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Social Impact Opportunities

Growing Your Impact Career in 2026

A colleague asked me what skills they should focus on this year. I started listing things—then realized I sounded like a LinkedIn influencer having a crisis. So let's keep this simple.

The Big Picture

The impact sector is changing fast. AI is part of that story, but it's not the whole story. What matters most is staying curious, building new skills, and connecting with people who get the work you do.

Whether you're in humanitarian response, nonprofit leadership, social enterprise, or international development—the professionals thriving right now are the ones who keep learning and stay connected to a community.

A Few Things Worth Your Attention

You don't need to master everything. But here are a few areas worth exploring this year:

  • Get comfortable with AI tools. You don't need to become a tech expert. But knowing how to use AI for writing, research, and everyday tasks will save you time and make your work stronger. Start small—experiment with one tool and see how it fits your workflow.

  • Invest in your leadership skills. The sector needs people who can navigate complexity, manage teams through change, and bring communities together. This never goes out of style.

  • Build your network with intention. Opportunities come through relationships. Show up in spaces where impact professionals gather—online and in person.

  • Stay informed. The landscape shifts quickly. Find a few trusted sources and communities that help you stay current without overwhelming you.

Resources to Help You Grow

There's no shortage of learning opportunities. Here are a few we recommend:

Two PCDN Workshops This Month

We're hosting two sessions to help you build practical skills. You can sign up for you to workshop individually or if you join the Career campus it's included in the membership

LinkedIn for Impact — Learn how to build visibility, grow your network, and use the platform strategically for your impact career.

Writing for Impact — Practical AI writing tools to help you work smarter while keeping your authentic voice.

Join Career Campus

Want ongoing support for your impact career? PCDN Career Campus is our membership community designed to help you grow.

Members get:

  • Both workshops included

  • Bi-weekly office hours with career guidance

  • 300+ human-curated impact opportunities delivered monthly

  • And much more

It's a space to learn, connect, and stay sharp alongside other impact professionals.

We'd Love to Hear From You

What's on your mind about your career this year? What skills are you working on? What feels challenging?

We genuinely enjoy hearing from this community—your questions and reflections shape what we build.

Reply to this email or share your thoughts here.

Social Impact News & Resources

😄 Joke of the Day

I asked a grant writer to tell me a joke, and she said she’d submit a draft in 6–8 weeks.

🌐 News

💼 Jobs, Jobs, Jobs

Idealist remains the sector's most trusted resource for finding mission-driven work, connecting millions of professionals with thousands of active job listings, internships, and volunteer opportunities at nonprofits worldwide.

🎧 Podcast to Check Out

Connecting Communities for Impact- dives into the real work of weaving networks and building power across borders. Check out our Latest episode of the Social Change Career Podcast

🎁 Special Incentive: Listen to the episode and rate the podcast here to be eligible to win 1 of 5 six-month PCDN Career Digest subscriptions! It’s a great win/win opportunity.

🔗 LinkedIn Profile to Follow

Wanjira Mathai – As the Managing Director for Africa and Global Partnerships at the World Resources Institute (and daughter of Nobel laureate Wangari Maathai), Wanjira is a relentless force for climate justice, youth leadership, and landscape restoration. Follow her for a masterclass in connecting grassroots environmental action with high-level global policy.

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