Why job titles aren't as important as you think

What’s in a job title really? It’s just words, isn’t it? Words that describe what you do for a living. It doesn’t really matter what the title is, right?

If that’s the case, why do so many people put so much stock in them?

A 2019 Quartz at Work article claims that millennials care so much about job titles that they’re willing to take a pay cut for them. Crazy, isn’t it?But why? Is it about establishing a particular level of authority in an organisation? A way to measure your self-worth? A means of validating your role to the outside world? Or to make your CV more appealing to hiring managers when applying for future opportunities?

All of the above are legitimate reasons for wanting a sexy-sounding job title. After all, our job title is a big part of our identity, considering how much of our lives we spend at work.

However, technological advances, cultural shifts and changing motivations are all contributing to a transformation in attitudes and the way in which we work. A trend that is sure to continue as we move towards the future of work.

With this in mind, we’re here to help you overcome your concerns and explain why job titles aren’t as important as you think in the charity sector.

Same job. Different name.

Job titles are not universal. Titles vary between organisations.

A Fundraising Coordinator working for one charity can undertake the same duties as a Fundraising Associate in another. Same job, different name.

Another example: you join a local non-profit as a Marketing Assistant, supporting the Marketing Manager with the promotion of fundraising campaigns and other marketing and communications-related activities.

A year later you apply for a new role with another organisation. The title of the role is Marketing Executive. You get the job, and your responsibilities are the same as in your previous role. Different charity, different name, but the same job.

Which sounds better? Assistant or Executive?

If the duties and the pay are the same, it doesn’t matter, does it?

This brings us to point number 2.

Job titles don’t pay the rent

What’s the point of a high-level job title if the salary doesn’t match it?

You wouldn’t want the job of Director of Finance without financial compensation equivalent to the level of responsibility. Unless you’re a millennial, of course!

What if, as Director of Finance you are on a lower salary than the Finance Manager working for another charity? Would you take the lesser-paid role for the sake of having the word ‘director’ on your CV?

That would be a mistake. Sure, money isn’t everything, but it’s more important than a job title. After all, your job title doesn’t put food on the table or pay your rent.

Also, a ‘Director’ may sound like a role that pays more than a manager, but that’s not always the case. Something to consider, right?

Incidentally, we’ll be talking about charity sector salaries in a future blog post. Keep an eye out!

The Devil’s in the Detail

What else is more important than the job title? The job description.

Do your duties match the title you’ve been given? Are you responsible for more than your job title suggests? Or is your title an inflated representation of your responsibilities?

The work you do within your role is much more valuable to your employer (and future employers) than the name given to your position.

Being labelled as a manager doesn’t equate to much if you don’t manage anyone.

Future opportunities will come as a result of what you know and what you’ve done before. A manager by name only doth not a manager make.

Horizontal over Vertical

Contrary to what you’d expect, moving higher up in the organisational structure doesn’t necessarily translate to a more rewarding career move.

The truth is, career opportunities in the charity sector are many, and sometimes a sidestep can be more beneficial than a step up the ladder.

When you move up, the increased responsibilities can be restrictive and halt professional growth, whereas a sideways shuffle into another area of fundraising can open up new opportunities for learning that make you a more well-rounded and valuable prospect to other employers.

Head of Communications and Engagement or Community and Events Fundraiser? Which one has the most potential for growth?

Something to think about if you’re looking for a new challenge.

Are you convinced?

What are your thoughts on job titles after reading this post? Have we convinced you that they aren’t as important as you think? Whatever your view on the subject, we have a variety of opportunities available if you’re looking for a new role in the fundraising sector. Give us a call on 0203 750 3111 to find out more.