ARTSblog

I recently received my latest issue of US News & World Report.  The focus of the May issue is “Jobs for the Future” and in the article “Choosing the Career Path Less Traveled: Many jobs look great on the big screen.  Here are some that pay off in real life” one of the top “Overrated Careers” is “nonprofit manager”.  Ouch.

Here’s what it says:

Many people want a career in which they can “make a difference.” For many, that means a career helping manage a nonprofit organization that works, for example, on environmental issues, children’s rights, or antipoverty campaigns.  But many of your supervisees end up being volunteers, who, on average, tend to be less competent and reliable than paid employees.  Also, much of the job often involves fundraising, which many people dislike.  Plus, you’re usually expected to be so dedicated to the cause that you’re willing to work long hours for little pay.  Despite all that, nonprofit management jobs that pay a good salary are difficult to find, especially now in our low economy – people donate less in tough times.

Other careers listed include: architect, professor, farmer, and police officer.  For the complete list, click here.  A slight irony – fundraiser was listed as one of the 30 best careers for 2009! Read the rest of this entry »

Cross Posted to the Mission Paradox Blog:  missionparadox.typepad.com

So I’m having a conversation with a colleague.

We were having the sort of nerdy conversation arts administrators have.  Fundraising strategies, ideas for building arts infrastructure, etc.

Then she did something that stunned me.

She did one of those “dancer stretches”.  She basically balanced on one leg and pulled the other one to near her ear.

Did I mention this woman is in her 50′s?

It reminded me that this woman, who had served on various Boards, ran numerous arts organizations and would appear to be a prototypical arts administrator had within her the spirit and skills of an artist. Read the rest of this entry »

There is something wonderful about checking in with your mentor and getting a gem of advice that starts you thinking. My former arts administration professor Anne W. Smith always does this for me. No matter how many years it is between our visits, she always drops one of these pearls of wisdom into my thoughts.

Last week, while feasting on a tamale dinner in the San Francisco Mission, and sharing lessons learned from our latest career adventures, Anne asked me, “So, Amy, what board are you on?” Well, actually, none at all. “I’m taking a break from boards,” I said while tucking into my rice and beans.

Anne would not let me off that easy. “The smartest thing you can do for your development is to get on a board that takes you to the next stage of your career. Think about what it is you want to be doing in two or three years and find a board that takes you in that direction.”

Once again Anne gave me food for thought. If I am serious about playing a leading role in the arts I need to start playing the part. I have been thinking about Anne’s advice and mulling it over with friends. We all agree that it is a strategic move. It also means I need to start thinking about my career next steps. Read the rest of this entry »