Charity officer : Career development

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1. Job description
2. Salary and conditions
3. Entry requirements
4. Training
5. Career development
6. Employers and vacancy …
7. Related jobs

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Case studies

• Administrative assistant: Allison

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Opportunities for career development vary depending on the size of the organisation and the budget available for staff training and development, the aims of the organisation and the determination, ability and willingness of the individual to learn. Since charities all depend on income generation, it is helpful for many promoted posts to have had some experience in fundraising.

In terms of career development, there are advantages and disadvantages of working for different sizes of organisation and sectors. In the larger voluntary/charity sector organisations, bigger budgets and larger remits often mean more travel, professional qualification opportunities and training prospects. There is usually a structured route of promotion. Roles within these organisations are relatively defined, with specific people or departments undertaking specific tasks. Individuals may therefore develop a very specific skill set.

Although smaller voluntary/charity sector organisations often lack the same level of structure and resources, a charity officer there is exposed to various aspects of the organisation’s work, undertakes multiple roles and can develop a wide range of skills and experience. This may bring the possibility of gaining promotion more quickly. However, limited resources and short-term contracts may mean a move to a different organisation is necessary. In some cases this may mean relocation.