If you’re drawn to work that serves communities and supports public good, a career in public administration may be an ideal fit. This field offers opportunities to help shape public-facing programs and improve how organizations meet the needs of the people they serve. Understanding the wide range of career paths available can help you find the role that matches your interests and goals.
What Is Public Administration?
Public administration is the process of putting government policies and programs into action. Professionals in this field work at the local, state and federal level to plan, organize, direct, coordinate and manage government services or nonprofit organizations that benefit the public.
Public administration serves as the connection between political leadership and the services people rely on. Elected officials create policies, and public administrators at each level of government ensure that those policies are successfully implemented. This work is not limited to government agencies; nonprofit organizations and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) also play a significant role in public administration, especially when they partner with government entities or receive public funding.
Careers in public administration can pertain to specific fields, including health, education, housing, transportation, infrastructure, the economy and more. Wherever they work, public administrators handle essential functions such as budgeting, human resources, policy analysis and program evaluation, guided by core principles that include ethics, transparency and accountability.
Public Administration vs. Public Policy
Public administration and public policy are closely connected, but they serve different purposes. Public policy focuses on identifying public needs and deciding what actions governments or organizations should take, namely in terms of creating laws, regulations or guidelines.
Public administration, on the other hand, is about putting those decisions into practice. It focuses on managing programs, coordinating resources and ensuring that policies are delivered effectively to the people they are designed to help.
Do All Public Administrators Work For the Government?
While many public administrators work within local, state or federal government agencies, public administration is not limited to government employment. Public administration is better defined by its purpose than its setting. Professionals in this field are united by a common mission: to serve the public and support the delivery of programs and services that benefit communities.
Public administrators are found across a wide range of sectors. Many work for nonprofit organizations, international NGOs, universities, healthcare systems and philanthropic foundations. Others contribute through private-sector companies that manage government contracts or deliver public services, such as infrastructure, transportation or health programs. These professionals may not hold a formal government role, but they often perform critical public administration functions. Nonprofit program directors and policy advocates, for example, regularly take on responsibilities such as managing operations, leading community initiatives and ensuring compliance with public regulations.
Public administration skills are highly transferable and valued across sectors. These skills include operations management, program oversight, budgeting and the ability to lead public-facing initiatives. Professionals in this field frequently work in partnership with government agencies, helping to implement policies through community-based programs and collaborative service delivery models.
Ultimately, what defines a public administration career is not where the work takes place, but the impact it has. Whether inside or outside of government, public administrators play a vital role in shaping programs that improve lives and strengthen communities.
11 Careers in Public Administration in the Nonprofit Sector
Public administration roles offer a wide range of career paths for those who want to make a difference in their communities. The following 11 careers reflect the diverse opportunities available in this field.
1. Policy Analyst
Policy analysts research, evaluate and develop policies that aim to solve public challenges. They gather and interpret data, study complex social and economic issues and provide informed recommendations to guide public programs and legislation. Their work helps shape decisions that can impact entire communities.
- Salary: The median annual salary for policy analysts typically ranges from $70,000 to $85,000, depending on experience, location and the hiring organization.
- Education requirements: Most policy analysts hold at least a bachelor’s degree in public administration, political science, economics or a related field. Many pursue a master’s degree to strengthen their expertise in policy design, research methods and public sector leadership.
- Types of employers: Policy analysts are employed by government agencies, nonprofit organizations, research institutes, international NGOs and consulting firms that advise public-serving organizations.
2. City Manager
A city manager is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of a city’s municipal government. They work closely with elected officials to carry out city policies, manage public services and coordinate the work of city departments. City managers often take responsibility for financial planning and long-term city growth, ensuring that services are delivered effectively and meet community needs.
- Salary: City managers typically earn between $95,000 and $150,000 per year, with salaries varying based on city size, region and scope of responsibility.
- Education requirements: Most city managers hold a master’s degree in public administration, public policy or a related field. This position requires strong leadership abilities along with experience in budgeting and operational oversight.
- Types of employers: City managers are employed by municipal governments and may also work in special districts or regional councils that provide public services across communities.
3. Human Resources Manager
Human resources managers oversee employee hiring, training and organizational policies. In public administration settings, they focus on building strong teams, supporting employee well-being and managing compliance with employment regulations.
