Job Searching in the Nonprofit Sector – A New Path for Federal Employees

With mass layoffs hitting federal employees, the private sector isn’t the only option – nonprofits are actively hiring and many federal skills translate well. If you’re looking for meaningful work that aligns with public service experience, here’s how to get started.

Why Nonprofits Make Sense for Former Feds

• Mission-Driven Work: Many nonprofits share the same service-focused mentality as federal agencies.
• Skills Translate Well: Experience in program management, budgeting, grants, HR, and compliance is highly valuable.
• Hiring Is Still Happening: Nonprofits rely on external funding and often recruit heavily during economic downturns to fill gaps in government services.

Where to Apply – Specific Resources

If you’re looking to transition into the nonprofit sector, these job boards and firms specialize in nonprofit and social impact roles:

• DRi Waterstone – Executive search firm in Arlington, VA, focused on nonprofits.
• CAMBA – Nonprofit in NY with multiple job openings (check for remote options).
• Work for Good – Job board listing nonprofit openings across the country.
• Nonprofit-Jobs.org – Search engine for recently posted nonprofit jobs.
• Jobot – Search “nonprofit” + your location (or remote).
• State Governments – Hiring former federal workers for state-level public service roles.

Translating Federal Experience for Nonprofits

If you were in federal service, here’s how to reframe your background to appeal to nonprofit hiring managers:

• Program Manager → Director of Programs
• Grants & Budget Oversight → Fundraising & Grant Management
• Procurement & Compliance → Nonprofit Operations & Compliance
• Human Resources → Nonprofit Talent & People Management

Adjust your resume and LinkedIn to highlight mission-driven work, budget accountability, and program execution.

Next Steps

Check the job boards above and apply for roles that match your skill set. If you’re unsure how to tweak your resume, look at nonprofit job descriptions and adjust wording accordingly. Reach out to recruiters at DRi Waterstone or state government hiring offices if your background aligns. Finally, don’t assume you aren’t a fit on behalf of the hiring manager – apply – let them decide. Federal employees have a high work ethic and unique experience that many hiring managers would find attractive.