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Jacqueline Salmon has been a reporter and editor at the Washington Post for the last 15 years. She has covered a number of topics, including real estate and parenting issues and is the co-author of three books about children and parents. She hosted the Washingtonpost.com 'Families and So On..." chat last year.

She currently covers philanthropy for the Post and writes frequently about the various Sept. 11 relief funds as well as stories on local and national charities and other non-profit organizations and how they raise and spend money.

The transcript follows below.

Editor's Note: Washingtonpost.com moderators retain editorial control over Live Online discussions and choose the most relevant questions for guests and hosts; guests and hosts can decline to answer questions.

Jacqui Salmon: Hello, everyone. We're here to talk about jobs and the non-profit market.

There are about 1.6 million organizations that fall into the category of 'non-profit'-religious institutions, schools, charities, arts organizations, etc.

About one in 12 jobs in the U.S. are in non-profits, so this is a fairly large sector and a source for jobs, if you haven't thought of it before.

Let's get going with questions.

Illinois: Hi. I'm interested in moving to D.C. to work in the nonprofit sector, but I've heard that it's nearly impossible to break into unless you know someone who knows someone, etc.

I'm 30 years old with an M.A. in English and some experience w/union organizing and grassroots political campaigns. I also have terrific writing, editing, and general clerical skills. Can you offer any suggestions/advice for getting a good non-profit job in D.C.?

Finally, I've heard that the non-profit job market is even tighter/more competitive than the for-profit market. Would you say that's true?

Jacqui Salmon: The non-profit sector in D.C. is quite large. Along with thousands of small non-profits, we also have 20 of the largest national and international non-profits headquartered here, such as the American Red Cross, the Salvation Army, Gifts in Kind Internationa and Goodwill Industries.

I think you'll probably find that non-profits in certain areas might be kind of clannish, but I really dont' think the whole non-profit community is like that. It's too big.

Washington, D.C.: I worked for a nonprofit for about a year after college. Very small organization with an operating budget of about $1million. While the issues were of great interest to me, I found that the organization spent most of the time fundraising so it could stay afloat. Is this a common occurence at nonprofits?

Jacqui Salmon: For small nonprofits, the struggle to find funding can get all-consuming. But if it does, it's probably an organization that would be difficult to work for and, possibly, ineffective in its mission.

But there are plenty of good, solid small non-profits out there that are doing amazing work. But you need to apply the same smarts when you're looking for a job in the non-profit world as in the for-profit world. Ask questions, talk to employees. Ask them about their sources of funding. If you hear that they're constantly scrambling to find money, you may want to look elsewhere (unless you're in the biz of fundraising and you like that sort of activitiy)

Washington, D.C.: Is there a good forum to gain good networking leads in the non-profit sector? I know volunteering and internships are often a good route but being mid-level in my career are there other ways to produce good leads?

Jacqui Salmon: I'll throw that question open to everyone else. How about good networking opportunities for mid-level non-profit staffers?

Right now is a difficult time, as you can guess, for non-profits. After several years of banner growth, they're getting hit with the recession, after-effects of terrorism AND one of their big funding sources-charitable foundations-are seeing their assets slide, which means they are cutting their funding to the non-profit community.

Alexandria, Va.: Are you aware of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFPnet.org) and their impact of the profession?

Jacqui Salmon: Yes. It's a group of about 25, 'fundraising professionals'-translation, the people who raise the money to keep their organizations going. Often, for those unfamiliar with this area, they're called directors of 'development.' (A polite term for Finders of Money.

AFP has a pretty good jobs section on its Web site, afpnet.org. Also, the Chronicle of Philanthropy and the Non-Profit Times (sorry, I don't have their URLs handy, but just Google them)

The AFP also has 100 or so local chapters, which you can find from its Web site, that may provide networking opportunities whether you're inside the biz or outside.

Rockville, Md.: There seemed to be a trend emerging for non-profits to consider mergers with other non-profit organizations in an attempt to leverage synergies and lower over head costs.

Did you see that trend continuing? What is the impact on jobs when that happens?

Jacqui Salmon: Yes, it is a trend. Nonprofits saw huge growth in the '90s and now reality is hitting. The number of non-profits has more than doubled in the last decade or so, and some are coming to the reluctant conclusion that they need to combine forces with other, similar organizations.

