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Careers in Nonprofits: What You Need to Know in 2022

careers in nonprofits

Conscientious individuals who are passionate about changing the world for the better are often drawn to careers in nonprofits. These careers can indeed present the opportunity for fulfilling work with meaningful impact, but as with any career path, it’s wise to gather as much information as possible before taking the leap. If nonprofit careers appeal to you, here’s an overview to get you started.

What are nonprofit organizations?

The term “nonprofit organization” is defined differently among countries and jurisdictions. This article is based on U.S. definitions and data, though it should be noted that in the U.S. Internal Revenue Code, the word “nonprofit” is not specifically defined – according to the National Council of Nonprofits, it’s an informal category that covers more than 30 different sets of criteria under which an organization can claim tax-exempt status.

The one common criterion is that any money earned in excess of expenses must be used to advance the operations of the organization, rather than paid out as profits to shareholders. Internationally, non-profits may be known as non-governmental organizations (NGOs) or charities. Broadly, nonprofits are organizations that exist to serve a mission, rather than to generate value for owners or shareholders.

Nonprofits often operate at a loss and rely on donations to fund their operations (which includes employee pay). The term encompasses organizations like charities, research groups, and cultural institutions, but also most hospitals and universities.

The term “nonprofit” is often used interchangeably with “not-for-profit.” In a strict sense, “not-for-profit” refers specifically to organizations that are tax-exempt under the tax code’s 501(c)(7) requirements. These organizations tend to be smaller and are often local. They are not categorically tax-exempt, but some are for other reasons (e.g. churches). They may generate revenue by selling products or services, but these funds are reinvested in the organization rather than distributed to owners or shareholders. A not-for-profit could be a mission-driven or charitable group, or it could be something like a local sports club. 

Nonprofits are either member-serving, like credit unions, sports clubs and advocacy groups, or community-serving, like development programs, healthcare and education. 

Nonprofit salaries: a warning

Nonprofit jobs generally pay less than their equivalents in the for-profit sector, especially at the entry level. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, on average, professional and management-related workers in the nonprofit industry make $3.36 less per hour than their counterparts in the for-profit sector.

Many major nonprofits are based in cities with a high cost of living, such as New York City. Wages are lower for several reasons. The first reason: jobs are in high demand.

Another reason is that nonprofit organizations have less money to spend than for-profit companies.

A higher percent of nonprofit employees do not rely on their wages as their sole income, and thus can accept lower wages; this drives down wages across the board. Because political and social capital are so valuable in fundraising, nonprofit executives are more likely to be independently wealthy, have a safety net, or be retired from a previous career in for-profit business.

Unlike public sector jobs, most nonprofit jobs are not unionized. Most nonprofits have some percent of work done by volunteers and/or unpaid interns (which for-profits are not allowed to do). Existing volunteers are sometimes given priority in hiring for paid positions, which creates an advantage for people who can afford to devote significant time to unpaid work. There is a gender pay gap as well as a little-documented race pay gap, making nonprofit jobs more accessible to those who are white and/or male and/or privileged.

Nonprofit job titles and salaries

A social media manager for a nonprofit organization handles a nonprofit’s online presence. They do this by posting and responding to comments and questions left on social media platforms. They also often strategize ways to help boost engagement, acquire more followers and promote the organization. According to Indeed, the average Social Media Manager for a nonprofit makes $44,750 per year. 

The Director of Communications for a nonprofit is responsible for maintaining the organization’s public image. This includes drafting press releases, overseeing media campaigns and promoting the company. The average national salary for the Director of Communications for a nonprofit is $88,783 per year. 

An advocacy manager for a nonprofit oversees advocacy policy and strategy. The average advocacy manager makes $54,576 per year, per Indeed

A philanthropy manager, also known as a major gifts officer, oversees everything to do with gifts the nonprofit receives. This includes planning events with donors, pitching the organization to donors, and building relationships with potential donors. The average base salary of a philanthropy manager is $63,373 per year, according to Indeed.

A grant manager determines a nonprofit’s funding needs and makes sure the organization follows the grantor’s guidelines. The average base salary for a grants manager is $67,547 per year. A grant writer creates proposals directed at the government, agencies or other donors. Grant writers often work on contract, and compensation can vary depending on the writer’s education level and experience; however, the average base salary is around $43,102 per year.

nonprofit careers

A program director for a nonprofit researches, plans, develops and puts into action the nonprofit’s outreach programs. This usually includes not only planning programs, but also budgeting for programs’ operations and staying current on laws and regulations to ensure compliance. The average base salary for a nonprofit program director is $62,587, per Indeed. Program directors are usually required to have a Bachelor’s Degree, even a Master’s degree in business administration, human resources or communication. 

