Whether it's breast cancer, the fight against HIV/AIDS, or child abuse awareness, jobs in the "cause" sector are fueling job openings for those who possess a passion for purpose.

According to Richard Chang, author of the "Passion Plan: A Step-By-Step Guide To Discovering, Developing, and Living Your Passion," "Passion is an emotional experience that comes from the heart. People who work with ribbon jobs are usually involved because there was a personal experience that may have driven that passion. It could be a core reason for service and helping the community."

As various colored ribbons are associated with specific causes, career paths follow suit. Whether it's in the education field, special events and fundraising, or communications, a variety of career paths exist in passion-fueled niches.

Pink-Ribbon Jobs

While the pink ribbon is synonymous for breast cancer awareness, jobs in this field may be found in a variety of organizations, such as Susan G. Komen for the Cure, the National Breast Cancer Coalition, or the Breast Cancer Network of Strength. As the education and policy coordinator for the greater New York City affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure, Jackie Ramos-Calderon, MSW coordinates education events and gathers data to ensure funding is channeled where it is needed most. "Our goal is to ultimately decrease mortality," says Ramos-Calderon who has worked the past 14 years in the breast cancer awareness field.

She primarily connects the Komen affiliate with organizations that need services and education. For instance, a local mental health organization holding a breast cancer awareness event will need a speaker -- Ramos-Calderon is instrumental in scheduling that featured guest. She also analyzes government data to determine where breast cancer cases are most prevalent in the greater New York City area to ensure that their support resources are made available. "I see where there are the highest incidents, the ethic groups most affected, who has regular mammograms, and who needs them most."

In addition to outreach, Ramos-Calderon helps callers with inquiries to guide them through the Komen website and provide technical assistance. One bonus, she notes, is being bilingual so she may also assist Spanish callers.

In order to work in this role Ramos-Calderaon says it's important to focus on soft skills. "You have to go the extra mile and be a people person. I love knowing that I have contributed to saving someone else's life. It's very important to educate women when they can't advocate for themselves."

Red-Ribbon Jobs

As the international symbol of HIV/AIDS, "red ribbon" jobs signify dedication toward the prevention, treatment, and awareness of HIV/AIDS.

Franklin Fry is the director of special events at amfAR, The Foundation for AIDS Research, an organization dedicated to the support of AIDS research, HIV prevention, treatment education, and advocacy. The opportunity to contribute to the greater good is the main reason Fry enjoys his occupation. "The work is challenging, but I get a chance to be an important part of the scientific world. The work I do has a fundamental impact that I probably wouldn't find anywhere else."

Fry is in charge of fundraising events that range from small panel discussions to gala dinners with notable honorees. Because he finds himself constantly managing a variety of events at various planning stages, he ranks flexibility, imagination, and tact as critical skills. Aspiring events professionals should be flexible, he advises. "[They should be] able to immediately prioritize in the middle of a storm."

Fry manages amfAR's budgets, tracks expenses, works on logistics for upcoming events, attends events to ensure everything runs smoothly, coordinates with catering, schedules talent, and ensures that an educational awareness theme is omnipresent. "My work is really about raising the funds from a foundation side. Awareness is important to include within the fundraising event so people know where their money is going." In addition to amfAR, other AIDS organizations include the Elizabeth Glazer Pediatric AIDS Foundation, The International AIDS Society-USA, and the Elton John AIDS Foundation.

Blue-Ribbon Jobs

Ben Tanzer, senior director of strategic communications of Prevent Child Abuse America, an organization that works to prevent the abuse and neglect of children, touts a blue-ribbon job. "Like a lot of people who get into this field, I was initially drawn to the idea that I could help or protect children and that I could make a difference in their lives."

Tanzer facilitates the organization's outgoing communications and messaging, including all press releases, grant proposals, public service announcements, annual reports, newsletters, and marketing pieces. He also directs the organization's use of social media like YouTube videos and Facebook.

For aspiring communications professionals, experience in public relations and marketing are very helpful. He notes, "An understanding of social media is a must. Listening skills are important and the ability to clarify, summarize, and synthesize new information is also key to this kind of job." Careers in this field may be found in a variety of organizations such as the Child Abuse Prevention Association and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

While the pink, red, and blue ribbons symbolize awareness for a cause, several other colors exist as well such as yellow for suicide awareness and prevention, violet for Hodgkin's' lymphoma, or gold for childhood awareness. Within each ribbon's sector, chances are there is a challenging job to fuel one's passion into purpose.