MY TURN, Inc., a Brockton, MA-based youth development agency.

That thought was echoed by Sandra Gutierrez, COO at Latin American Youth Center, a Washington, DC-based nonprofit that serves youth and their families. She said, “the rigor and discipline required to complete a master’s degree program give nonprofit professionals a big edge. . . . You see a really big difference in people who come into a program manager role with a master’s degree compared to an undergraduate degree,” said Gutierrez, who also noted that most of the people she hires complete their master’s while working.”

patrick-rooney Patrick M. Rooney, Ph.D., is associate dean for academic affairs and research at the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy.

[content_box box_type=”normal”]The Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy recently announced that its master’s degree program can now be completed entirely online, offering working professionals more flexibility and convenience. Learn more.[/content_box]