A career in the nonprofit sector offers a unique blend of personal fulfillment and professional growth. For those passionate about making a meaningful difference in the world, choosing the right educational path is crucial — but it can also be confusing to know which degree is best for nonprofit work. The options are seemingly endless!
In this post, you’ll discover the top degrees suited for nonprofit work, as well as potential career paths to consider as you navigate your educational journey.
What Is a Nonprofit Organization?
A nonprofit organization — also known as a not-for-profit or NGO (non-governmental organization) — operates for purposes other than profit generation. Nonprofits are typically dedicated to serving the public interest or pursuing a specific mission, such as charitable, educational, religious, scientific or social causes.
Various types of organizations can be considered nonprofits, including:
- Charities
- Public agencies
- Private foundations
- Social clubs
- Veteran organizations
- Business leagues
Unlike for-profit businesses, nonprofits do not distribute profits to shareholders or owners; instead, any surplus revenue is reinvested into the organization’s programs and services to further its mission. Nonprofits often rely on donations, grants and volunteer efforts to sustain their operations and achieve their goals. They are typically exempt from certain taxes and regulations due to their commitment to serving the greater good rather than maximizing profits.
Why Work in a Nonprofit?
Working in a nonprofit organization can have a direct, positive impact on a community or group of people, but the work also provides many personal benefits.
People who work for nonprofits often find fulfillment and a sense of purpose in contributing to a cause they believe in. Nonprofits typically offer employees the opportunity to work towards something meaningful, whether it’s addressing social injustices, environmental issues, healthcare disparities or educational inequities. This can lead to a greater sense of job satisfaction and motivation, as employees feel they are making a tangible difference in the world.
Nonprofit employees tend to develop a wide range of skills on the job. These organizations typically have smaller teams and limited resources, which means employees often have the opportunity to take on diverse roles and responsibilities, gaining valuable hands-on experience in areas such as project management, fundraising, marketing, advocacy and community outreach. This can lead to personal growth and professional development, enhancing one’s resume and opening up new career opportunities in the nonprofit sector or beyond.
In terms of social impact, working in a nonprofit allows people to directly contribute to positive change in their communities or on a larger scale. Whether it’s providing essential services to those in need, advocating for policy change or conducting research to address societal issues, nonprofit work has the potential to improve the lives of countless individuals and create lasting social impact. By dedicating their time and talents to a nonprofit organization, nonprofit professionals can help address pressing challenges and work toward building a more just, equitable and sustainable world for all.
Nonprofit Career Opportunities
Jobs in the nonprofit sector are extremely varied since nonprofit organizations exist in nearly every field. There is a mistaken assumption that nonprofit jobs pay less than those in for-profit companies. The reality is that, just like in the for-profit sector, non-profit salaries vary based on title, location, education, experience and organizational revenue. As in many other sectors, nonprofit professionals holding certificates or master’s degrees — such as a Master of Social Work (MSW), Master of Public Administration (MPA) Master of Business Administration (MBA) or a Master in Nonprofit Management — have a higher earning potential than those without advanced degrees.
Since the majority of nonprofits have fewer than 10 employees, many nonprofit employees take on multiple responsibilities within the organization, which means that having (or being willing to build) a diverse skill set is a professional asset. Anyone searching for a job in a nonprofit must be motivated and willing to adapt to changing organizational needs.
The following are 12 nonprofit careers that can benefit from a certificate or degree in nonprofit management, and may offer higher salaries depending on education level. (Salary ranges are representative of data from Indeed.com as of October 2024.)
- Executive Director ($52,000–$173,000+) The Executive Director is the top leadership position in a nonprofit organization. They are responsible for overseeing all aspects of the organization’s operations, including strategic planning, financial management, fundraising, program development and staff management. The Executive Director reports to the board of directors and ensures the organization achieves its mission and goals.
- Fundraising Manager ($37,000–$97,000+) Also called the Director of Development, the Fundraising Manager is responsible for developing and implementing fundraising strategies to secure financial support for the organization. They identify funding opportunities, cultivate relationships with donors and sponsors, write grant proposals and organize fundraising events to meet fundraising goals and sustain the organization’s programs and operations.
