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Top 10 nonprofit jobs and who’s hiring

Looking for a fulfilling career in the nonprofit sector? We’ve compiled a list of top 10 in-demand jobs and who’s hiring right now.

Whether you’re interested in working for a human rights organization, a mission-driven charity, or an environmental conservation group, there are plenty of opportunities available for you to make a difference in the world.

If you’re a nonprofit major or recent graduate, there’s a range of career opportunities in the nonprofit sector. But scrolling job boards can send you into overdrive. How do you know which job postings are worth pursuing? Which nonprofit jobs pay well?

In this article, we’ll discuss the top 10 entry-level nonprofit jobs and who’s hiring to help job seekers like you find their perfect match.

Explore the top companies hiring in nonprofit.

Should you pursue a nonprofit career?

When considering a nonprofit career, certain skills and personal attributes can set you up for success. These include:

  • Passion for the cause. Nonprofit work is all about making a difference in people’s lives, so having a deep commitment to the cause is essential.
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills. Nonprofit work often involves partnerships with donors, volunteers, and community members, so effectively communicating the organization’s message and building relationships is critical.
  • Project management, leadership, problem-solving, and fundraising skills. These are all highly valued in the nonprofit sector and can help you stand out in a competitive job market.

While these skills and attributes can be helpful, they aren’t necessarily required to enter the nonprofit field. Ultimately, a willingness to learn and desire to make a difference can go a long way.

In fact, the nonprofit sector is the third-largest private employer in the U.S.

economy and offers new jobs four times faster than for-profit organizations.

Best degrees for nonprofit jobs

Here are some of the best degrees for nonprofit jobs:

  • Business administration. This degree can be helpful for those interested in nonprofit management positions. Program managers, executive directors, vice presidents, and other executive roles can benefit from business knowledge.
  • Nonprofit management. This degree can prepare you for different nonprofit jobs, including director of development, program director, senior manager, and advocacy coordinator.
  • Social work. A degree in social work can be helpful for working in social services as a case manager or in health care advocacy.
  • Public administration. This degree can prepare you for a range of nonprofit jobs, including civic engagement, government initiatives, and program management.
  • Communication. A degree in communication can help in nonprofit jobs related to marketing, public relations, or social media management.

If you’re interested in pursuing a nonprofit job, consider doing a job search to explore the positions available. Then, read job descriptions and learn the qualifications required.

Industries where you can build a nonprofit career

Here’s an overview of industries where you can build a nonprofit career and gain experience even if you’re not working directly in the nonprofit industry:

  • Education. Many schools and universities have a strong nonprofit focus, and positions are available in fundraising, alumni relations, and development.
  • Health care. Hospitals and health care organizations often have a significant philanthropic focus, and positions are available in fundraising, community outreach, business development, and program management.
  • Government. Federal, state, and local government agencies often work closely with nonprofits, and positions are available in grant management, advocacy, program development, and community outreach.
  • Environmental. Environmental nonprofits often work closely with businesses in areas like sustainability, corporate social responsibility, and grant management.
  • Arts and culture. Nonprofit arts organizations often work closely with businesses. Employees may work in community education, grant management, fundraising, and special events.

If you’re interested in exploring nonprofit jobs in these industries, scroll down for a list of companies hiring on Handshake.

Top 10 entry-level nonprofit jobs

Before you apply to every job listing, narrow your job search a bit. Here are 10 entry-level nonprofit jobs to have on your radar.

1. Development associate/assistant

As a development associate/assistant, you’ll focus on supporting fundraising and development initiatives for a nonprofit organization. Some responsibilities may include conducting research on potential donors, managing donor databases, and coordinating fundraising events.

Median salary: $52,658 per year

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree in a related field, such as nonprofit management, business, or communications
  • Experience with fundraising or event planning

Skills:

  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills
  • Attention to detail and organizational skills
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team

2. Grant writer

As a grant writer, your main job function is to write grant proposals to secure funding for nonprofit organizations. This may include researching potential funding sources, collaborating with program staff to develop project proposals, and maintaining relationships with funders.

Median salary: $76,474 per year

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree in a related field, such as nonprofit management, business, or communications
  • Experience with grant writing or proposal development

Skills:

  • Strong writing and research skills
  • Ability to meet tight deadlines and manage multiple projects
  • Attention to detail

3. Fundraising coordinator

Fundraising coordinators are responsible for organizing and executing fundraising events, managing donor databases, and coordinating outreach efforts to potential donors.