A development director manages the organization’s fundraising. They are in charge of finding growth opportunities that will lead to increased funding for the organization and developing relationships with donors. A Development Director makes an average of $102,195 per year. 

A compliance officer for a nonprofit is responsible for overseeing the organization to make sure it complies with government regulations. Compliance officers educate members of an organization on the law and federal regulations. They complete quarterly and annual reviews about an organization’s adherence to regulations. The average base salary for a compliance officer is $82,661 per year. Compliance manager jobs generally require a bachelor’s degree or even a master’s degree in accounting, law, business or other related field.

A user experience designer is in charge of an organization’s digital product to ensure it is user-friendly. A UX designer typically has a degree in computer design, computer development or other related field; however, they may also attain the position with relevant work experience and certifications. The national average base salary for a UX designer is $101,613 per year. 

One of the most lucrative positions at nonprofit organizations is Lead Data Scientist. A Lead Data Scientist analyzes the outcomes of the organization’s programs. They are also responsible for planning data projects. According to Indeed, the national average base salary for a Lead Data Scientist is $136,447 per year. A data scientist typically will have a degree in Computer Science, Statistics, Mathematics or a related field. 

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of a nonprofit organization works alongside the board of directors to manage the company’s operations. This generally includes creating and implementing business strategies and policies and ensuring that the organization reaches its goals. The CEO of a nonprofit makes an average base salary of $113,353 per year, according to Indeed.

The Chief operating officer (COO) of a nonprofit handles operations and administrative practices. The typical average base salary for a COO of a nonprofit organization is $118,949 per year. 

Careers in nonprofits: where to start

Even if your ultimate goal is to work in the nonprofit sector, it may make more sense to start your career in the private sector and transition later. This way, you can build the necessary skills while paying off debt, supporting children, etc. 

In some fields, it’s also possible to split time between for-profit and nonprofit (or paid and pro bono) work. This is usually true of highly skilled professions such as lawyers, doctors and nurses. Whether or not this is a good idea depends highly on the field and the role you want to work in. When in doubt, do your own research, especially by reaching out to people in positions similar to what you want for advice.

Whatever your path, passion for your work and mission is non-optional in this field. If you are not passionate about the cause, you will not be happy, and you probably will not be hired in the first place. 

So the first place to start is identifying what you are passionate about. Find a nonprofit that aligns with your values.  The next step is to look within your community. Local, grassroots organizations can be the perfect place to begin working in the nonprofit sector. You may start out by volunteering or doing an internship. This can help you build a network of contacts, acquire new skills and acquaint you with the industry. An internship may even lead to a job offer.

Social media is a great place to find job or volunteer opportunities. Follow different organizations you care about and pay attention to their updates. 

Another step toward finding a role in the non-profit sector is to pursue an education. The specific degree you go for will depend on the job you are interested in. An Advocacy Manager position at Habitat for Humanity may require a degree in Political Science, Public Policy or International Affairs, while a Data Analyst position for UNICEF will require a BS in Computer Science, Information Systems, Business Intelligence, Data Science or related field. Do some research on the position you want and the organization you want to work for. 

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Tonie Leatherberry was at Deloitte for nearly three decades where she was the principal architect of The Board Leadership Forum and the NextGen CEO Academy, each of which has had a meaningful impact, ultimately placing more than 70 Black leaders into executive-level and board roles. As Chair Emeritus of the Executive Leadership Council, she created the Chairman’s Council of Academic Achievement to address achievement gaps for students of color in America’s educational systems, and as President of the Deloitte Foundation, the mission was to drive initiatives to develop future leaders through education. She is a passionate leader who has devoted much of her professional life to creating opportunities for women and people of color. Tonie is Lead director for Direct Digital Holdings, and a Board Director at Zoetis Inc. and American Family Insurance.

Cindie Jamison was elected Chair of the Darden Restaurants Board (NYSE: DRI) in September 2023, having served as a Director since October 2014 as part of a complete Board replacement slate through Starboard Value’s proxy fight. Since 2013, she has also served on the Office Depot Board (NASDAQ: ODP) where she Chairs the Audit Committee and is a member of the Compensation Committee. In May 2015, she joined the Big Lots, Inc (NYSE: BIG) Board, and became Chair in May 2022. In May 2023 Cindie stepped down from the Tractor Supply Company Board (NASDAQ:TSCO), a position she has held since 2002, where she was Chairman of the Board, after serving as Lead Director, and Chair of the Audit, Compensation & Corporate Governance Committees. Cindie joined the Board of Save the Children in February 2024.

