Pros
You will make friends - that will be the best part (after you leave, this is the only thing that will comfort you). You might travel a little (with numerous restrictions). You might enjoy a fun themed potluck now and then. The org. mission is good in theory (not always in practice).
Cons
Oh where to begin. You will be paid very little for the amount you contribute. IES is not your average non-profit - they have an endowment, their president/ceo makes over a million dollars each year. Yes, read that again. Look it up, it's public knowledge. Gag a little. Get angry. No one should be making $30k-40k pretax in the city of Chicago when someone is paid that insane amount. at. a. non. profit. IES could easily pay more but falls back on the "market rate" excuse (because if everyone in the field pays their staff a tiny amount, they can too!). Upper management doesn't get it. And/or doesn't care to get it. Some are institutions - planted, unmoving and ancient (not necessarily in age, but in mindset). The people working on the front lines, talking to students/parents/faculty etc. are made to feel disposable. They are told they are appreciated, but action$ speak louder than words guys. And no one (who can actually do anything) cares. Those who speak up rarely last. Who has the energy to fight the good fight when it leads absolutely nowhere. Unless you're an AVP's fave - then you may be in luck!