Median salary: $76,237 per year

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree in a related field, such as nonprofit management, business, or communications
  • Experience with event planning or fundraising

Skills:

  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills
  • Attention to detail and organizational skills

4. Administrative assistant

Administrative assistants provide administrative support to nonprofit organizations. This may include managing schedules, coordinating meetings, and handling correspondence.

Median salary: $43,970 per year

Qualifications:

  • Associate or bachelor’s degree in a related field, such as business administration or office management
  • Experience in an administrative or customer service role

Skills:

  • Strong organizational and time management skills
  • Attention to detail and accuracy in data entry and record-keeping
  • Ability to multitask and manage multiple priorities
  • Excellent communication and customer service skills

5. Marketing and communications associate

As a marketing and communications associate, you’ll promote the mission and values of a nonprofit organization. This may include developing and executing social media campaigns, creating marketing materials, and maintaining the nonprofit’s website.

Median salary: $52,461 per year

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree in a related field, such as marketing, communications, or public relations
  • Experience in marketing, social media management, or content development

Skills:

  • Strong writing and editing skills
  • Knowledge of marketing and communication strategies and tools
  • Proficiency in social media and marketing software
  • Ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams

6. Outreach coordinator

Outreach coordinators are responsible for building relationships and engaging community members, stakeholders, and potential partners. This may include planning and executing outreach events, coordinating volunteer efforts, and developing relationships with other organizations and businesses.

Median salary: $45,032 per year

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree in a related field, such as nonprofit management, community development, or communications
  • Experience in community outreach or volunteer coordination

Skills:

  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills
  • Ability to work with community members and other organizations
  • Knowledge of community outreach and volunteer coordination strategies and tools

7. Event coordinator

As an event coordinator, you’re responsible for planning and executing events to support the fundraising and outreach efforts of nonprofit organizations. This may include coordinating logistics, managing vendor relationships, and working with volunteers to ensure a successful event.

Median salary: $37,293 per year

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree in a related field, such as event planning, hospitality management, or nonprofit management
  • Experience in event planning or project management

Skills:

  • Strong organizational and time management skills
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

8. Human resources assistant

Human resources (HR) assistants support the nonprofit’s HR department. This may include assisting with the recruitment and onboarding process, managing employee files and databases, and coordinating employee benefits and training programs.

Median salary: $45,630 per year

Qualifications:

  • Associate or bachelor’s degree in a related field, such as human resources or business administration
  • Experience in an administrative or customer service role

Skills:

  • Strong attention to detail and accuracy in data entry and record-keeping
  • Excellent communication and customer service skills

9. Volunteer coordinator

As a volunteer coordinator, you’re responsible for recruiting and managing volunteers for nonprofit organizations. This may include developing volunteer opportunities and job descriptions, conducting orientations and training sessions, and tracking volunteer hours and impact.

Median salary: $58,160 per year

Qualifications:

  • Experience in volunteer coordination or community outreach

Skills:

  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills
  • Ability to work with volunteers and staff members
  • Knowledge of volunteer management strategies and tools
  • Excellent organizational and project management skills

10. Canvasser

Canvassers are responsible for fundraising and outreach for nonprofit organizations. This may include going door to door or approaching people on the street to solicit major gifts and donations or promote the organization’s mission and values.

Median salary: $43,293 per year

Qualifications:

  • High school diploma or equivalent, although some organizations may prefer a bachelor’s degree in a related field
  • Previous experience in canvassing or fundraising

Skills:

  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills
  • Ability to work independently and manage time effectively
  • Knowledge of fundraising and canvassing strategies and tools
  • Comfort with working in a fast-paced and high-pressure environment

Who’s hiring in nonprofit on Handshake?

Make a difference with nonprofits jobs on Handshake

The nonprofit sector offers many opportunities to make a meaningful impact while pursuing a rewarding career. In this article, we highlighted the top 10 entry-level nonprofit jobs. Each position offers unique qualifications, skills, and salary ranges, making them excellent choices for students and recent graduates seeking to enter the nonprofit sector.

Check out Handshake to see what’s available and sign up for job alerts. We also offer resources to help you in your job search.

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