18 Nonprofit Job Titles & 6 Career Paths to Follow

Nonprofit organizations are in great need of a crucial resource — high potential leaders and qualified managers at all levels. The shortage of employees is not a new challenge, and, organizations are still feeling the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Nonprofit organizations are often created to serve a particular cause — for example, advocating for social services, the environment, arts, culture or health initiatives — but can be challenged by a shortage of resources or inconsistent financial support. Many workers in the nonprofit sector, however, find well-paying jobs and derive incredible value from their service to a social cause.

Consider these nonprofit facts for more insight into what’s often referred to as the third sector, aptly named to distinguish a unique societal role from the private and public sectors.

• There are more than 1.5 million registered nonprofit organizations in the U.S., including public charities, private foundations, chambers of commerce, civic leagues and so on.
• Individuals were collectively the largest source of charitable giving in 2023, totaling $374.4 billion, or 67% of total giving.
• The vast majority of affluent households — 85% — maintained or increased their giving in recent years, despite economic and social uncertainties.
• Most charitable dollars in 2023 went to religion, human services, education, grantmaking foundations and public-society benefit, in that order.

There is a broad spectrum of career paths in the nonprofits sector, spanning from program development to outreach efforts, fundraising, advocacy and more.

Salary Range for Careers in Nonprofits

Do nonprofits pay well? It’s a common — and fair — question in donation-driven work. Because nonprofits are tax-exempt, and must follow strict requirements to maintain charitable status, compensation at the upper end must be “reasonable” but not “excessive.” Organizations must follow state and federal minimum wage requirements, and are allowed to pay overtime and bonuses to workers.

Average annual nonprofit salaries range from approximately $40,00 to $100,000 though executive leaders can earn upwards of $200,000. As with any career, pay varies depending on the location, responsibilities of the job, experience, educational attainment and the discretion of the employer. In a recent survey of Southern California nonprofit leaders, CEOs with a masters degree earned, on average, $18,000 more per year than their peers who did not have a graduate-level degree.

Types of Careers in Nonprofits

The following list includes common nonprofit job titles, as well as introductory information about each. Please note that expected annual salary ranges are indicative of early 2025 figures and they can vary widely based on organization size, geographic area, sector (education, healthcare, etc.) and other factors. For the most accurate information, consider consulting local salary surveys or industry reports relevant to your area.

Senior Management

• Executive Director
  The executive director is the top leader of a nonprofit organization, responsible for setting strategic direction and managing overall operations while ensuring sustainability. They work closely with the board of directors to develop and implement policies that align with the organization’s mission. They may also oversee fundraising, public relations and stakeholder engagement to maintain the organization’s reputation and effectiveness. Strong leadership, financial acumen and nonprofit management experience are essential for this role.
  • Expected salary range: $100,000 – $250,000+
• Chief Operating Officer
  The chief operating officer (COO) is responsible for the internal operations of the nonprofit, ensuring that programs and services are delivered efficiently and effectively. They work alongside the executive director to develop operational strategies, manage human resources and oversee financial processes. The COO often serves as a bridge between departments, helping to streamline communication and workflow. This role requires strong problem-solving skills and leadership abilities.
  • Expected salary range: $90,000 – $180,000
• Director of Philanthropy
  This role leads the organization’s fundraising and donor relations efforts, ensuring financial stability through grants, donations and sponsorships. They build and maintain relationships with major donors and corporate sponsors to secure funding. They also develop and execute fundraising campaigns, plan donor engagement strategies and track financial contributions. This role requires strong networking skills, persuasive communication and expertise in fundraising strategies.
  • Expected salary range: $85,000 – $150,000

Programs and Service Delivery

• Program Director
  A program director oversees the planning, execution and evaluation of a nonprofit’s programs to ensure they align with the organization’s mission and goals. They supervise program staff, track outcomes and adjust strategies to improve efficiency and impact. This role involves working with stakeholders, securing funding and maintaining compliance with grant requirements. Strong leadership, problem-solving and project management skills are essential in this role.
  • Expected salary range: $75,000 – $140,000

