Navigating Career Progression in the Charity Sector

Working in the charity sector has always come with a bit of job-hopping, but these days people are moving on faster than ever, looking for that next challenge, a chance for career growth and an increased salary. This trend is especially strong among junior professionals.

What’s driving this push for rapid career progression?

• For starters, financial security and recognition matter – When you’re early in your career, it’s tempting to feel that you’ve outgrown your role, and want to seek new opportunities that offer better pay and more responsibility.

• Lack of internal growth opportunities – Not all charities have the structure or resources to support continuous professional development.

• FOMO – As we’re spending ever more time online, scrolling through LinkedIn or Instagram, we’re more exposed than ever to the celebrations (read, humble-brags) of others, so the desire to prove yourself and progress is more acute than ever.

The numbers back this up: nearly 60% of charity sector employees[i] say they’re likely to switch jobs in the next year, mostly for better pay and career advancement.

The Downside of Rapid Career Moves

While that hunger for growth is completely understandable, it’s also causing headaches for hiring managers. Many candidates applying for senior roles have only spent a year or so in their previous positions, which raises questions about whether they’ve had enough time to build the experience, strategic thinking, and leadership skills they’ll need.

The Value of Long-term Thinking in Charity Careers

This is where it pays to think long-term. Speeding up your career might seem like the best way to succeed, but staying in a role a little longer has its perks and shows at more senior levels. It gives you the chance to develop deeper expertise and actually see a full cycle of fundraising or marketing campaigns. When you are starting to move into leadership positions this will be beneficial over other candidates.

Staying in a role longer can offer significant advantages:

Stronger Evidence of Impact

Remaining in a position allows you to:

• Build a strong portfolio of completed projects.
• Demonstrate measurable results.
• Take full ownership of initiatives from start to finish.

Hiring managers can easily spot the difference between candidates who’ve made a genuine impact and those who’ve only contributed to the tail end of someone else’s work.

Demonstrated Loyalty and Commitment

Employers value candidates who:

• Invest in their roles.
• Tackle challenges head-on.
• Contribute meaningfully to the organisation’s mission.

Short stints can suggest a lack of commitment, making hiring managers wary of future turnover.

Stronger Professional Networks

Longer tenures help you:

• Build deeper relationships with colleagues.
• Gain advocates who can vouch for your skills.
• Establish a reputation as a reliable and dedicated team member.

These connections can be invaluable when applying for more senior roles or seeking references.

Career Progression in the Charity Sector: A Pyramid Structure

Early in your career, opportunities are plentiful. But as you climb the ladder, roles become fewer and more competitive. Hiring managers often prefer candidates who’ve demonstrated long-term success and can show a clear trajectory of career progression and achievement.

Summary

At the end of the day, career growth in the charity sector is all about finding the right balance. Being ambitious is great, but progression should be thoughtful, not rushed. The best moves come from building strong foundations in each role before jumping to the next. After all, success isn’t just about how fast you climb—it’s about making sure each step is solid enough to support the next. If you’d like to read more about progressing your career you can find more here.

[i] https://www.charityjob.co.uk/careeradvice/pay-and-retention-report-2024-where-do-you-fit-in/?form=MG0AV3