- Program Manager ($45,000–$144,000+) A Program Manager oversees the planning, implementation and evaluation of specific programs or projects within the organization. They develop program goals, budgets and timelines, coordinate activities, monitor progress and ensure that programs align with the organization’s mission and objectives.
- Outreach Coordinator ($37,000–$74,000) A Nonprofit Outreach Coordinator is responsible for developing and implementing strategies to reach out to the community and various stakeholders. They often organize events, create outreach materials and build partnerships to raise awareness and engage people with the organization’s mission and programs.
- Communications Manager ($49,000–$133,000) A Communications Manager is responsible for developing and implementing communication strategies to promote the organization’s mission, programs and impact. They manage media relations, create content for newsletters, websites and social media, and oversee branding and messaging to maintain consistent communication with stakeholders.
- Accountant ($43,000–$95,000) An accountant in a nonprofit organization is responsible for managing financial transactions, maintaining financial records, preparing budgets and financial reports and ensuring compliance with accounting standards and regulations. They play a crucial role in financial management and decision-making within the organization.
- Grant Writer ($43,000–$88,000) A grant writer is responsible for researching and identifying funding opportunities, writing grant proposals and preparing grant reports for foundations, government agencies and other grant-making organizations. They play a crucial role in securing grants to support the organization’s programs and initiatives.
- Administrative Assistant ($38,000–$74,000) An Administrative Assistant provides administrative support to staff members and helps ensure the smooth operation of the organization. They perform tasks such as answering phones, scheduling meetings, managing correspondence, maintaining records and assisting with office management duties.
- Field Operations Manager ($45,000–$117,000) A Field Operations Manager works directly on the ground to implement and oversee the organization’s programs and projects. They liaise with community members, partners and stakeholders, collect data, monitor progress and provide support to field staff to ensure effective program delivery.
- Surveyor ($82,000–$141,000) A Surveyor designs and conducts surveys to gather data and feedback from target populations, communities and other stakeholders. They analyze survey results to inform program planning, evaluation and decision-making within the organization.
- Campaign Manager ($43,000–$124,000) A Campaign Manager is responsible for planning, coordinating and executing advocacy or fundraising campaigns to raise awareness, mobilize support and achieve specific goals or objectives.
- Researcher ($37,000–$181,000) A researcher conducts research to gather data, analyze trends and generate insights to inform program development, policy advocacy or organizational decision-making. They use various research methods and tools to collect and analyze data, produce reports and disseminate findings to stakeholders.
You may notice that many of these roles share responsibilities or serve similar functions; this is a perfect example of how a robust professional skill set can help nonprofit employees fulfill multiple roles in their organizations and contribute to overall team efficiency.
Best Degrees for Nonprofit Work
From developing leadership skills to gaining specialized knowledge in areas such as fundraising and program management, the best degree program can lay a strong foundation for a successful career in the nonprofit sector. Your personal and professional goals will determine the right degree path for you.
Nonprofit Management Degree
A Master of Nonprofit Leadership and Management equips students with skills in finance, organizational governance, administration and entrepreneurship — all of which are essential for effective leadership. This degree seeks to provide a comprehensive understanding of the unique dynamics of the nonprofit sector and prepare graduates to navigate the regulatory landscape and ethical considerations of nonprofit work.
Coursework can encompass nonprofit marketing, board governance, fundraising, capital development and campaign development. Students also learn about corporate philanthropy, public relations, event planning, donation tracking, ethics and law. This degree often qualifies individuals for roles in nonprofit management, fundraising and program development, and may even provide a strong foundation for a career in social work. Possible careers include:
- Executive director
- Program manager
- Campaign manager
- Development director
Business Degrees
A business degree, specifically an MBA, provides foundational knowledge for effectively running a nonprofit organization. Through courses on business law and administration, human resource management, finance and economics, students gain essential skills for multiple roles within nonprofits.