• Volunteer Manager
  The volunteer manager is responsible for recruiting, training and supporting volunteers who contribute to the organization’s programs and services. They develop volunteer policies and coordinate schedules to ensure a positive experience for volunteers while aligning their efforts with the organization’s goals. Volunteer managers must possess strong interpersonal skills, organizational abilities and enthusiasm for community service.
  • Expected salary range: $45,000 – $75,000
• Community Service Program Coordinator
  A community service program coordinator designs and implements initiatives that address local needs, engaging both volunteers and community members. They manage logistics, track program impact and collaborate with other organizations to expand services. This role requires excellent organizational skills, the ability to work with diverse populations and an understanding of social issues affecting the community. Successful coordinators are passionate about service and skilled at bringing people together for a common cause.
  • Expected salary range: $50,000 – $85,000

Administration and Human Resources

• Administrative Assistant
  Administrative assistants play a crucial role in ensuring the smooth day-to-day functioning of a nonprofit by handling clerical and support tasks. They manage communications, organize meetings, maintain records and assist with scheduling as needed. This position often serves as the first point of contact for donors, volunteers and staff, requiring excellent organizational and communication skills, as well as attention to detail and proficiency in office software.
  • Expected salary range: $40,000 – $60,000
• Office Manager
  The office manager oversees administrative operations, ensuring that office functions run efficiently and smoothly. Duties include managing office supplies, coordinating schedules, supervising support staff and maintaining facility needs. They often handle budgeting and vendor relations, ensuring the organization operates within its financial constraints. This role requires strong multitasking abilities, problem-solving skills and experience in office administration.
  • Expected salary range: $50,000 – $80,000
• Compliance Coordinator
  A compliance coordinator ensures that the nonprofit adheres to all legal, ethical and financial regulations, including grant requirements and employment laws. They conduct audits, implement risk management policies and provide staff training on compliance issues. By ensuring adherence to legal and ethical guidelines, they help protect the organization’s reputation and sustainability. This role requires keen attention to detail, legal knowledge and the ability to navigate complex regulations.
  • Expected salary range: $60,000 – $100,000

Finance

• Finance Manager
  The finance manager is responsible for ensuring the financial health and sustainability of a nonprofit organization. They oversee budgeting, financial reporting and compliance with tax laws and funding regulations. In addition to managing day-to-day financial operations, they develop strategies to optimize resource allocation and financial planning. This role requires strong analytical skills, attention to detail and knowledge of nonprofit accounting principles.
  • Expected salary range: $85,000 – $140,000
• Accountant
  Accountants play a key role in tracking and reporting a nonprofit’s financial activities. They maintain financial records, prepare reports for stakeholders and assist with budgeting and forecasting to ensure responsible financial management. They also help to ensure compliance with grant requirements and tax filings. Accountants must possess precision, proficiency in accounting software and knowledge of nonprofit financial regulations.
  • Expected salary range: $60,000 – $100,000
• Financial Analyst
  A financial analyst provides data-driven insights to guide financial planning and decision-making within a nonprofit organization. They analyze financial trends, assess the viability of programs and funding sources and develop forecasts to support strategic growth. This role often involves preparing reports for leadership and identifying cost-saving opportunities. Strong analytical skills, financial modeling experience and attention to detail are crucial.
  • Expected salary range: $70,000 – $120,000