Mergers are touchy in the non-profit field, however. Many smaller non-profits are operated by people who are passionate about their organization and their mission and they don't like the idea of seeing their organization diluted via a merger.

However, some of the larger foundations have decided that there simply are too many non-profits, and they are facilitating mergers when they can.

So, yes, I see the trend continuing.

for Illinois: I've been in the nonprofit world for about 5 years. Knowing people really helps, but knowing organizations helps even more. Identify the types of organizations you'd like to work for and narrow your search. Then visit their websites - most places do post jobs on their websites - it's hard for us to find good people who fit our needs. Writing and organizing skills are critical. Even consider sending a letter and resume asking them to keep you in mind for future job openings might help. But the more you know about your specific area of interest and the organizations that are working in that area, the better for you.

Jacqui Salmon: Excellent suggestions.

Keep in mind that job-hunting in the non-profit community is very much like job-hunting in the for-profit world. Organizations demand the same kind of professionalism and dedication that's expected from the business world.

However, yes, the salaries tend to be lower than in the non-profit world, although non-profits are trying to remedy that.

Illinois: Can you say anything about non-profit jobs for people with law degrees? Specifically, if I wanted a career w/a government-reform NP like Public Citizen, would I be better off to start at the bottom and work my way up (w/out a law degree), or to get the law degree before beginning my NP career? Thanks.

Jacqui Salmon: I guess the important part of your query is, what do YOU want to do? Do you really want to go to law school now? Or are you just not that interested right now and would prefer to start a career and THEN go back to school?

It's best to sort out your priorities rather than trying to fit them into what you think various nonprofits-or companies, for that matter-want.

College Park, Md.: My wife works at a well-endowed foundation in Washington. The pay is adequate, the benefits are good, and the work itself is interesting. She's noticed one glaring problem, however: the inability of the organization to rid itself of unproductive slackers! Many people there just seem to be milking their jobs for all they can, knowing they won't be fired! This is quite demoralizing for those like my wife who actually are competent. Is this just a peculiarity of this organization, or do you think this is a problem in other non-profits?

Jacqui Salmon: Yes, it can be a problem at non-profits, though usually at the mid-range or large groups. At small non-profits, such as soup kitchens, social service agencies, there's too damned much work to tolerate slackers.

But an organization's inability to deal with its low-performing staffers can be a big problem. That's because, often times, people who join non-profits aren't really interested in managing staff. They probably joined up with an organization because they're interested in its mission.

But non-profits' interest in professional managers is increasing. A growing number of colleges and universities now offer non-profit management programs as more non-profits realize that they need to be well-run just as much as the for-profit world needs to be well-run.

Washington, D.C.: I've always worked in nonprofits, and I frequently encounter people who seem to assume that there's less professionalism in the nonprofit world. This has not been my experience. Most of my coworkers at nonprofits have been as professional and qualified as those you'd find elswhere--and generally more dedicated, or they wouldn't be here! (There are exceptions, of course, but there are exceptions in the for-profit world as well.) It really annoys me when I hear people make comments implying nonprofits are somehow "less than" other jobs.

Jacqui Salmon: You make a very good point.

Vienna, Va.: Perhaps you could define "nonprofit" for us. Obviously, an organization has to make enough to pay its employees, rental space, advertising, supplies, vehicle and fuel costs, etc.....or it couldn't stay in "business" as we know it.

Jacqui Salmon: Good question. The nonprofit sector is a collective name used to describe institutions and organiations in the U.S> that are neither gov't or business. In the rest of the world, they're often called 'non-governmental organizations' - NGOs.

Now, for the technical part of your question. 'Non-profits' are organizations in the U.S. that are recognized by the the Internal Revenue Service as exempt for MANY (though not all) taxes.

But the IRS demands a price. Any excess funds that the organization generates MUST be plowed back into the organization. Salaries can't be 'excessive,' and funds must be spent on the central mission of the organization. Also, the salaries of the top-paid execs must be reported to the IRS.

So, yes, non-profits can make a 'profit.' But it can't be handed out to shareholders or owners. It must stay within the organization.

