When you’re thinking about a career in service, it can feel like there are a lot of overlapping terms. NGOs, nonprofits, charities, community organizations — they’re all working to make a difference, but the ways they operate and focus their efforts can vary greatly. If you’ve ever wondered how you might fit in at an NGO, you’re in the right place.
What is an NGO?
An NGO, or non-governmental organization, is a nonprofit organization that operates independently of any government. The term and categorization was created in 1945, with the inception of the United Nations and its need to differentiate intergovernmental specialized agencies from private organizations.
NGOs are typically created by individuals or groups with a common interest or goal, such as addressing social, environmental or humanitarian issues. They often work to advocate for specific causes, provide essential services, conduct research and raise awareness about societal issues. The scope of NGOs varies wildly, from local grass-roots community groups to national and global organizations. The World Bank defines two categories of NGOs:
- Operational NGOs design and implement development-related projects.
- Advocacy NGOs defend or promote a specific cause and seek to influence policies and practices.
Though they are not part of any government, NGOs may overlap with functions of some government agencies, such as providing disaster relief or supporting economic development. However, NGOs have greater flexibility and autonomy in their decision-making processes and are not directly governed by state authorities. NGOs rely on various sources of funding to support their operations and activities, including donations, grants and fundraising efforts.
Because the definition of NGOs is so broad, there is some controversy about the use of the term, as it may be applied to volunteer organizations, faith-based organizations, interest groups, pressure groups, lobby groups and even trade unions. The NGO classification may even be co-opted by government entities looking to conceal their activity, as with government-sponsored non-governmental organizations (GONGOs).
If you’re interested in joining a particular NGO, be sure to properly research the organization to review its mission statement, history and operations to be sure it aligns with your interests.
What do NGOs do?
NGOs can be formed in service of almost any cause. For the most part, they are geared toward benefiting society at large, assisting communities and providing aid.
Whatever their cause, most NGOs operate in a similar manner, and will undertake the following activities:
- Work to raise general awareness about their chosen issues through campaigns and public outreach
- Lobby governments for policy changes
- Provide support and services directly to communities in need, such as healthcare, food assistance, human rights protection, etc.
- Conduct research and analysis to inform programs, policies and advocacy efforts
- Provide immediate humanitarian support during or after emergencies or crises
- Network and collaborate with other organizations to share resources and expand their impact
- Work to secure funding through donations from private individuals, for-profit companies, charitable foundations and governments
You can find NGOs in operation across many sectors and practices, such as:
| Mission | Examples |
| Managing public health and ending health crises (HIV/AIDS, malaria, etc.) | The Global Fund Global Health Council |
| Supporting workers’ rights, workplace safety and fair wages | Worker Rights Consortium The Fair Labor Association |
| Promoting international peace and ending conflict | International Peace Institute Center for International Policy |
| Providing humanitarian and disaster relief | International Rescue Committee International Committee of the Red Cross |
| Advocating for human rights | Amnesty International American Civil Liberties Union |
| Securing women’s rights and gender equality | The National Organization for Women Center for Reproductive Rights |
| Working toward just and sustainable economic development | Global Justice Now Third World Network |
| Protecting and conserving the natural environment | Greenpeace World Wildlife Fun |
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How do NGOs differ from nonprofits?
At a glance, NGOs and nonprofit organizations are interchangeable. In some countries, they’re considered one and the same. However, if there is a distinction, it’s largely around the scope of work. It can be helpful to think that, while most NGOs are nonprofit organizations, only some nonprofits operate as NGOs.
| Nonprofits | NGOs | Both |
| Generally smaller and more focused in their operations; work to promote a very specific cause or assist a single community | Broader footprint and an international scope that operates across borders | Rely on external funding sources such as grants, donors or membership fees |
| May be formed to promote educational, cultural, recreational, professional or religious causes | Generally focused on large-scale humanitarian, development or advocacy issues | Reinvest income into the organization to manage expenses and meet larger social goals |
| Governance and reporting standards are defined by national regulations | Independent from government control or ownership | Can apply for charitable status with the Internal Revenue Service and the state they’re registered in; accountable to reporting, audits or public disclosures |
9 Potential Careers You Can Build at an NGO
NGOs operate just like any other business, and range from small and grass-roots to multi-country, with the staff to match. Aside from the work they do on the ground (field work) they also need people to handle accounting, marketing, project management, fundraising and operations (office work). Depending on your position, the requirements for an NGO job may not be any different from working for a private company or for-profit organization.
