Nefesh BNefesh - Aliyah: Live the Dream

For many individuals, working in non-profits provides an opportunity to contribute directly to the fabric of Israeli society and become a part of the country's growth. Though the non-profit world cannot compete with the corporate job market – both in terms of the number of jobs and the level of compensation – a disproportionate number of Nefesh B'Nefesh Olim are currently employed in this field. Especially in the Jerusalem area, non-profits are a significant sector of the job market, and openings in the field are continually advertised.

Resources

• List of non-profit organizations: http://guidestar.org.il/
• Shatil's online listing of job openings: www.shatil.org.il (click "Luchot Moda'ot" on the top; jobs are listed on the right side of the screen)
• HaZavit Hashlishit's online listing of job openings: www.zavit3.co.il (click "Drushim" on the right side of the screen)

Finding a Job

In the non-profit world, networking is key. The best way to find a job is to target the organizations that interest you and request an informal, informational meeting with the director. Israel is an informal society, and you can write directly to senior managers, explain that you are a new Oleh and would appreciate a 15 minute meeting to talk about the field. Contact information for Israeli non-profits can be found at the above-mentioned web sites.

Please be in touch with the Nefesh B'Nefesh Employment Department, to obtain additional contacts.

Fundraising

Fundraising is a field that is very much in demand and provides well paying opportunities for experienced professionals. An experienced Director of Fundraising generally earns the same level of salary as the senior level administrators in the organization. Organizations ranging from small educational institutions to large hospitals and universities are all in need of excellent fundraisers.

In small non-profits, it is not unusual for a fundraiser to be responsible for grant writing as well.

Note: According to professional standards in the U.S., it is forbidden to receive a commission off of charity. 

Grant Writing

Grant writers work in a variety of professional environments including Jewish charity work, scientific research and academic proposals. If you worked as a grant writer in the U.S. or Canada, explore whether you can continue working for your North American clients after making Aliyah.

Grant writing is a growing field with flexible options, and writers can usually work either in salaried positions or as freelance consultants. Pay is highly dependent on the size and stability of the organization; in large organizations, you are paid more competitively.  Freelance hourly wages are usually higher than salaried wages, but generally you are paid for fewer hours of work.

Administrative Positions

Administrative positions in non-profits generally offer significantly lower salaries than parallel positions in the corporate world. Senior administrative positions are highly competitive, and opportunities are advertised relatively infrequently.

Most administrative positions in the non-profit world require fluent Hebrew.

If you are offered a temporary or part time position in a non-profit organization that interests you – don't turn it down! The best way "in" to non-profit organizations is usually through temporary or part time work, which may develop into full time, permanent employment.

Training Courses

Grant writing and fundraising courses are regularly offered in Jerusalem by David Epstein and Associates, fundraising consultants to non-profits. For more information, contact Lauren Gordon at 02-5636629 or by email: degrants@gmail.com.

Knowledge of Hebrew

For most fundraising and grant writing positions, you are usually required to read, translate or adapt written materials in Hebrew, and to communicate with Hebrew-speaking staff to obtain accurate information. In hiring, however, most English-speaking employers are concerned primarily about job experience and English writing skills. Employers sometimes overlook mediocre Hebrew skills in order to gain an employee who they think will be a good writer. (Once you are working, however, you will be expected to gain Hebrew skills quickly on the job.) In general, the only positions that do not require a reasonably good understanding of Hebrew involve working long-distance for North American organizations.

For most administrative positions, fluent Hebrew is critical.