Now, some non-profits now have for-profit arms, but that gets more complicated

Capitol Hill: I have been trying to explore opportunities in the field of international relief (3rd world, war torn, etc), but my current skills - web design, mostly - don't seem to fit. I have lots of the basic communication and organizational skills down. I'm just not sure how to market myself. I'm not even entirely sure where I should be looking.

Jacqui Salmon: Then head for the classifieds. The Chronicle of Philantrhopy, the Non-Profit Times, the Association of Fundraising Professionals all run extensive help-wanted sections. (Also, I guess I should also mention that the Washington Post, on-line and on paper, has an extensive listing as well!)

It strikes me that your Web design experience could be quite desirable to many non-profits. Many are setting up their own Web sites, but don't have the technical expertise in-house to do so.

As well, keep in mind that basic communication and organizational skills are just as valuable to non-profits as to for-profits. Non-profits, increasingly, as I've noted, are seeking to run themselves efficiently and productively and require professional expertise to do that.

So don't assume that your for-profit experience won't be of interest to non-profits. It will be.

Washington, DC: Why is it that people, when they introduce themselves, say that they "work for a non-profit." Are they trying to sound like a goody-two-shoes? Describing their employer as a non-profit tells me very little--Greenpeace is a non-profit, but so is Federalist Society. Plus, it doesn't say whether you are working for an environmental group, or an anti-abortion group, or a hunger group. What is the proper response when someone tells me that they work for a non-profit? How about "That's nice. I work for greedy corporate America."

Jacqui Salmon: Hmm. I think I get what you're seeing. Are they trying to sound high-and-mighty when they saw they work for a non-profit? Maybe.

I guess the best response is to ask them which organization they work for. And they're not ALL teaming with liberals, by the way! The non-profit world is as diverse as the for-profit world.

Washington, DC: I have prior association and nonprofit experience in editing and writing. I currently live in South Africa though my work experiences were in Washington, DC. Do you know of any good resources to help me get contract or consulting work with the nonprofit sector in the U.S. and/or Washington, DC? Thanks.

Jacqui Salmon: Again, head for the Web sites of the various non-profits. The Chronicle of Philanthropy is excellent, I must say. lots of good info for job-seekers.

definition of nonprofit: Also, there are nonprofits that are cause/advocacy - based (PETA, or the NRA, etc.--organizations that exist to advocate a certain position), and there are nonprofits that are associations (representing a certain field--the Association of Flight Attendants, for instance--existing to provide info to members and usually lobby on their behalf).

Jacqui Salmon: Yes, you're correct. Only a certain type of non-profit can accept donations that are then deductible on your taxes.

It's easier to tell you which ones those are by telling you which ones AREN"T permitted to accept tax-deductible contributs. That include organizations that mostly lobby, as well as professional and trade associations, as you note.

I believe PETA, as an advocacy group, is considered a 'social welfare advocacy organization,' and can accpet tax-deductible contributions.

Virginia: Sometimes I don't understand why leaders in left-leaning non-profits groups earned a lot of money and why leaders in right-learning groups earned less money.

Jacqui Salmon: I'm not sure that's the case, actually, although I'm sure there are plenty of individual examples.

By the way, folks, a good way to check out any non-profit your interested in is guidestar.com. It posts the 990s of just about EVERY charity in the country. That's the form it must file to the IRS and it lists lots of good info, such as the amount of its contributions, its expenses and the salaries of the highest-paid execs.

In other words, it's really easier to get the scoop on charities than on most small businesses.

Guidestar.com.

for College Park: Do you mean to tell me you've never encountered for-profit companies who have trouble weeding out slackers? Come on, this takes place all over, not just in nonprofits. I used to work for a nonprofit that didn't hestitate to fire people who weren't up to par.

Jacqui Salmon: Proves my point. The non-profit world is just as diverse as the for-profit world.

Washington, D.C.: As someone who has spent my entire adult life in nonprofits, including in a managerial/hiring role, I can tell you that nonprofits are always looking for people with good skills--writing, communication, etc. If you're competent and enthusiastic about the organization's mission, chances are good that some nonprofit would love to interview you. Do be prepared for slightly lower pay (usually)--and accept this graciously, as the whole point of nonprofits is to put donors' contributions to the best possible use on their particular mission or cause. If you don't agree with that, many nonprofits may not be for you.

