I work for a nonprofit and there is another position available in a different department that is right in my wheelhouse. I told my bosses that I want to explore it and was given their blessing. My boss actually gave my resume to the head of the department and put a good word in for me. Received an email from them yesterday and they told me that if I was to join them, it would be a lateral move. I responded with that does not discourage me as I still would like to explore the opportunity. Now real talk, I have the experience for this role, in fact, of all the people they are hiring, all internal by the way, I am the only one with this niche. I don't agree that it should be a lateral move but I am going to see what it is about. Do you think they are testing to see if I want to move just for money?

8 Comments

1. Ally MorganMarch 29,2026 at 12:19PM UTC

   I think they are letting you know that it's a lateral move so that your money expectations are correct.

2. TriciaMarch 29,2026 at 12:54PM UTC

   It sounds as if they are interested in you and your work experience but the lateral move is all that can be offered at this time. They are being honest up front in hopes you aren’t concerned about money/promotion and still interested in the job.

   Even if you have the background, experience and more knowledge asking for more money or even talking about it could ruin your chance at the opportunity. It’s your choice if you want to move forward. This opportunity could open more doors possibly later on.

   Good luck and make the move. YOLO!

3. Alexis GladstoneMarch 29,2026 at 1:09PM UTC

   Usually roles are classified based on the responsibilities, not the person applying. I think that they are being honest with you because they don't want you to have unrealistic expectations. Also, lateral doesn't always mean that there isn't a bit of wiggle room on salary. It is usually referring to title.

   If it really interests you, I would still go for it.

4. Dr. Patty GrossMarch 29,2026 at 1:15PM UTC

   If this were a for-profit company, I would say it is absolutely a test, but the reality of nonprofits is that they operate on very tight budget constraints, and payroll is often their biggest expense. The biggest questions are: if you were going into a for-profit space, would this added expertise be worth more money, and what are they doing to back-fill the position you would be leaving? To a large degree, and depending on the specialty position, most people don't go into the non-profit world for the money, and if they do, it is only to gain the experience so that they can move on to a better opportunity outside. A lot of this will depend on the corporate culture and how much they expect their people to be dedicated to the cause. A lateral move may be all they can afford at this time. If you want to address any compensation adjustment, make sure it is about what your unique experience and expertise can bring to the cause, and if practical, how much it might save them in the long run.

5. AnonymousMarch 29,2026 at 4:46PM UTC

   Don't broach the subject at all. They have been clear that you would only move over laterally. They do not want to make it a promotion so let it go. If you interview for and get the job be excellent in it and in the next review cycle perhaps they will give you a raise and or promotion. You did not list the titles so I can only assume that you might be wanting to move for a bigger title as well? If that is the case again, wait for them to let you know they can afford or want to give you more. In the non-profit space budgets and job levels are generally are set and once done that is that.

   If the role gives you more to do and more content and responsibility that helps your career then that is the gift you get from getting that role, at least for now.

6. OLIVIA JOHNSONMarch 30,2026 at 3:23PM UTC

   Hi there,

   Kudos to you for stepping out, making your interest known and coordinating a well strategized pursuit of this new opportunity WITH the buy-in and support of your Manager!

   Great job!

   Now for your question, on this being a lateral move and if this is a test? I'll respond with the voice of those disruptive public announcements that used to pop into the best part of our TV show back in the day...

   This is NOT A TEST! :) - Unfortunately, It's nonprofit!

   Not surprising. Does not mean that you still don't give it a try. I recommend continuing forward as you are, let the process run its course, see where it leads and when you receive an official offer, you can try the following:

   Ask casually if there has been any change to the salary range for the role since the initial start of the exploration process (especially if the process has taken some time OR the scope creep has already began and there has been added responsibilities spoken of that were not included in the original job posting).

   Or if you happen to be close to performance review time you can ask if along with your review and what/if any merit increase was coming your way if they would consider an increase as a gesture/slight bump for taking on the role.

   One other option which is very common for nonprofits, is that sometimes they are low on budget but high on dishing out titles. IF this is your org and there is room in the hierarchy (meaning open levels between yourself and your Manager, as your Manager will not approve a title beyond their own) then you may have something to work with. i.e. from Manager to Senior Manager (no increase in pay). What this will do? Even without an increase in pay, you will at least assist your positioning for your next role internal or external, AND show progression on your resume.

   Hope this is helpful.

   Wish you the best on your pursuit.

   Coach Olivia

7. JulesMarch 31,2026 at 2:28PM UTC

   I took a lateral move in my field to Risk Adjustment where I really wanted to be. Once I was in the role I was promoted to leadership in 9 months. While taking a lateral move might sound illogical, if it is where you want to be it can be a game changer. Best of Luck ~J

8. TangelaJune 12,2026 at 9:27AM UTC

   Tiny coffee break take from me: that “lateral move” line would make my eyebrow jump too. I had a similar feeling once while playing through pin-up oyunu after work, funny enough — the rounds were flying, balance dipped, then one sharp win hit and suddenly the whole mood changed. Same vibe with jobs: sometimes they test your patience before showing the real table. I wouldn’t assume they’re only checking whether you’re chasing money, but they may be measuring how serious you are, how flexible you sound, and whether they can get your niche skills without adjusting pay. A little cheeky, maybe. I’d still explore it, ask clean questions about scope, title, growth path, and salary band. My soft rule: excitement is great, but don’t underprice a skill nobody else in the room has.