[We've updated this post - find the new and improved article here with the 70 best places to find social impact jobs in 2021.]
A New Year represents a fresh start. If finding a more meaningful job is one of your goals for 2020, these first few months are the perfect time to start taking action. According to data from Monster, January is the most popular time for job searches. Fortunately for candidates, job openings also increase in January thanks to newly refreshed annual budgets.
To help you make the most of “Job-Search January,” we’ve rounded up the best places to look for meaningful jobs with a positive social impact in 2020. Check out the list below to browse on your own, or join our community of inspiring Global Fellows from around the world for support creating a lifetime of impact!
Net Impact mobilizes new generations to use their skills and careers to drive transformational social and environmental change. Its conference and job board provide a vast array of opportunities at many levels.
Devex is a media and news platform following the global development industry, including nonprofits, corporations, social enterprises, governments, and intergovernmental groups. Its job board is massive, and they also have great career advice!
Escape the City is more than just a job list to help people transition to meaningful work. It also has in-person communities and educational programs to help people move careers or start their own business.
An inspiring social enterprise helping social change organizations find the best possible talent.
(Note, Rework is still in operation, but it was acquired by Koya Partners)
NextBillion chronicles new trends in market solutions to poverty that benefit the world’s 4 billion low-income producers and consumers. The site features in-depth analysis and opinion from thought leaders, researchers, and social entrepreneurs in the field. Its career center is continuously updated with opportunities across the “development through enterprise” market sector.
News, content, media, career advice, and global job listings from the group that brought you Idealist.
A listing site for member organizations of the Global Impact Investing Network and other impact investing leaders.
Benefit Corporations put purpose above profits. From local cafes to publicly traded companies, B Corps take all shapes and sizes, and this tool gives you a listing of B Corps with open jobs.
A nonprofit that has a job board for mission-driven organizations and philanthropists.
A huge list of global development jobs and consulting opportunities from over 20,000 recruiters.
Unlike other jobs boards, this one comes without financial incentives – meaning that organizations don’t pay to post and you don’t have to pay to be a member.
This group, started by social entrepreneurs, is an incentive-free place for social innovation jobs and Fellowships.
Guides and job postings for careers with a positive social impact.
The Peace and Collaborative Development Network (PCDN) is a hub for growing social enterprise that gathers over 35,500 professionals, organizations and students engaged in social change, peacebuilding, social entrepreneurship, development and related fields.
tbd* is a community of those committed to using their careers to change the world. More than a job board, it also has courses, content, and community members that can help you in your career search.
Relief Web has a series of international jobs across the skill spectrum for those committed to working overseas to support those that need it the most.
A massive group on LinkedIn for those interested in green jobs.
A community site for those looking to make more impact with their careers, also has a job board. Many opportunities in Europe.
A listing of jobs across the portfolio of organizations that are affiliated with ANDE
Jobs with member companies of the Social Enterprise Alliance
Not just for the United Nations, but also for the World Economic Forum and many of the arms within the UN, including UN Global Company and UNICEF.
One of the leading sites for jobs within the nonprofit sector.
High-impact opportunities at organisations that are working on some of the world’s most pressing problems
Impactpool (previously UNjobfinder) is a career platform devoted to provide the best possible support to people who want to pursue a career within mission-driven organizations.
Join the Unreasonable Talent Network and gain first-access to opportunities with some of the world’s leading impact companies.
Find full-time jobs and short-term technology opportunities at organizations working for social change.
Fast Forward aggregates impactful job and volunteer opportunities from tech nonprofits building products that solve the world’s biggest social problems.
BSR™ is a global nonprofit organization that works with its network of more than 250 member companies and other partners to build a just and sustainable world.
A network of Colorado-based companies that work together to help create better living conditions for the world’s poor while also addressing environmental issues.
Listings for jobs within the social impact investment market.
The Skoll Foundation drives large-scale change by investing in, connecting, and celebrating social entrepreneurs and innovators who help them solve the world’s most pressing problems.
Listings of international philanthropic and NGO jobs in the UK and around the world.
Jobs related to social change, corporate social responsibility, and sustainability.
Jobs related to urban planning and innovation. Search hundreds of planning, architecture, community organizing and nonprofit job openings all over the U.S.
Source for global social sector jobs.
B Work connects purpose-driven jobseekers with positions at social enterprises who are using business as a force for good.
Omidyar Network uses the transformative power of people, markets, and technology to drive empowerment and accelerate solutions equal to today’s challenges
Collects job postings from more than 3000 NGOs, Think Tanks, Governments, and private sector companies, with the global professional in mind.
Sponsored by InterAction.org, an alliance of NGOs and partners in the U.S. focused on creating a peaceful, just and prosperous world together, posts careers in relief and development.
Search for nonprofit jobs by focus area or job function, plus additional job hunt-related resources.
Intersection of nonprofit and tech, discover full-time jobs and short-term opportunities at organizations working for social change.
Provides indispensable information and practical advice to help nonprofit professionals and others change the world.
Formerly Foundation Center, Candid connects people who want to change the world with the resources they need to do it. Check out their job board, powered by Philanthropy News Digest.
Endeavor supports high-impact entrepreneurs so that they can build thriving companies that create sustained economic growth in every part of the world. They post positions within Endeavor and with the entrepreneurs they partner with.
Reconsidered is a boutique social impact consultancy whose job board includes roles related to social impact, sustainability, and corporate social responsibility.
B Work is a meaningful work platform operated by B Lab and Fitzii, featuring jobs from B Corps, Benefit Corps, and purpose-driven companies.
Ogunte is a social enterprise that amplifies the women's social entrepreneurship ecosystem. Check out the 'Jobs for Impact Women' posts on their Facebook page, which include a list in the comments of social enterprise jobs currently hiring.
Many industries and skills have specific groups designated for social good, Design Gigs for Good. Do a google search to see other groups more relevant to your skill set for small and niche job boards.
Many countries and large cities have careers coaches and agencies that specialize in the social impact sector. Run a Google search and ask your network for local recommendations. A few that stand out to us include:
If your previous school(s) has an alumni network, look for opportunities there. Many social change organizations have partnerships with educational institutions and post their jobs there.
Many cities have meetup groups and/or networking happy hours that bring socially-minded people together. Head to meetup.com and search for “social enterprise”, “nonprofit”, and “sustainable development goals” in addition to other terms you care about to find a local group that’s right for you.
Many countries and larger cities have associations that convene nonprofits, social enterprises, corporate responsibility professionals, and government officials for networking and ongoing education. Search for a local group and get involved.
Find people and groups that form around the industries, causes, and geographies you are most interested in. Add value to these networks by sharing interesting content, articles, and promoting people there. It takes time to build your reputation online, so get started as soon as you can to build trust.
As we wrote in our popular article How to Find a Fulfilling Career that Makes the World Better, your network is critical to finding you a job. It takes a while to network, so invest your time early and often. Here are some tips to have productive networking meetings, and remember that volunteering is another great way to build your professional network and standout in the job hunt.
Looking for more guidance to find and qualify for your dream job in 2020? Check out the MovingWorlds Institute Global Fellowship to gain the tools, experience, and network needed to make a bigger impact with your career.
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