Jacqui Salmon: Thanks for the info.

Burke, Virginia: Hi, Jacqui--
Have you found that the financial health of non-profits is a concern for not only the organizations themselves, but for society that depends/relies on their services?

Jacqui Salmon: Yes, the financial health of non-profits is a concern, of course, of society.

But, since this is a career chat, let me point out that you don't want to end up at a non-profit that's on its last legs. But, as I noted, there is often more info available about non-profits than about most small businesses, because non-profits are required to file forms with detailed information about their operations to the IRS.

Iowa: I am moving soon and will be looking for a non-profit job in my new city. I have a master's, but it is in an applied field (music performance) rather than development, marketing or finance. Do you think my master's degree will help me get a better job in a music-oriented non-profit organization, like a symphony, even though the focus was on performing? I have one year experience working in a non-profit. Thanks!

Jacqui Salmon: Quit thinking that you need to be a fundraising expert in order to work in the non-profit world. Yes, non-profits (even the little guys) tend to have someone (or a whole department) devoted to finding the bucks.

But outside that area, an organization has a mission that it caries out with the rest of its staff.

Maybe you should look at arts organizations in your new city. Your skills may be quite valuable there.

Silver Spring, Md.: I work for a large non-profit in DC that has about 1000 employees and an $136 million dollar operating budget. The work is interesting, the pay and benefits are great. Many NP in the DC area have been in business for years and receive the bulk of there revenue from the federal government. Sr VP's make around $250,000 a year. Not bad.

Jacqui Salmon: Yes, top executives at non-profits can do quite well. Their pay can add up to hundreds of thousands of dollars and they may even be eligible for 'performance bonuses,' as in the private sector.

BUT, you won't see any IMClone scandals over millions of dollars in compensation. No stock options either.

Washington D.C.: Hi there. I'm a mid-career professional, with 10+ years communications and marketing experience, burned out by working in the telecom and IT world. Aside from the chaos and insanity of that sector there's the overall meaninglessness of most of the work there... anyway, I am starting to explore the nonprofit sector, and it seems like there are tremendous barriers to making that jump - people really want nonprofit specific experience. I know that I have great skills... any tips from you or other readers on strategies for making that transition?

Jacqui Salmon: You need experience in non-profits. Volunteer. Lots of local organizations desperately need your labor, and it'll at least signal your interest in the sector to potential employers.

Washington D.C.: Hello Ms. Salmon

In terms of researching for job-hunting and finding out about specific nonprofits and their missions, what other sources of information can you recommend besides visiting their websites? Is there, for example, a directory of nonprofits that exists? I know of such a directory for associations and the library at the ASAE office has a copy. For nonprofits in general where can we find such a directory?

Other online sources of nonprofit info I know about are Idealist.org, accessjobs.org and Interaction.org

Thanks

Jacqui Salmon: Hmm. There are 1.6 million nonprofits in the U.S. There ain't no directory (that I know of) that lists them all.

I'll list some Web sites as the end of this chat that should get you started, however.

Washington: A related question - in the last few years the cost of living in DC has shot up dramatically (basically, it's the housing part of the equation). Do you think this will impact the nonprofit employment scene here? It seems that less-expensive places become more appealing to those who make relatively less money... I feel like DC is becoming a city only for those making six figure incomes, at least if they want to own homes and have decent lives! Moving somewhere more reasonable, even though there are fewer opportunities, starts to become appealing. And I wonder if any non-profits in the area are starting to consider relocation.

Jacqui Salmon: That's a good question. Many non-profits, however, grow up around a central mission that usually is very local.

Now, the larger non-profits, maybe. Although I haven't heard of any leaving Washington for cheaper digs elsewhere.

Washington, DC: I am about to start my senior year in college this fall, and I'd also like an internship. I just saw one listed by a major DC non-profit that requests a bachelor's degree. I'm close to completing my degree (in the requested field), and I'm otherwise qualified. It's listed as a part time internship with an hourly wage, not a full time job. Should I apply, or am I wasting everyone's time?

