By Amber Alarid, JVA Consulting

If you aspire to hold a leadership position in your organization, there is no better time to start learning than now. According to Johns Hopkins University, the nonprofit sector has been experiencing growth over the past few years despite tough economic times.  Additionally, as baby boomers retire,  it has been reported that a plethora of leadership positions will become available.If you want to fill one of the many open leadership roles, here are some steps you can take right now, no matter where you are in your career.

Share your goals

If you are enthusiastic about taking on additional responsibility, chances are your supervisor will be happy to give it to you. Identify some tangible goals you have that will move you along in your career path and share those goals with your boss, asking if there are opportunities for you to take on tasks that will help you reach them. If you are involved in a board or volunteer position, these are also great opportunities to learn new tasks and take on additional responsibility.

Find professional development opportunities

Bridgespan suggests using a mix of formal and informal methods to be proactive about professional development. Attend events sponsored by organizations like Denver Young Nonprofit Professionals Network or an organization you volunteer with and are passionate about—this is a great way to expand your network and engage in discussions about nonprofit leadership with leaders themselves. Find formal trainings as well that build the skills you are looking for. JVA hosts a training designed specifically for new and learning executive directors called Executive Director Academy, which is great for young professional looking to move up to an executive director position.

Take on leadership positions outside work

Even if you’re not ready to apply for a leadership position within your organization, you can be a leader in other capacities. As previously mentioned, board and volunteer positions are great ways to build your leadership skills. Offer to take charge of a particular task or committee and use the opportunity to learn more about the organization, the sector and your own leadership style.

In what ways are you a leader in the field? What leadership qualities do you find most important?  Let us know by leaving a comment below.