As a communications professional , you must always be willing to consult and get feedback from the teams since they might have different valuable perspectives which can help improve communications . Identify or build strong relationships with a selected group of people who you can reach out to at any point in time . manage timelines and expectations and still deliver quality work at the end of the day so always bear that in mind . Embrace these opportunities and work hard to achieve what you promise you will deliver .
COMMUNICATIONS
10 Critical Things For A Communications Career In The Nonprofit World
By Grace Akinyi Oduor
Specializing as a communications professional in a nonprofit organization is definitely a fulfilling and exciting career move . Nonprofit communications is a wonderful world full of creativity , constant learning and growth , skills development and endless opportunities . However , it ’ s also a space with multiple responsibilities , high expectations and in some instances , unexpected transitions in an ever-changing environment .
Here are some of the honest truths , you should know beforehand and consider as you plan to transition from a marketing / communications role in the private sector to a communications role in the nonprofit world or if you are currently evaluating your overall career path .
Embrace your inner creativity
As a communications professional joining a non-profit organization , being creative is a must-have skill . You will be required to think outside the box from the get-go and propose effective yet realistic solutions to create more awareness and visibility of the organization . You will also need to find creative , innovative ways to share your ideas and implement them . In most instances , this would need the buy-in from some of your colleagues . Do not give up when your ideas do not get a green light from the board as this is likely to happen . Rather , trust your instincts , continue to be persistent , and have the confidence to try new things that will benefit the organization in the longrun .
Wear several hats and wear them well
For most professionals in the marketing and communications field , wearing many hats is something that we have become accustomed to as we progress in our careers . Not only do you need to have several technical skills from writing to photography or graphic design , but you also need to be involved in some tasks that might fall beyond your job description such as writing proposals . You will need to work on different communications plans and activities for the organization , work with multiple teams including external consultants and partner organizations ,
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As a communications professional , you must always be willing to consult and get feedback from the teams since they might have different valuable perspectives which can help improve communications . Identify or build strong relationships with a selected group of people who you can reach out to at any point in time . manage timelines and expectations and still deliver quality work at the end of the day so always bear that in mind . Embrace these opportunities and work hard to achieve what you promise you will deliver .
Perfect your skills
As a communication professional , you have to gradually perfect your written and oral communication skills , interpersonal skills , planning skills , teamwork skills , problem-solving skills , time management skills , decision-making skills , writing skills , listening skills , adaptability skills and leadership skills .
Additionally , you have to be a great storyteller , public presenter , tech-savvy , pay attention to detail , possess a strong work ethic , push yourself out of your comfort zone , learn to pause before you speak , be nimble and flexible , be all-rounded , be motivated with a strong inquisitive over-achiever mindset , adhere to ethical standards , be responsive and timely , be a great kind leader able to influence , work with integrity and empathy , and inspire others . These skills can be improved upon with time and experience as you build your career .
Sharpen your planning and multitasking skills
Effective planning is essential as you engage in multiple projects and tasks in the communications department . To ensure success , you have to have clear plans and todo lists and ensure that you keep track of all the activities required to be done . You also have to master the art of scheduling tasks and meeting tight deadlines . Juggling different tasks is also a key skill you need to
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