MBA holders are valuable resources for program support, community engagement and volunteer management. These degrees also teach organizational, problem-solving and analytical skills necessary for overseeing nonprofit operations, including hiring staff, approving budgets, fundraising and ensuring financial sustainability. Possible careers for business degree holders in the nonprofit sector include:
- Financial officer
- Executive director
- Campaign manager
- Program manager
Education Degrees
Education degrees — such as a Master of Education or Master of Arts in Teaching — are instrumental in promoting learning and teaching techniques, making them highly useful for nonprofit professionals dedicated to strengthening educational institutions and learners. Having an education background is common in the nonprofit sector, as it can help strengthen an organization’s reach and impact on audiences of all ages. Nonprofit roles for education degree holders include:
- Education outreach coordinator
- Preschool teacher or administrator
- Education program leader
- Director of adult education
- Summer learning program coordinator
- Camp program director
Public Administration Degree
A Master of Public Administration (MPA) is suitable for anyone interested in studying the intersection between government and nonprofits. MPA programs offer core courses in managing governmental organizations and elective courses in managing nonprofit organizations. Graduates can then pursue careers in various roles within nonprofits, leveraging their knowledge of public administration principles and nonprofit management skills to contribute effectively to the organization’s mission and objectives.
Health Services Degrees
Employees with health services degrees are valuable in nonprofit organizations based in health-related fields, such as hospital foundations, international relief organizations and patient advocacy groups. Professionals with health services backgrounds can advocate for and support patient care, research and outreach efforts, improving lives locally or globally. Based on their education and background, nonprofit employment positions available to health services degree holders can include:
- Nurse
- Healthcare administrator
- Medical assistance
- Nutritionist
- Physical therapist
- Psychologist
- Public health official
- Addiction counselor
Social Work Degree
A Master of Social Work (MSW) provides specialized knowledge in social welfare and social change. Graduates are equipped to work directly with clients or, if they have the proper management training, manage programmatic aspects of nonprofit organizations. An MSW degree emphasizes promoting social and economic justice, understanding human interactions and empowering diverse populations, making MSW holders valuable assets for nonprofit roles such as:
- Living skills advisor
- Housing counselor
- Counselor
- Managed care coordinator
Public Policy Degrees
A Master of Public Policy (MPP) is ideal for individuals interested in changing social policy related to nonprofit organizations. MPP programs offer core courses in creating and changing public policy, along with elective courses in managing nonprofits. Graduates can pursue careers focused on shaping policies that impact nonprofits and advocating for systemic changes to support the sector’s growth and effectiveness.
Environmental Science Degrees
Professionals with environmental science degrees are extremely valuable to nonprofit organizations dedicated to environmental and wildlife conservation. Graduates can find nonprofit jobs protecting and researching endangered species, conserving natural resources and promoting sustainable development. Potential roles include:
- Environmental project manager
- Park ranger
- Environmental policy analyst
- Ecology camp supervisor
- Animal rehabilitation specialist
Law Degrees
Exports in various social, legal and criminal justice fields can secure positions in nonprofits fighting injustices within the legal system. Degree programs focused on criminal justice, legal studies or paralegal studies provide specialized knowledge applicable to nonprofit organizations working within specific legal frameworks.
Finance Degrees
Finance degree programs can teach individuals to manage nonprofit finances efficiently and strategically so that they can help ensure the organization’s financial sustainability and impact. Finance students learn to create budgets, monitor expenses, produce financial reports and cultivate donor relationships, enhancing their ability to support nonprofit organizations in achieving their missions effectively.
Marketing Degrees
Marketing degrees equip individuals with skills to create, oversee and manage communication strategies for nonprofit organizations. Marketing degree holders can help increase nonprofits’ visibility, engagement and impact through effective communication channels. Possible careers include:
- Communication director
- Market researcher
- Social media manager
- Public relations
- Cultural officer
Committing to a career in nonprofit work requires a blend of passion and expertise — nonprofit employees often combine their commitment to a cause with a robust set of skills that helps them realize their organization’s mission.
In the online Master of Science in Nonprofit Leadership and Management (MSNP) program at the University of San Diego, students have the opportunity to cultivate these essential skills while balancing their professional and personal commitments. Our program offers a rigorous curriculum designed to empower future nonprofit leaders with the knowledge and tools needed to drive meaningful change in their communities and beyond.
Explore the possibilities with USD’s MSNP program and take the first step towards realizing your potential as a catalyst for positive social impact. Connect with an enrollment advisor for more information.