Not many GCs find their jobs in the want ads, especially not coveted public interest positions. But Cynthia Lewin learned that the GC spot at the National Wildlife Federation was open by reading the Washington Post classifieds.

At the time, Lewin, 49, was executive vice president and GC of Volunteers of America, a nonprofit based in Alexandria, Va., that provides community-based social services. But after eight years there, she was ready for a change.