Development and Fundraising

• Grant Administrator
  A grant administrator oversees the entire grant lifecycle, from researching funding opportunities to ensuring compliance with grant terms and reporting requirements. They work closely with program managers, grant writers, finance staff and leadership to gather data and articulate funding needs. This role requires strong writing and organizational skills, as well as the ability to manage multiple deadlines and relationships with funders. Staying up to date on funding trends is critical for success.
  • Expected salary range: $60,000 – $90,000
• Fundraising Coordinator
  The fundraising coordinator is responsible for planning and executing fundraising campaigns to secure financial support for the organization. This includes organizing donor outreach efforts, managing fundraising events and maintaining donor databases. They may also assist in developing sponsorships and partnerships to enhance fundraising efforts. Creativity, relationship-building skills and knowledge of fundraising best practices are key to this role.
  • Expected salary range: $50,000 – $75,000
• Development Coordinator
  Often working under the director of philanthropy, a development coordinator supports the nonprofit’s fundraising and donor relations efforts by managing donor communications, assisting with fundraising campaigns and overseeing logistics for fundraising events. They may also help track donor engagement and ensure proper acknowledgment of contributions. This role requires strong communication skills, attention to detail and experience with donor management systems.
  • Expected salary range: $50,000 – $70,000

Communications and Marketing

• Communications Coordinator
  The communications coordinator creates and implements communication strategies that promote the nonprofit’s mission, programs and initiatives. They manage social media, newsletters, press releases and other public relations efforts to engage donors, volunteers and the community. Strong writing and branding expertise are essential for this role, as well as an understanding of digital marketing strategies.
  • Expected salary range: $50,000 – $75,000
• Grant Writer
  A grant writer prepares and submits grant proposals to secure funding for the organization’s programs and initiatives. This involves conducting research on funding opportunities, writing compelling narratives and ensuring compliance with grant guidelines. They work closely with program staff to gather the necessary data and impact reports for successful applications. Strong research, writing and editing skills are critical, along with attention to detail and time management.
  • Expected salary range: $55,000 – $90,000

• Special Events Coordinator
  The special events coordinator is responsible for planning, organizing and executing events that support fundraising, donor engagement, community outreach and overall awareness of the nonprofit’s mission. They handle event logistics, secure sponsorships and coordinate with vendors, volunteers and stakeholders to ensure a successful event. This role requires excellent project management skills, creativity and the ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
  • Expected salary range: $50,000 – $80,000

Nonprofit Career Comparison [Chart]

What About the Board of Directors?

While not a traditional career path, the Board of Directors plays a crucial role in shaping a nonprofit’s mission, governance and long-term sustainability. Understanding the board’s function is essential for anyone looking to navigate the nonprofit sector.

The size of a nonprofit’s board varies based on the organization’s scope and needs. Some small nonprofits may have as few as five to seven board members, while larger, well-funded organizations can have 20 or more. Most boards aim for a diverse mix of professionals who bring different skills, perspectives and connections to the organization.

While all board members share the responsibility of guiding the organization, certain roles carry additional leadership duties:

• Board Chair (or President): Leads board meetings, sets the agenda and ensures the board fulfills its responsibilities.
• Vice Chair: Supports the board chair and steps in when needed.
• Treasurer: Oversees financial oversight, including budgets, financial reporting and audits.
• Secretary: Manages board records, meeting minutes and other official documentation.

Some nonprofits also have additional board committees, such as fundraising, governance, finance and program oversight, to distribute responsibilities effectively. Board members are typically elected or appointed based on their expertise, leadership abilities and commitment to the mission. Potential candidates may be:

• Recruited by existing board members looking for specific skills (e.g., legal, financial or nonprofit experience).
• Nominated by staff or stakeholders who recognize their value to the organization.
• Self-nominated or apply through an open call for board members.

Most nonprofit boards have term limits (such as two- or three-year terms), ensuring fresh perspectives while maintaining continuity. While board positions are typically unpaid, they offer a high-impact leadership opportunity for those passionate about nonprofit work.

If you’re considering any number of careers in nonprofits, or looking to enhance your skills, consider USD’s 100% online Master of Science in Nonprofit Leadership and Management degree to build or develop critical competencies. As you explore educational opportunities that align with your goals, reference USD’s free eBook to help narrow down your nonprofit career path options.

Frequently Asked Questions