David Chun, Founder and CEO, Equilar, Inc., has led Equilar since its inception to become one of the most trusted names in the corporate governance community. David has been recognized as one of the “100 Most Influential Players in Corporate Governance” by the National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD), the Disruptor Award by 2020 Women on Boards and Outstanding 50 Asian Americans in Business. David speaks publicly on corporate governance and board diversity matters, including events hosted by The Conference Board, Deloitte, EY, HR Policy Association, KPMG, NACD, NASDAQ, NYSE, The Society for Corporate Governance and Stanford’s Directors’ College. Prior to founding Equilar, David was a Vice President in the Investment Banking Division of Donaldson, Lufkin and Jenrette, a global investment bank that has since merged with Credit Suisse. Before DLJ, David was a management consultant with Bain & Company and also Kenan Systems, a telecom software developer acquired by Lucent Technologies. David serves on the boards of the Commonwealth Club of California, PGA Reach, the Silicon Valley Community Foundation (SVCF) and the Silicon Valley Leadership Group (SVLG). He is on Nasdaq’s Center for Board Excellence Advisory Board and Catalyst’s Women on Board Advisory Council. David is a member of Young Presidents’ Organization (YPO), Past Chair of the SF Bay Chapter, a founding member of the Council of Korean Americans (CKA) and a former board member of the Wharton Center for Entrepreneurship and the Asian Pacific Fund Community Foundation of San Francisco.

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Truett Tate is Chairman of a number of Boards, including Reference Point, TLC Lions, Thinkably and the recently retired Chairman of QBE, NA. Truett Tate is also Director of the DEVClever board. Truett has a long and esteemed global executive history including most recently as CEO of ANZ USA, Europe, Japan, Korea and the Middle East. Immediately prior, he was Group Executive (and Board member) at Lloyds Banking Group, responsible for Wholesale & International Banking (Including Global Wealth and International Retail) across the United Kingdom, the Americas and worldwide and prior spending 27 years at Citigroup where he held a variety of senior roles including corporate banking business across each of its regional geographies. Truett’s long board history includes Virgin Group, Ten Group, the BITC, BAB Inc along with many other charitable and academic organizations. A speaker, guest lecturer, philanthropist and professional coach/mentor, Truett has seemingly bottomless energy and passionate interest in a safer, more just, more humane and more sustainable world.

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Janice Reals Ellig

Chief Executive Officer

As the head of the Ellig Group, Janice is dedicated to increasing the placement of women and diverse candidates on corporate boards and in C-suites by 2025. Janice joined the legacy firm in 2000 and became Co-Chief Executive Officer in its transition to Chadick Ellig in 2007; she assumed sole ownership of the company as the Ellig Group in 2017 with a new focus on Reimagining Search. Prior to her career in executive search, Janice spent 20 years in corporate America at Pfizer, Citi and Ambac Financial Group, an IPO from Citibank, where she was responsible for Marketing, Human Resources, and Administration.

Heralded by Bloomberg Businessweek as one of “The World’s Most Influential Headhunters,” Janice is often consulted for her expertise and her commitment to gender parity, inclusion, and diversity. She frequently appears at speaking engagements and as a media guest, and she has penned multiple articles for outlets such as Directors & Boards, Directorship, Corporate Director, The Huffington Post, and Forbes.com. Janice also co-authored two books: Driving The Career Highway and What Every Successful Woman Knows, acknowledged by Bloomberg Businessweek as “the best of its genre.”

A tirelessly active member of the industry and champion of her causes, Janice is Founder of the Women’s Forum of New York’s Corporate Board Initiative and its signature event, Breakfast of Corporate Champions. Since 2011, Janice continues to spearhead this event to honor companies committed to board diversity and to encourage CEOs to sponsor board-ready women for the Women’s Forum database. (LINK: www.womensforumny.org).

Janice is personally committed to several NFP organizations: Board Director of the National YMCA and Past Chair of the YMCA Board of Greater New York; Trustee of the Actors Fund and Committee For Economic Development (CED); Incoming Chair, University of Iowa Foundation; Women’s Forum of New York Past President and Chair of the Corporate Board Initiative; member of the Steering Committee, US 30% Club and The Economic Club of New York.

In recognition for her many philanthropic activities, Janice received the University of Iowa Distinguished Alumni Award in 2011 and the Association of Executive Search Consultants (AESC) Eleanor Raynolds Award for Volunteerism in 2008. Named one of the “21 Leaders for the 21st Century” by Women’s eNews, she was also a recipient of the Channel 21 Award In Excellence for her contribution to “Excellence in the Economic Development for Women.”

“Listening to our clients’ needs, learning their business and understanding their culture is how we present the best talent and provide  a competitive advantage. We place candidates with the character, competencies, commitment, (intellectual) curiosity and courage to make a difference. Our goal is always to go beyond the expected and deliver valuable advice, measurable results and great talent!”

– Janice Reals Ellig

  • Champion of gender parity, diversity, and inclusion
  • Industry expert, speaker, and author
  • Founder of the Women’s Forum of New York’s Corporate Board Initiative
  • Committed board and committee member and philanthropist

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