Navigating Career Shifts for Nonprofit Success

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Want to discover how an unexpected job offer can change the trajectory of your career? Join us as we sit down with Jessi Marsh, the Senior Director of Creative Strategy at Dickerson Baker, who went from dreaming of a career in advertising to leading impactful nonprofit initiatives. Jessi’s journey takes us through her early days in volunteer coordination and case management, a life-altering move to Seattle, and her eventual return to Pittsburgh, where she now combines her advertising skills with nonprofit missions. Her story not only highlights the rewarding unpredictability of nonprofit work but also offers a unique perspective on integrating diverse skill sets to drive mission-driven success.

In this episode, we break down the critical elements of nonprofit leadership, particularly in fundraising. Transitioning from a major gift officer to a leadership role requires big-picture thinking, problem-solving prowess, and a deep understanding of interconnected responsibilities. Jessi shares invaluable insights on how leveraging consultants can empower young leaders and bridge knowledge gaps, transforming weaknesses into strengths. Learn how embracing expert advice can help you confidently steer your nonprofit organization forward, ensuring both sustainability and growth.

Jessi Marsh, M.S., leads Creative Strategy for DickersonBakker - a fundraising consulting firm and agency. She is an experienced nonprofit professional with a 20+ year career in leading and growing nonprofit organizations both as an internal staff member and an external consultant.  She has overseen Advancement departments large and small, supported urban and rural, local and international nonprofits including those focusing on out-of-school programming, poverty alleviation, health, human services, higher education, domestic violence and food insecurity. 

Get free nonprofit professional development resources, connections to cause work peers, and more at https://nonprofithub.org