Not your average 9-5

Working for Public Allies has definitely been eye opening and a challenge. Entering this position, I expected a certain level of rigidity, bureaucracy, and routine due to the preconceived expectations tied to working in a federally funded program, not to mention, having to represent and help manage relationships between PA Alumni, ASU, the Lodestar Center, and the multiple nonprofit CEO’s and Directors we partner with each year.

So to think I was a little over my head at the beginning was an understatement. But the fear quickly changed and so did my respect for the nonprofit sector – frankly, it had too.

Every day for the last couple months has brought a different challenge. From coordinating a 60+ person multi-interview event on a Monday to finalizing individual hire paperwork for 37 Allies back at the office that Friday. To say the least is that my Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at Public Allies are hazes of never ending learning experiences.

Thanks to them, I’ve acquired the talents of the fabled nonprofit superhuman and am pleased to say they do exist and walk among us everyday! But as the cliché saying goes, “with great power comes great responsibility.” This one requires that you make quick effective decisions, take efficient action, be innovative and flexible, all while at the same time saving face and remaining professional.

The most recent project I’ve been in charge of are to fianlize portfolios for our 30 different Partner Organizations. They include everything from policies and regulations to financial portfolios, contracts, and Ally positions. This task has required me to micromanage accomplished CEO’s and Directors more than twice my age; a task that is equal parts awkward as it is exhausting.

Our team at the office is small but we are incredibly effective and efficient in the work we do. The atmosphere is relaxed and professional. We make it a point to take shared lunches whenever time allows and check in with each other every morning. This supportive atmosphere makes me feel much more intentional in my work and as a consequence I am more effective and efficient.