Volunteers work with local, national, or international nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) that deal with youth, social services, small-business development, or the environment.

Typical projects include increasing an NGO's organizational capacity and sustainability; creating strategic and funding plans; raising public awareness of an NGO's mission; conducting community outreach; recruiting, training, and motivating NGO volunteers; developing mission statements, bylaws, and other documentation; working with boards of directors; mentoring and skill building staff; and increasing the quality and effectiveness of an NGO's services.

Education

Applicants must have a bachelor's degree in any discipline and two years of experience in management of a nonprofit; or a master's degree with a concentration in nonprofit management, public administration, or organizational development; or no college degree and at least five years of management experience in a nonprofit organization.

Experience

Most applicants have at least two years of management or organizational development experience with nonprofit organizations as staff members or volunteers. Recent college graduates may have experience as founders or leaders of a community- or school-based organization.

Other relevant experience includes a demonstrated commitment to a project's issues, working with a community service organization, and supervision of community or student volunteers. Networking skills, information technology experience, and strategic planning abilities are also useful.