- Salary: Human resources managers typically earn between $80,000 and $120,000 per year, with higher salaries in larger organizations.
- Education requirements: A bachelor’s degree in human resources, business administration or public administration is usually required. Many employers prefer candidates with a master’s degree or additional professional certifications.
- Types of employers: Human resources managers are employed by government agencies, nonprofit organizations, healthcare systems, universities and private firms that provide public services.
4. Fundraising Manager
Fundraising managers lead efforts to secure donations and financial support for nonprofit organizations and public service programs. They develop fundraising strategies, manage donor relationships and oversee campaigns that support organizational growth.
- Salary: Fundraising managers typically earn between $65,000 and $100,000 per year, with salaries varying by organization size and location.
- Education requirements: Most fundraising managers hold a bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, nonprofit management or a related field. Many pursue advanced degrees or professional training in development and fundraising strategies.
- Types of employers: Fundraising managers work for nonprofit organizations, universities, healthcare systems and philanthropic foundations.
5. Budget Analyst
Budget analysts help organizations allocate resources effectively by reviewing financial plans and tracking expenses. They ensure that public funds are spent responsibly and that programs stay within budget.
- Salary: Budget analysts typically earn between $65,000 and $90,000 per year, though this can vary based on experience and sector.
- Education requirements: A bachelor’s degree in public administration, finance, economics or accounting is typically required. Some positions may prefer or require a master’s degree in a related field.
- Types of employers: Budget analysts are employed by government agencies, nonprofit organizations, universities, healthcare systems and consulting firms that work with public entities.
6. Program Manager
Program managers oversee operations for initiatives that improve community well-being. This includes managing staff and volunteers and coordinating services that meet local needs in areas such as housing, health and education.
- Salary: Community service managers typically earn between $65,000 and $85,000 per year, depending on organization size and location.
- Education requirements: Most community service managers hold a bachelor’s or master’s degree in public administration, social work, nonprofit management or a similar field.
- Types of employers: Community service managers work for government agencies, nonprofit organizations and healthcare providers that deliver social programs.
7. Public Health Administrator
Public health administrators manage programs that promote population health and prevent disease. They coordinate health services and oversee public health initiatives while ensuring that programs meet community needs.
- Salary: Public health administrators typically earn between $80,000 and $120,000 per year, with salaries influenced by organization type and program size.
- Education requirements: A master’s degree in public health, healthcare administration or public administration is often required for leadership roles in this field.
- Types of employers: Public health administrators are employed by public health departments, nonprofit health organizations, hospitals and international health agencies.
8. Nonprofit Executive Director
Nonprofit executive directors lead the strategic direction and financial management of nonprofit organizations. In smaller organizations, they may also oversee daily operations. They are responsible for building external partnerships and ensuring that the organization’s mission is effectively carried out in the community.
- Salary: Nonprofit executive directors typically earn between $75,000 and $130,000 per year, though salaries can vary widely based on organization size and funding.
- Education requirements: A bachelor’s degree in nonprofit management, public administration or business is usually required. Many executive directors hold a master’s degree or have extensive leadership experience in the nonprofit sector.
- Types of employers: Nonprofit executive directors are employed by nonprofits of all sizes, plus charitable foundations and international NGOs that serve a wide range of public interests.
9. Grants Manager
Grants managers oversee the process of securing, distributing and reporting on grant funding. They track application deadlines, ensure regulatory compliance and manage financial reporting for funded projects.
- Salary: Grants managers typically earn between $65,000 and $95,000 per year, though compensation can vary based on organization size and funding sources.
- Education requirements: A bachelor’s degree in public administration, nonprofit management, finance or a similar field is usually required. Some grants managers pursue additional certifications in grant writing or financial management.
- Types of employers: Grants managers are employed by nonprofit organizations, universities, government agencies, healthcare systems and foundations that manage public or philanthropic funding.
10. Education Administrator
Education administrators manage the operations of schools, colleges and other education-focused nonprofit organizations. They oversee budgets and lead teams in ensuring that educational programs align with institutional goals.
- Salary: Education administrators typically earn between $80,000 and $120,000 per year, depending on organization type and leadership level.
- Education requirements: A bachelor’s degree in education, public administration or nonprofit management is generally required. Many professionals in this role hold a master’s degree or have specialized training in educational leadership.
- Types of employers: Education administrators work for public school systems, colleges, universities and nonprofit organizations that support educational programs.
