This page is intended to provide informal guidance to those interested in advancing their careers at Project Vote Smart, and does not represent official criteria or policies for advancement.
There are many opportunities for professional growth at Project Vote Smart. Regardless of position, we equip often-entry-level interns and employees with a high level of responsibility, management experience, and practical, transferable skills.
If you are seeking higher responsibility, richer experiences, or a management-focused position, this page is for you.
Standard pay increases for staff are governed by the policies and procedures manual. Additional pay or increases are limited by budget constraints, but are possible. They may correspond with such metrics as time served, experience, skill sets, increased responsibility, and performance.
Opportunities for advancement in position are typically governed by the organization's structure and hierarchy and vacancies. Individuals are assessed and offered these positions at the discretion of those with hiring authority. There are opportunities, at the discretion of the National Director and President to create new positions.
Following the plan below may position you better for advancement:
Demonstrate Excellence
Demonstrate excellence in your current role:- meet or exceed expectations as it relates to performance standards
- demonstrate a good attitude
- demonstrate an ability to manage the program you oversee or help to oversee
Be Proactive in Professional Development
Be proactive in your professional development:- Learn more about other departments and the organization as a whole
- Review CategoryManagement and other training/skill development on the wiki; consider the resources found on ProfessionalDevelopment
- Seek out third-party resources for developing your skills
- Actively solicit feedback from your supervisor and work to improve your skills
- Think about the qualities the organization seeks in it's leaders and strive to meet them. At Vote Smart a lot of this is defined in CategoryManagement and the criteria evaluated in performance evaluations
Take Initiative
Demonstrate initiative, seize opportunities, and gain experience:- Volunteer for or seek out additional responsibilities to further develop leadership skills. In a time of crisis, step up to the plate. Rise to the occasion. Pick up any slack.
- if your supervisor asks for feedback or assistance, jump at the opportunity
- Use these opportunities to perfect and demonstrate superior leadership skills
Ambition and Interest
Demonstrate ambition and interest:- Develop big picture ideas and suggestions for improvement and communicate them to your supervisor
- go “above and beyond” without sacrificing the performance standards set by your supervisor
Professionalism
Reflect on your professionalism and how you may further enhance or exhibit your professionalism:- think about boundaries, presentation, and behavior
- demonstrate utmost respect for your supervisor(s) and organizational decisions, setting the standard for others
Be an Ally
Be an ally to your supervisor and your colleagues. The better you can perform to their standards and the easier you make their job, the better off everyone will be.If you have any questions, ask your supervisor.
