So, I’m overhauling my website in an effort to better represent myself.  I am now happy with the design (but of course I’ll redecorate it in six months because I’m, well, me) but now I need some content.  I’ve decided not to hide my light under a bushel and instead of trying to focus on one aspect of my professional self or one skill set I’m just going to put it all out there.  Yes, it may confuse some people but I think I have found a way to at least make it a little more coherent.

I was thinking about how people who work in the non-profit world often wear many hats.  One day they may be paying invoices, updating the website and applying for a grant, another they may be planning a fundraiser, teaching a class and writing a press release.   Most of the development and leadership positions, especially in smaller non-profits, end up this way.  And this is where I thrive.  I love having multiple projects with a combination of creative and operational duties.  I love working in teams and I love working alone.  I love having each day be different than the day before.  I love meeting with people and coming up with ideas, connecting, partnering and getting people involved in things I care about.

The one multi-colored, slightly odd-looking but very fine hat that fits is “Development.”  Being a development professional means all of these things.  As for a job title it can be for something obvious like Development Officer but it also works with Executive Director (or Assistant Director), Program Manager, Managing Director or any number of other names that include this variety of duties and skills.

Unlike past incarnations of my website where I tried to either focus on design, writing or grantsmanship this site will feature bits and bobs from all facets of my career.  I know how to negotiate, write and manage a contract as well as create a logo, design a newsletter, research and write articles for it and get it on the Internet. I think that trying to over-focus in order to fit into one category not only sold myself short but, had I been offered employment as only a designer, writer or contract manager I don’t think I’d be very happy.

My current job with the City of Austin allows me to express nearly all aspects of my skills.  This is awesome; however, I have been doing the same job for almost 9 years and I think it is about time for a change.  I have grown in this position but there is only so far I can stretch it within the confines of my title, responsibility and budget.  I would love it if I could relinquish some of the operational duties and focus on developing relationships, fostering communication among community technology groups in Austin and looking forward into the future.  Unfortunately there are only so many hours in the day and most of those are taken up with processing invoices, facilitating the grants process and other projects.  I know that my supervisor would love to create just such a position for me but that isn’t in the cards.  The City has no money and won’t for a very long time.  We are at least a year behind in feeling the effects of the recession which means that the worst is just now hitting us and we won’t recover until well after the rest of the economy begins to strengthen.

The irony is that part of what I could do in a newer, better (faster, stronger!) position would be to develop partnerships that would strengthen our economy by providing workforce development training directly meeting the needs of local companies.  A highly trained workforce encourages growth by bringing in new business.  Better quality of living and social services make Austin more attractive to newcomers which strengthens our tax base.  You have to spend money to make money.  I wish the City could spend a bit more on me to get me some help!

I am looking into an Internship program; however, even an Intern will cost the City money.  If an Intern were to work for me they would be privy to certain financial information.  As such the City would have to run a background check on them and cover them under the City’s liabilty insurance against fraud or mal-  practice?  mal- feasance?  mal – somethingornotherbad, anyway.  So even if I find an Intern who is willing to work for free I may not get the green light due to other considerations.

So, here I am… starting a job search at the tail end of a recession.  Silly Weeb.  At least working on this site will help me to further focus my goals, needs and wants so that when an opportunity arrives I can grab on with both hands.