Welcome to Foundation List! A comprehensive job board for national and Oregon nonprofit jobs and foundation postings.
Nonprofit Employment In Oregon
Oregon has about 22,000 nonprofits and growing in the state. “Religious institutions form the biggest sub-sector — 2,703 nonprofits — followed by philanthropic and grants-based nonprofits with 1,413,” and accounts for a 13 billion dollar industry in the state according to Oregon Live. Below are tips on how to find work in the nonprofit sector and link to searching national job openings.
These organizations provide a wide range of services, from social services to environmental conservation, and they employ over 146,000 people, which accounts for approximately 10% of the state’s workforce.
The largest nonprofit employers in the state include Providence Health & Services, which has over 18,000 employees across its various hospitals and clinics. Legacy Health is another large employer with over 13,000 employees in its hospitals and clinics. Nike is also a major employer in the state, with its Nike Community Impact program supporting a variety of nonprofit organizations in the Portland metro area.
Portland is the hub of the nonprofit sector in Oregon, with the most nonprofit organizations and jobs. Other cities with significant nonprofit employment include Eugene, Salem, and Bend. Nonprofit organizations in Oregon have been experiencing growth in various sectors such as healthcare, education, and the arts.
Nonprofit employees in Oregon generally earn less than their for-profit counterparts, with the average nonprofit salary being lower than the national average. However, some organizations offer competitive salaries and benefits, especially in highly-skilled positions such as healthcare and technology.
Over the next few years, it is expected that the environmental and conservation sector will continue to grow in Oregon due to the state’s commitment to sustainability and its natural resources. Additionally, with the increasing need for mental health services and affordable housing, nonprofit organizations in these areas are expected to see growth as well.
In summary, Oregon’s nonprofit sector is a significant contributor to the state’s economy and provides important services to its communities. With the growth of various sectors, the sector is poised to continue to expand and evolve in the coming years.
Ideal Living and Working Locations for Nonprofit Professionals in Oregon
Oregon, with its rich culture of activism and community involvement, is a prime location for nonprofit professionals. From the bustling streets of Portland to the serene landscapes of the Willamette Valley, the state offers a variety of environments that are conducive to both personal and professional growth in the nonprofit sector. Here’s a guide to areas in Oregon where nonprofit organizations are concentrated and the best places to live if you work in these regions.
Nonprofit Hubs in Oregon
Portland As the largest city in Oregon, Portland is the epicenter of nonprofit activity in the state. The city is particularly known for its organizations that focus on environmental sustainability, urban planning, social justice, and the arts. Neighborhoods like Downtown Portland, the Pearl District, and Southeast Portland are teeming with nonprofits due to their central locations and accessibility.
Eugene Home to the University of Oregon, Eugene is a hub for educational nonprofits and organizations focused on environmental conservation and social advocacy. The city’s culture is deeply rooted in community and civic engagement, making it a vibrant place for nonprofit work.
Salem As the state capital, Salem hosts a significant number of nonprofits centered around government advocacy, healthcare, and community development. Its central location within the Willamette Valley also makes it a strategic spot for organizations that serve the broader region.
Other Notable Areas for Nonprofits
Bend Known for its stunning natural surroundings, Bend is an emerging hotspot for nonprofits, especially those focused on environmental issues, outdoor education, and community health. The city’s growth in tourism and migration has bolstered the local economy and, subsequently, the nonprofit sector.
Corvallis With Oregon State University at its core, Corvallis is a center for academic and research-oriented nonprofits. The city’s community is highly engaged in issues related to education, sustainability, and scientific research.
Best Places to Live for Nonprofit Professionals
Choosing where to live in Oregon as a nonprofit professional often depends on your workplace location, lifestyle preferences, and the type of community you wish to be part of. Here are some top choices:
Portland Metro Area For those working in Portland’s nonprofit sector, neighborhoods like Belmont, Hawthorne, and Alberta offer a mix of urban living with a community-oriented feel. These areas are known for their vibrant cultural scenes, ample green spaces, and excellent dining options, catering well to professionals seeking a lively urban environment.
Salem-Keizer For those in Salem, the surrounding areas of Keizer and West Salem provide peaceful suburban living with easy access to the city’s resources. These areas offer more spacious living options and are great for families looking for a balance between urban and rural living.
South Eugene If you’re working in Eugene, South Eugene offers a quiet, residential area with close proximity to both the city center and natural landscapes. It’s ideal for those who appreciate a community with an environmental and progressive focus.
Northwest Corvallis For Corvallis-based professionals, living in Northwest Corvallis can be ideal. It’s near the university, offering vibrant community interactions and easy access to cultural and educational events.
