Thinking about Making the change to non-profit.....afraid? what can I expect? why?

So if you are like many of the employees here at the American Cancer Society - your experience is in the for profit sector - might be in big business, might be in small business, might be in global business or even in local. Perhaps you have "seen" the non-profit world as a volunteer or on a late night commercial asking for you to donate to a cause (if you have let me just say thank you). Well, I would argue that you really haven't seen the non-profit side truly as we see and experience it here at the American Cancer Society every day..... Our business is a tough one; its a challenging one; its an important one! We take our approach to the business of fighting cancer with the same style, application of business knowledge and energy as you might see in any corporate headquarters, branch office, or local store. Its serious business this cancer thing and we need serious professionals to help us reach out objective. Our objective is a noble one for sure but its also a business one - making the same decisions that a manager, sales associate, executive etc. makes in a for profit organization.... what is different.... really ..... is the WHY!

Why do we need to priorities projects? Why do we need to cut that program? Why do we need to invest in that particular area and not the other area? Why do we need to document and streamline that process? Why do we need a policy for social media? Why do we need a creative director? Why? Why? Why? Not to take market share, not to increase earnings per share or stock price, not to increase our product portfolio - but to eliminate cancer!

I guess what I am trying to say is that often people think that working here must be like working with a bunch of idealistic folks that want to save the world and solve world hunger all be giving everyone a hug - but that is not it at all! The employees at the American Cancer Society are professionals in ever sense of the world - educated, experienced and serious about their area of expertise and the job they are hired to do - but they do it for a reason bigger than themselves and that my friends is what I believe we mean by Satisfied with your career.....