Here’s an overview of major career positions within NGOs with salaries reflecting 2025–26 averages from Indeed.
1. Fundraising Specialist — Oversees all donation and fundraising activities, manages the NGO’s relationships with donors, networks to find new donors and maintains records of all fundraising activities. Most roles require a bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing, public relations or a related field, with nonprofit fundraising experience considered a strong advantage.
- National average salary: $65,323
2. Finance Associate — Manages the NGO’s financial accounts, from recording transactions to creating budget and auditing finances. They may oversee the NGO’s financial policies to ensure compliance with local laws and regulations. A bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting or economics is typically required, and many NGOs prefer candidates with coursework in nonprofit or international financial management.
- National average salary: $104,355
3. Operations Manager — Manages high-level human resources duties such as hiring and training employees. They’re responsible for increasing the NGO’s operational efficiency while maintaining budgets, supporting the needs of stakeholders and complying with all laws and regulations. These roles usually call for a bachelor’s degree in business administration, organizational leadership or a related field, with some larger NGOs preferring a master’s for senior positions.
- National average salary: $80,746
4. Policy Analyst — Responsible for ensuring that an NGO’s processes and policies align with the stated goals and all legal regulations. They review data, analyze reports and collaborate with stakeholders to determine if any policies need to be updated or changed. A bachelor’s degree in public policy, political science or a related social science is standard, while many competitive NGO roles expect graduate training in policy analysis or international development.
- National average salary: $86,125
5. Program Manager — Responsible for creating and managing an NGO’s programs and overseeing its personnel. They’re expected to create and manage budgets, schedule events and oversee project managers to ensure that all projects are in alignment with the NGO’s larger goals. Most positions require at least a bachelor’s degree in fields like international development, public health or environmental studies, and many NGOs prefer candidates with a relevant master’s degree.
- National average salary: $92,103
6. Research Associate — Researches and organizes information relevant to the NGO, usually by collecting community data, interviewing people and reading published articles. They analyze the data and present the findings to suggest ways the NGO can better achieve its goals. These roles commonly require a bachelor’s degree in public health, environmental science, social science or a data-focused field, with research methods training essential.
- National average salary: $70,511
7. Social Media Manager — Oversees all social media accounts for the NGO and directs its online communication strategy. They’re responsible for analyzing demographic data and reviewing different social media sites to determine the effectiveness of marketing campaigns and how to increase engagement. A bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing, digital media or journalism is typical, though NGOs often value portfolio work and experience with cause-driven campaigns.
- National average salary: $62,593
8. Solutions Engineer — Works to determine the best technology solutions for a company and helps to implement them. They’re responsible for understanding the NGO’s goals, needs and challenges and to research appropriate technical solutions, select the best ones, successfully implement them and ensure that all personnel are trained. A bachelor’s degree in engineering, computer science or information systems is standard, and NGOs working in health or sustainability may seek candidates with domain-specific technical training.
- National average salary: $128,470
9. Web Developer — Designs, codes, develops and maintains websites for the NGO. They ensure that the website is fully functional and secure, will update the website as needed and collaborate with designers and copywriters on uploading new content. Most positions require a degree in computer science, web development or a related technical field, though strong coding experience and a portfolio can substitute for formal credentials.
- National average salary: $81,787
These are only a sample of the possible positions within an NGO. Other common positions can include administrative assistants, office managers, canvassers and marketing managers. Whatever your specializations, skills and experience, there’s a way to apply them at an NGO.
Salary and Compensation in NGO Careers
If you’re wondering “do people that work for NGOs get paid?” — yes, NGO professionals are paid employees, and many earn competitive wages, even if the averages trend slightly lower than for-profit roles. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, nonprofit workers generally earn 3–6% less than workers with the same title at for-profit companies, but this discrepancy depends heavily on region, role, fundraising efforts and specific organizational budget. For many professionals, the compensation is balanced by meaningful work, clear advancement paths and the opportunity to contribute to global or community-level impact.