11. Emergency Management Director
Many of the largest responders to natural disasters are nonprofits such as the Red Cross and Catholic Charities. Emergency management directors for these organizations coordinate on-the-ground responses to natural disasters, public safety threats and other emergencies. They develop preparedness plans and manage response teams to minimize risks to the public.
- Salary: Emergency management directors typically earn between $75,000 and $110,000 per year, though salaries can vary based on city size and the complexity of emergency operations.
- Education requirements: A bachelor’s degree in emergency management, public administration, humanitarian action or a related field is usually required. Some directors pursue advanced degrees or complete specialized emergency response training.
- Types of employers: Emergency management directors are employed by local and state governments, hospitals, universities and nonprofit organizations that assist with disaster response and recovery.
Public Administration Skills Gained in a Nonprofit Management Graduate Degree (or Similar)
Earning a degree in public administration or a related field (such as nonprofit management or public policy) helps professionals build a well-rounded skill set to manage teams and solve complex, community-based challenges. These skills apply in government, nonprofit and private organizations that are committed to serving the public.
- Organizational leadership and management: The ability to lead organizations with a focus on mission-driven outcomes includes managing people, guiding projects and fostering an effective workplace culture.
- Public policy analysis: Knowing how to analyze, interpret and apply public policies helps administrators assess the potential impact of policies and recommend strategies for successful implementation.
- Budgeting and financial management: Managing public resources responsibly is a critical part of public administration. Experience with budgeting processes, financial planning and resource allocation to support sustainable operations is highly valuable.
- Human resources and personnel management: Being able to oversee hiring, manage employee relations and maintain compliance with workplace policies is essential in both government and nonprofit organizations.
- Ethics and public accountability: Public administration requires a strong commitment to ethical leadership and transparency. Degree programs emphasize accountability and decision-making that serves the public interest.
- Program evaluation and performance measurement: Knowing how to assess program effectiveness and use performance data to guide improvements supports long-term success and ensures that services meet community needs.
- Strategic planning and organizational development: Public administrators need to know how to set long-term goals, design strategic initiatives and guide organizational growth to build sustainable, adaptable programs.
- Public and nonprofit law: A working knowledge of public and nonprofit law helps public administrators navigate legal frameworks that shape public services. This includes understanding contracts, regulatory requirements and governance structures.
- Fundraising and resource development: Practical skills in securing financial support through fundraising, grant writing and donor engagement help organizations maintain the resources they need to operate.
- Communication and stakeholder engagement: Public administration professionals must engage with diverse audiences, including community members and policymakers. Strong communication skills help build trust and maintain productive relationships.
- Data and policy research methods: Public administrators must understand how to gather, analyze and apply data to inform decisions and improve program outcomes.
- Equity, inclusion and social justice principles: Advancing equity and social justice is critical to public services. Public administrators must develop strategies to reduce barriers, address disparities and promote inclusive policies.
If you are passionate about making a meaningful impact through public service, the Master of Science in Nonprofit Leadership and Management (MSNP) at the University of San Diego can help you build the skills to lead with confidence. This fully online program is designed for working professionals who want to advance in roles that contribute to social good.
The curriculum focuses on real-world application, giving you practical tools to strengthen nonprofit organizations and drive measurable change. Graduates are well-prepared for leadership positions across the nonprofit sector and beyond, including partnerships that work closely with government agencies.
To learn more about how the MSNP degree can help you grow your career in public administration or nonprofit management, connect with an advisor through the program page today.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kinds of nonprofit jobs are there in public administration?
Many careers sit at the intersection of nonprofit and government work. Professionals in these roles often coordinate programs, manage resources and deliver services that meet community needs. Examples include nonprofit executives who partner with local agencies; policy analysts working for think tanks or advocacy organizations; grant managers who distribute public funds to nonprofits; and community service managers who design programs supported by both public and private funding.
What is the best nonprofit career path for someone interested in public administration?
The right path for you depends on your strengths and interests. You may want to pursue executive leadership in nonprofits, where you can collaborate closely with public agencies to deliver large-scale programs. Or, you might focus on roles like policy analysis, grant administration or community development, which often involve working with both government partners and nonprofit stakeholders. Each of these career paths provides opportunities to create meaningful impact while bridging the nonprofit and public sectors.
