I’m writing to let you know about two exciting new job opportunities at the David Brower Center. Please feel free to spread the word to potential candidates.

The Communications and Marketing Associate will coordinate all efforts to market the Center’s special event facilities, promote exhibitions and public programs, and draft and produce print, web and email communications. The full job description and application instructions are available here: http://www.browercenter.org/node/701.  The application deadline is January 26, 2011.

The Facility Coordinator will oversee maintenance of the 50,000 square foot Center, supporting a dynamic, multi-use building with offices and a conference center.  The full job description and application instructions are available here:  http://www.browercenter.org/node/700.  The application deadline is January 26, 2011.

One of the Bay Area’s most advanced green buildings, the nonprofit David Brower Center is an inspiring hub for environmental and social action in downtown Berkeley. The Center opened in 2009 with offices housing more than 40 nonprofit and social enterprises, a gallery, theater and event facilities, and a restaurant. Conceived as a vibrant community of like-minded individuals and organizations committed to a just and ecologically sustainable society, the Brower Center seeks to foster connections and facilitate cross-sector partnerships. Learn more at www.browercenter.org.

** All correspondence regarding the positions should be directed to hiring@browercenter.org. **

Most of us hate job search. For the shy or introverted it can feel excruciating. Job search brings out feelings of self-doubt and questions our abilities. Many of us become procrastinators, entertaining ourselves with other less threatening or more fun tasks. The approach I’ve taken with my clients who resist job search has been to help build their job search on activities that they enjoy rather than on tasks that feel like torment. 75% of jobs today are found through informal contacts. So have fun. Here are some things that have worked for my clients.

Six ways to job search and have fun at the same time:

1. Follow the Money: If you pick up the paper, the SF Business Times, Fast Company, or Wired you will read about companies expanding their office space, receiving venture capital dollars, or becoming recipients of grant dollars. Where there’s expansion there usually are jobs. Make a cold contact before the openings are posted.
2. Brand Loyalty: Look at the brands you love and the people that lead those companies. If you’re an avid Clif Bar fan and run triathlons then maybe you should look at opportunities with Clif Bar. If you are a fan of Virgin America and David Cush, the President and CEO, then attend a luncheon where he’s speaking and say hello at the buffet.
3. Have Fun: Job leads are like people; they are everywhere! I’ve had clients find out about unannounced openings while at the dog park, the play ground, or book club. Just get out there and be curious and be ready to talk about what you’re looking for in a sharp 30 second pitch.
4. Network Outside Your Field: If you’re a human resources generalist, skip the human resources networking luncheon and go to sector specific events in industries you’re interested in. Other unemployed HR managers can’t hire you, but the new VP at Motorola might!
5. Enter Through the Back Door: For those who really really really hate interviewing, entering through the back door of an organization is the way to go. Prove yourself by volunteering, taking on pro-bono work, or temping. You can show them what a valuable asset you are and generally by-pass the formality of interviews when openings occur.
6. Turn Off the Computer!!!: Most job seekers are spending an increasing amount of time meandering online with out a plan. Use it strategically to get job leads sent automatically to you via Indeed. Use the net to research companies and people. Use it to connect to other people via social networks. 73% of 18-34 year olds found their last job through a social network. That doesn’t mean they sent out a resume to a friend of friend and bang! They have a job. It means they used the social network to build meaningful relationships and gain strategic introductions. Turn off the computer and make a coffee date instead.