As in many industries, entry-level salaries in NGOs can start around $40,000, while mid-career roles often fall between $55,000 and $85,000; specialized technical or leadership positions can exceed $100,000. International NGOs with operations across several countries often benchmark salaries to local cost-of-living factors, so the same job may pay differently depending on where it’s based.
Because NGOs rely on grants, donations and government contracts, compensation often follows the ebbs and flows of that funding. Organizations with stable, multi-year grants or major institutional donors tend to offer stronger benefits and higher salary ceilings. Additionally, some NGOs must follow strict budget guidelines from funders, which can limit how much they allocate to staff compensation; others have flexible funding that allows for more competitive pay.
How to start a job at an NGO
Like any other job, you’ll need to meet some essential requirements to be eligible for certain positions. Most young professionals start their NGO careers by earning a specific degree, volunteering or joining an internship program. Established professionals may be able to enter high-level positions based on their prior work experience. If you’d like to work at an NGO, here are some helpful tips and advice:
- Know what you are passionate about. While Payscale notes that nonprofit positions earn less than their for-profit counterparts, their other finding is that nonprofit work feels more fulfilling and provides more meaning for employees. Working at an NGO isn’t just about the job responsibilities, but also the larger goals that the organization is working toward. It’s important to first understand what you believe in and what you’re willing to dedicate your time and effort to.
- Do your research. Because the NGO term is so broadly applied, some organizations may function differently than adverstised. Once you know what you want to work toward, research different NGOs active in that area, review their mission statements, organizational goals and history. Look for reviews from other workers — both current and former — to get an understanding of which organizations you want to work with, and which you’d rather not.
- Utilize available resources. While a general web search can get the ball rolling, you want to do more pointed research on sites within the NGO space. Research available jobs using NGO job boards.
Here’s a helpful list of resources to get you started:
- Obtain an advanced degree. If you’re looking for a career instead of a part time job, earning a master’s degree in a relevant field of study can make you a stronger candidate for higher-level positions. Master’s degree programs can expand your network of contacts, offer mentorship and expose you to new opportunities — all of which can put you on the right path in finding the right NGO to work with.
- Complete any relevant training. Depending on the position you’re looking for, consider any training or relevant certifications that will shore up your resume. If you’re applying for technical positions, do you have certifications in data science, business analytics or cybersecurity? If you’re looking for project or program management positions, do you have certifications in business analysis, team leadership or popular business-related platforms like Salesforce or Hubspot? What about certifications that promote inclusive excellence? There are even specific certification programs for NGO management.
- Learning a relevant language. Many NGOs operate on an international scale, so while learning multiple languages might not be necessary, it is a great asset. Even if you’re not interested in working outside of your home country, being able to communicate in a second language can make you a stronger candidate for a position with an NGO. Even if you’re not (yet) fluent, showing the willingness to learn will only help your career aspirations.
- Tailor your resume/cover letter. Like with any position, you’ll want to revise your resume and cover letter to be specific to the NGO and its cause. Don’t just focus on your technical abilities or professional skills, speak to your larger passions and articulate why it’s so important for you to be a part of this organization.
Build your skills and experience with like minded professionals
No matter your background, employment history or level of experience, if you’re passionate about the work then you can find a career position at an NGO. One of the best ways to build up your skills and experience is to work with, collaborate alongside and learn from other professionals from many different fields who are just as passionate as you are.
That’s why it’s helpful to adopt a transdisciplinary point of view which allows you to account for and work with many different perspectives.
That same desire for positive social change is what drives the University of San Diego’s Master of Engineering for Sustainability and Health (MESH) program. MESH is fueled by the same passion for positive social change that drives individuals to work at NGOs. The program offers a transdisciplinary approach, connecting you with a network of professionals from different backgrounds, all united in addressing pressing global challenges such as inequity, health crises and climate change.
Through its carefully crafted curriculum, MESH prepares graduates to collaboratively co-create innovative solutions that integrate various disciplines, leading to more comprehensive and impactful outcomes. If you’re seeking to make a meaningful difference and effect lasting change in our world, we invite you to see what our program has to offer.
It may even encourage you to start up your own NGO!
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