Jacqui Salmon: What the hell-apply! What are they going to do? Blackball you in the industry because you had the audacity to apply for a job that you may not yet be qualified for?

If we only applied for jobs for which we were superbly qualified, then the total volume of job applications in this country would shrink faster than the stock market.

Washington: People seem to have a lot of questions about what skills are needed in nonprofits. As a devoted lifer in nonprofits, here's a list: writing, communication, organizing, volunteer coordination, public relations, ad placement, media outreach, education work, publications production, web design/maintenance, clerical, government relations, accounting, database management, fundraising, research, policy analysis, legal, human resources. I'd bet just about anyone could find a place he or she could be utilized.

Jacqui Salmon: Thanks for the list. I assume you mean that nonprofits are looking for people with a wide variety of skills.

Mclean, Va.: I'm interested in returning to the non-profit world (I interned for a major group in college), but have run into some problems. I've spent the last four years working in the private sector, helping a wide range of clients (government and corporate) solve problems, everything from supply chain issues to national security policy. I'd like to make a lateral move, and I'm willing to take a pay cut, but I do have a mortgage. (I don't make a huge amount of money now, 52K). All of my friends on the Hill & at non-profits have said that I would have to consider volunteering and/or taking entry level positions that pay less than half my current salary. Does this sound right? Any advice?

Jacqui Salmon: Seems to me that you could find a job in the non-profit sector for 52K. What you may be running into is the tight economic climate for the nonprofit world, as well as for the private sector. Jobs are hard to come by right now in many areas.

Washington, D.C.: Hi, I wrote earlier - I work in admin at for a DOD Contractor at a DOD building. Would a non-profit group, left leaning, not be interested in my resume? I have skills they can use. I am concerned about the appearance of working for for-profit, DOD types.

Jacqui Salmon: Again, go ahead and apply! I don't get this reluctance to apply for a job that you may not get. Quit agonizing and get your resume updated and get out there.

good networking:: I found the best networking opportunities through my graduate school in public policy. Check back with the ol' career services office. I also have met some great folks through volunteering in a similar field (I work in an education nonprofit, and volunteer with a tutoring organization.)

Jacqui Salmon: thanks for the tips.

Rockville, Maryland: Is there a current trend toward outsourcing IT needs in the nonprofit community, or are more organizations hiring in-house staff?

Jacqui Salmon: Depends on the organizations. Large will have in-house staff. Small either do it themselves or hire somebody to help them out. Outsourcing may be too fancy a term for it if you're a small soup kitchen or something like that.

Nelson, British Columbia ,Canada: Given our greater reliance on Not-for-profit agencies to supply social services the government refuses to fund is there a need to pay volunteers for their time from proceeds or have some tax relief for volunteer time to recognize the social expenditure for not-for-profit activities.

Jacqui Salmon: Hey, welcome British Columbia!

In the U.S., non-profit trade associations occasionally take a run at proposing that volunteers be permitted to deduct the value of their time on their tax returns. But they don't get very far.

And paying volunteers? If you pay them, they aren't volunteers.

However, with our busy society these days, many organizations are struggling to find non-paid labor that is often the backbone of their operations. Some are becoming more flexible and are setting up volunteer assignments on weekends, etc., in order to make them more convenient for potential volunteers.

Check for a Volunteer Center in your community or contact the Points of Light Foundation in McLean, Va. They can direct you to volunteer opportunities in your community.

Jacqui Salmon: At that's it for today. Thanks for the thoughtful questions.

And now, as promised, here are some helpful Web sites:

www.independentsector.org

ncna.org

guidestar.org

philanthropyjournal.org

charitablechoices.org

nptimes.org

philanthropy.com

give.org

cof.org

fdncenter.org

I'm sure I'm missing tons of good ones, but get to those sites, and follow their Links. As with the private sector, the non-profit is well represented on the Web.

WashingtonJobs.com:

That wraps up today's show. Thanks to everyone who joined the discussion.

Stay tuned to Live Online:

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Jacqui Salmon: Oh, and lastly, I received a query from someone from Rockville regarding the fundraising practices at a local charity. It wasn't on our topic, but I'd like to talk to you further. Can you contact me at salmonj@washpost.com?

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