Oregon’s diverse landscapes and communities provide a rich backdrop for those in the nonprofit sector. Whether you prefer the energetic urban life of Portland or the tranquil, picturesque settings of cities like Bend or Corvallis, Oregon offers a variety of living environments that align well with the goals and values of those dedicated to service and advocacy.
Nonprofit Networking Opportunities in Oregon
Networking is a vital aspect of career development in the nonprofit sector. Here are seven notable networking opportunities for professionals in Oregon:
- Nonprofit Association of Oregon (NAO) – This statewide organization offers numerous events, workshops, and training sessions that provide excellent networking opportunities for nonprofit professionals. Visit NAO
- Young Nonprofit Professionals Network of Portland (YNPN Portland) – YNPN promotes an efficient, viable, and inclusive nonprofit sector that supports the growth, learning, and development of young professionals. Visit YNPN Portland
- Oregon Volunteers! – Also known as the Oregon Commission for Voluntary Action & Service, this organization hosts various networking events that connect volunteers and nonprofit leaders. Visit Oregon Volunteers!
- Philanthropy Northwest – Though it covers the broader Pacific Northwest, this network offers events and professional development opportunities in Oregon, providing a platform for nonprofit professionals to connect. Visit Philanthropy Northwest
- Grantmakers of Oregon and Southwest Washington – This group brings together philanthropists and nonprofit leaders for events and conferences, facilitating connections and collaborations. Visit Grantmakers of Oregon and Southwest Washington
- Portland Meetup Groups for Nonprofits – Various Meetup groups exist for nonprofit professionals looking to network in a less formal setting. These groups cover a wide range of interests and professional focuses. Visit Portland Meetup
- Oregon Public Health Association – For those in the nonprofit sector focusing on public health, this association provides a platform for networking with other health professionals. Visit Oregon Public Health Association
Largest Nonprofit Employers in Oregon
Here are seven of the largest nonprofit employers in Oregon, each playing a significant role in various sectors such as healthcare, education, and social services:
- Providence Health & Services – One of the largest health systems in Oregon, providing jobs to thousands across the state. Visit Providence Health & Services
- Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) – A top employer in the healthcare and research sectors, offering numerous opportunities for professionals. Visit OHSU
- Legacy Health – A regional health system with several hospitals and clinics across Oregon, employing a large number of healthcare professionals. Visit Legacy Health
- PeaceHealth – A healthcare organization that operates several hospitals in Oregon and provides a variety of jobs in the healthcare sector. Visit PeaceHealth
- Kaiser Permanente Northwest – A major player in the healthcare industry in Oregon, offering extensive employment opportunities. Visit Kaiser Permanente Northwest
- Asante – A health system serving southern Oregon and providing a significant number of jobs in the region. Visit Asante
- Salem Health Hospitals and Clinics – An important healthcare provider in the Salem area, offering numerous employment opportunities in various medical and administrative roles. Visit Salem Health
These organizations not only contribute significantly to the local economy but also offer valuable services that benefit the community. Networking within these organizations and attending the events they host or sponsor can provide invaluable connections and opportunities in the nonprofit sector.
Oregon Nonprofit Jobs: A check List For How to Find Work in the Nonprofit Sector
Do you want to find work in the nonprofit sector, and or do you need advice on where to search nonprofit jobs? Following is information on how best to go about searching for Oregon based nonprofit jobs, a wonderful list of nonprofit job sites and locations you may want to utilize in finding a non-profit job, and also wonderful links to relevant articles about seeking nonprofit jobs and where online to look!
A Check List To Help You Find Oregon Nonprofit Jobs:
- Understand how the nonprofit sector is different.
- Learn how fundraising works and how organizational missions work and can be funded. No matter what position you are seeking, you will need to understand how the nonprofit sector works. Introduction to nonprofit fundraising.
- Find and gain real experience working with a nonprofit; either volunteering, on a board, or on a project.
- Read and understanding how Foundations work; who they fund, and what are restricted vs. unrestricted funds are.
- Create a resume that mission driven. Both your cover letter and resume will need to show that you have the skills to do the nonprofit work required. You will need to be able to speak to how your background relates to the requirements of the position.
- Know the language (nomenclature) of the nonprofit sector. Never call a nonprofit a company, and know that grantmaking means, vs. grant writing. Very generally speaking grantmaking is the act of funding a nonprofit from a foundation via offering a grant, and grant writing is the activity of writing a grant proposal to be sent out to potential funders such as to foundations, state, corporate and or federal agencies.
