Social Impact & Other Non-profit Organizations Industry Guide

What Do We Mean by “Social Impact”?

The CPD is partnering with the Center for Social Impact to spotlight careers and opportunities in social impact and non-profit organizations.

Social impact refers to the positive effect an individual or organization has on the wellbeing of a community. Careers in social impact can be found across the sectors, in non-profits, the private sector, and government. Often organizations are working across sectors to maximize impact and the sustainability of positive change.  

This is a huge field and includes many types of organizations doing diverse kinds of work. When thinking about a social impact career, it is often helpful to begin by limiting the scope of what you are seeking. You might consider selecting a particular issue you would like to work on, such as the environment, affordable housing, or global health. Or you may limit your scope by searching for specific roles across issues, such as positions in grant writing or direct social service. 

Why Does It Matter Now?

Those working in social impact have been an important part of the efforts to fight COVID-19 and support those impacted by the resulting economic crisis. Many of these needs will persist well beyond the current public health situation. 

As we emerge from this pandemic, a number of areas may experience heightened needs, including: Community and Economic Development, Health and Human Services, Youth and Education Programs, and Mental Health Services. 

Research Resources

  • Dartmouth Library Resource Guide: Non-Profits & Social Enterprises
  • GuideStar Pro
    • A database of millions of U.S. non-profit organizations. Search for organizations and people by name, geography, financials, or a variety of other criteria. Reports include general information on the non-profit, people, mission and programs, goals and results, Form 990 filings, and financial data.

Professional Associations

Bridges to Impact

Join other recent Dartmouth grads in a new program that will provide: Mentoring, Professional Development, Networking!

Bridges to Impact connects graduating students who will be working or studying in any area of social impact (non-profits, social enterprise, socially responsible businesses, government, social impact research, academic study) with a Dartmouth alumni mentor and a network of alumni making an impact through their work and volunteering. To learn more and apply, visit the Center for Social Impact’s website.

Finding Jobs and Internships

Recommended sites in addition to Handshake include:

Finding Fellowships

These are 1-2 year paid learning and professional development opportunities that include both formal training and experiential components. Some are associated with graduate school programs, offer credit, or professional credentials (such as a teaching certification). 

Sample Fellowships, Jobs, and Internships 

Sample Fellowships:

Sample Jobs:

  • Codman Academy, Dorchester, MA (Education)
    Development Assistant
  • DC Greens, Washington, DC
    Communications Assistant
  • Young New Yorkers, New York, NY (Youth Education & Social Justice)
    Grant Writer & Coordinator

Sample Internships:

  • State Innovation Exchange Internship
  • OneTrack International, Boston, MA & Remote (Social Services)
    Fundraising & Development Intern
  • Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute, Washington, D.C. (Public Policy)
    College Programs Intern
  • Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Cleveland, OH (Arts & Entertainment)
    Fall Intern

You can find more organizations and industry reports using our Undergraduate Job Hunting Guide. Log into Handshake and schedule an appointment with a CPD career coach.