The Story
I’ve always believed in the concept of the career lattice over the career ladder. An initial glance through my resume might not immediately show the thread that connects my diverse set of experiences, but the connection is there. As I’ve progressed through my career, lessons and skills from each role have helped me grow into the next one. And now, after several years in nonprofit recruiting the time has come to seek my next opportunity. Because I am open to a career pivot, I’ve put together this one-pager to help contextualize my experiences and where I might want to go next.

The Big Picture
Project-based and People-based is where my strengths live

Project based work: Legendary propane salesman, Hank Hill, once said “Fun within prescribed limits–this is gonna work.”, and that’s my project mantra. I love that each project is unique, even when there is a template set up for it . Figuring out how to get creative within the prescribed limits of the project is something that energizes me and brings out my strategic strengths. And the fact that each project has a specific start and end means that there is always something new that gets the brain working.

People based work: Humans are unpredictable, messy and chaotic. Some people might read that and go “I Know!” in an exasperated voice. But I read it and go “I know! Isn’t it great!”. From teaching students how to use library resources to collaborating with colleagues to troubleshoot a search that isn’t going according to plan– These are the moments that I have been the most engaged and fulfilled at my job. As the world becomes more driven by algorithms and predictability, I want to relish in the unpredictability of working with humans.

The Smaller Picture
My diverse set of experiences have given me the skill set to succeed in a variety of fields. As I navigate the 2026 job search environment I have given thought to the following kinds of roles.

Recruiting- In 2020, I pivoted out of fundraising and into nonprofit recruiting. In my role I utilized my research background along with nonprofit subject matter expertise to build robust networks of potential candidates. What I loved most about this work was collaborating with the search team to figure out how to meet the client needs and identifying potential roadblocks that might indicate a mismatch between the market and the client. However, the solitary nature of my work did not allow for as much client interfacing or team collaboration as I would have liked. I have interest in learning more about executive recruiting from a more client facing orientation.

Learning and Development – What are we capable of when given the right resources and support? As a first-generation college student, I’ve had to figure out my professional development path mostly on my own. Part of this discovery process has included the realization that I could transfer the skills I gained from teaching students how to use library resources into helping people navigate their professional lives and career shifts. When I stopped being an official librarian, the thing I missed most was teaching workshops and classes. Because I missed it, I would create opportunities in all of my roles. This included putting together a multi-part series on fundraising when I was in development and putting together an elevator speech workshop for a staff retreat when working in recruiting. I’m looking forward to leaning into a pivot that allows me to do more of this kind of work.

Consulting : You know the feeling when you’re working on a crossword puzzle and you figure out one word that cracks open the whole puzzle? Figuring out how to crack open the puzzle is my definition of consulting. Strategic thinking is one of my superpowers and nothing makes me happier than having a difficult problem to solve. My varied experiences give me subject matter expertise in several areas and my love of research combined with my love of people blends quantitative and qualitative knowledge.

Mission-Driven: “So enter that daily thou mayest grow in knowledge, wisdom, and love; So depart that daily thou mayest better serve thy fellow men, thy country, and thy God.”–these words carved in Ohio University’s college gateway have guided me on my professional journey. From my first job at the YMCA to Community Organizing and beyond, I have spent my career working in mission-driven spaces. Some of the issues that are most important to me include:

Advocacy/Organizing: When I was in third grade my friends and I launched a campaign to stop our school’s balloon release because we learned that balloons were dangerous to sea creatures. That was my origin story as an advocate, and I would go on to advocate for library resources, food access, and voting rights. This kind of work feels more important than ever, and I’m up for the challenge.

Arts Funding and Programs: Seeing a Henry Darger painting at the High Museum of Art in Atlanta. Listening to live music at my favorite dive bar, Seeing The Third Man on the big screen at my local independent theater. These are the experiences that make existing as a human worth it. Sometimes I regret not pursuing a career in arts or arts administration, but then I remember that you don’t need anything special to enjoy art. All you need is a sense of curiosity and a willingness to be moved.

Place-Based Programming: A few years ago I was faced with a choice. “If you could work from anywhere, where would you choose to live?” The answer was Akron, Ohio. I wasn’t born here, but I have adopted it as my home city and love this scrappy little place. Choosing where you’re going to live is also choosing where you are going to invest–both your time and your money– and I love being a cheerleader for a place that has so much potential.

email: laura.f.dowler@gmail.com