- Join a nonprofit board if you are seeking a Director job or higher in the nonprofit sector. If you need help finding one, you could plan to travel and attend Board Match at one of the cities nationally.
- Start building a new network. Find and book some informational interviews with nonprofit you are interested in. Use our network and contact people you know in the nonprofit sector. If you do not yet know anyone, plan on going to a nonprofit meetup or networking event locally near you. Then, try to meet someone, learn about what they do, and ask professionally if they would be open to grabbing a cup of coffee to offer more about how they ended up working in nonprofits, to learn more about their organization, and their work and interests. Tell them you would be interested in learning about their work, and keep it less about you, until they ask.
- Start following nonprofit groups on linkedIn, Twitter, and reading nonprofit publications.
- Understand and use the top nonprofit job boards to learn about new opportunities that could be a strong match for your already established skill-set.
- Apply individually to each open position, crafting your resume and cover letter to be meet the needs and requirements of the exact position you are applying for. In your cover letter express why you are passionate about the nonprofits programs and mission, and also explain what you have accomplished and would potentially bring to the role if selected.
- Be professional, not a pest. Follow-up but do on their terms. If you are applying from the corporate sector, that’s wonderful, but do not expect special treatment and or do not fall into the assumption that your skill-set is easy to understand how it relates to the nonprofit sector job. Be clear on what skills you bring and what you could accomplish in the role. The number one reason corporate candidates do not find work in the nonprofit sector is for failing to phrase and customize their background to show how they would be beneficial to the nonprofit job. Sending your existing corporate resume with an added new paragraph about your interest in their mission is not enough. Put the work in.
- Understand what you qualify for in the nonprofit sector, and be strategic. You may need to consult with other nonprofit professionals or people you know. Ask them what jobs they feel someone with your background could qualify for in the nonprofit sector, and what the pay range is normally. First understanding how nonprofits view your experience is paramount to learning what positions you can immediately gain, and or what steps you may still need to get more experience to land your dream job.
- Watch or attend this class: Introduction to Finding Grants, a free class offered in-person or online from the Foundation Center.
- Be honest, energetic, positive, professional and show what you can do.
- Go out and start applying. Refer to the list of nonprofit job sites below in this post.
Helpful Links to Educate You About Nonprofits And Get You Ready To Interview
An Introduction to How to Find A Job In The Nonprofit Sector
Thinking About a Nonprofit Job? Here’s What You Should Know
Listen to the Fundraising Fundamentals Podcast from The Chronicle of Philanthropy
Our Impact:
This year we have had the pleasure of helping literally thousands of wonderful nonprofit professionals connect. It is gives us great satisfaction helping so many important causes find the leaders they need. Our nonprofit job community is literally buzzing with amazing networks of new talent!
On a daily basis our devoted staff truly enjoys tweeting, posting, and building interest in the positions and organizations listed on FoundationList.org. That is why we take such great pride in promoting your work in the national philanthropic and nonprofit community.
After all, this is what we were born to do. It is our mission and focus to connect experienced professionals with impactful foundations, nonprofit organizations, and educational institutions in need of staff.
Post jobs now to reach local, national, and international nonprofit job seekers, gain social media promotion and powerful job aggregation recruitment. If you’re a job seeker we invite you to search our openings and join our networkto learn of new nonprofit career opportunities.
Following Are The Types of Organizations That Post On Foundation List:
- Foundations
- Nonprofits
- Educational Institutions / Schools
- Unions
- Associations
- Consultants
- Social Enterprises
- Recruitment Firms
- Government Agencies
- Health Institutions / Organizations
- Other Specialties
Oregon Nonprofit Jobs Actively Posted:
Positions actively posted and recruited for on Foundation List include part-time and full-time positions from executive to entry level. The Foundation List network and aggregation post is effective for all roles in the nonprofit and related sector. Following are positions that were designed to be posted with us:
- Executive Leadership
- Development / Grant Making
- Administration
- Finance
- Human Resources
- Communications /Marketing
- Legal
- Programs
- Operations
- Facilitates
- Direct Services
- Health
- Education / Teaching
- Partnerships
- Counseling
- Public Relations
- Customer Services
- Advocacy
- Arts
- Government
Conservation - Community
- Research
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Foundation List is national nonprofit job board specifically designed to meet the needs of the not-for-profit hiring sector.
Now go ahead and list a job!
Foundation List is a job board specifically designed for listing opportunities within the nonprofit employment sector! It is our mission to connect foundations, organizations, associations, and educational institutions to passionate mission-minded job seekers.