Guide To Nonprofit Jobs & Careers in 2025

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The nonprofit industry is a great industry to work in if you’re passionate about making a difference in the world. Nonprofits provide people with jobs that matter and offer them an opportunity to make their own mark on society. 

While many organizations are small, there are some big players in the world of nonprofits.

In this guide, you’ll learn about which nonprofits are the best to work for, different jobs, and how to use tools like an online resume builder to help you land your dream job in the nonprofit industry.

What Is the Nonprofit Industry?

The nonprofit industry is a vast and diverse field. Organizations that fall into this category do not have a profit motive and are often funded by donations, grants, or government funding. 

As such, nonprofits are usually mission-driven organizations that serve specific communities or causes.

Different nonprofits work in various areas to improve the quality of life for people or animals. Below are some areas that nonprofit organizations work in: 

• Social welfare
• Education
• Environmental 

Nonprofit organizations focus on a specific cause or social issue. Someone who works for a nonprofit (except for volunteers) will be paid. 

However, any extra profit goes towards the mission of the organization.  

Some of the most common types of nonprofit groups include:

• Charities—These organizations conduct fundraising campaigns to fund their operations and provide direct aid to those in need. Some examples include Habitat for Humanity and the American Heart Association.
• Social service organizations (SSOs)—These groups focus on improving living conditions for individuals or communities through direct intervention programs like food banks, shelters, and job training programs. 
• Private Foundations—These entities raise funds from donors who wish to support philanthropic causes but do not want their names attached directly to an organization’s activities. They also do not directly get involved with the work of the charity groups they are funding. 

Private foundations are often set up by wealthy individuals or families, who then donate their money to be managed by the foundation’s board of directors for the benefit of society.

To work for one of these organizations, it will be important for you to make show you have relevant experience and skills to do the job right. 

However, there are some differences in the nonprofit job sector, for example, volunteering is seen more positively. 

It can’t be stressed enough that volunteering can give you a major advantage, especially if you have taken part in the organization you are applying to.  

Using a resume template, you can easily impress nonprofit recruiters. Taking advantage of these tools can be highly beneficial, especially considering the fierce competition for job positions in these nonprofit organizations. 

The Best Nonprofits To Work For

As you might have guessed, nonprofit jobs can be a great way to make a difference and help others. However, they’re also a good way to earn money and have more flexibility in your schedule. 

When researching job opportunities at nonprofits, it’s essential to look for ones that align with your values, as well as ones that offer competitive benefits packages. 

Here are some of the most common and influential nonprofits you could hope to work for:

• UNICEF – This is one of the largest global organizations. UNICEF works to ensure the quality of life in every country is improved, especially in Third World countries.
• The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) – The WWF works in 100 countries and is supported by over one million members throughout the United States and close to 5 million globally.
• Doctors Without Borders – With medical experts volunteering and working in over 60 countries, this organization’s mission is to provide medical assistance to those in countries who do not have sufficient access to medicine while suffering from conflict or endemic diseases.
• The American Red Cross – This nonprofit is “a global humanitarian organization led by volunteers who provide relief to victims of disasters and helps people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies.”
• Boys & Girls Clubs of America – This organization was created to provide mentors to youths across the United States. It offers sports, summer camps, and volunteer community service for children. 
• The Salvation Army – Always visible at Christmastime, the Salvation Army collects donations to fill food pantries and job training programs and services for former service men and women. 

To enter one of these organizations could be difficult, however, there are certain ways that you can get in, even with little to no experience. 

Working as an intern for the organization you would like to work with in the future is a great way to get your foot in the door. You can add the experience to your resume and make contacts within the organization.

Nonprofit Jobs and Careers

When you hear nonprofit, you may think there is only volunteer work available, or you won’t make any money. 

That is not exactly true, there are plenty of positions that fulfill both your personal and financial needs. 

Nonprofit jobs are available in many areas including education, healthcare, and community development. 

You have to be passionate about the mission of an organization, as well as have the skills needed to successfully execute your responsibilities on the job.

That separates nonprofit work apart from other types of careers. 

While you may not make as much as a lawyer or as an investment banker, there are positions you could apply for that allow you to make a decent salary and can offer you benefits. 

Check out some of the most common nonprofit jobs below. 

Executive director

Just like businesses that want to make a profit, nonprofit organizations also really on executive directors. 

Executive directors are at the top of a nonprofit organization and give leadership while reporting to the board of directors. 

They ensure that the leaders of each department are doing their job, and if an organization is smaller, they may become more involved in the operation. 

Normally, executive directors make nearly $66,000 a year. 

Major gifts officer

Working in this position requires you to develop a strategy regarding whom the nonprofit organization accepts donations. 

This role is typically reserved for larger nonprofit organizations, as major gifts are considered to be donations that are larger than $100,000. 

Smaller organizations may not necessarily need to fill this position. 

On average, major gift officers make nearly $70,000 a year. 

Grant writer

You may be wondering how organizations receive their money apart from donations on the street. 

Well, a big part of an organization’s funding comes from asking for grants. The person who asks foundations or governments for money is known as a grant writer. 

Grant writers develop proposals and work on projects to request funding from organizations and government agencies. 

Grant writers normally make around a $50,000 salary. 

Outreach coordinator

Another typical nonprofit job is outreach coordinator. Working in this position means you can expect an average salary of just over $41,000. 

The responsibilities of this outreach coordinator include: 

• Creating connections with people or institutions in the wider community
• Making sponsorship agreements
• Determining budgets for volunteer committees

You may also be asked to be the spokesperson of the Nonprofit organization. 

TIP: Include all your relevant skills and any experience that is specific to the position when applying. Using a free online resume builder can greatly help you create you make the perfect job application for any of these jobs.

How To Find a Nonprofit Job

Finding a nonprofit organization near you is not usually difficult, especially when there are so many large organizations out there. 

However, it’s essential to choose the correct organization that best suits you and what you are passionate about. Here are some tips to help you get the job you want: 

• Figure out who or what you want to serve:  The first step to finding a nonprofit job is identifying organizations that align with your interests. 
• Look in your community: Find nonprofits in your very own community, especially if you have little to no experience. 
• Create a network: You can build contacts with people in the organizations you work in, which can help you get positions in other organizations down the road. 
• Do volunteer work: Nonprofit organizations love volunteers. While not being paid is never easy, it can help you make connections and gain valuable experience.
• Find an internship: Just like volunteer work, internships in these types of organizations can help you gain precious experience for your resume. 
• Take advantage of social media: Many organizations post opportunities on their social networking sites, you can also get information regarding different events they are organizing. 
• Study a relevant subject: Even though nonprofit organizations aren’t focused on becoming rich, people who are knowledgeable regarding finance and economics are considered to be highly valuable.

How To Create a Nonprofit Resume

If you are applying for a new job, it’s important to tailor your resume to the position. Your nonprofit resume should be slightly different from your corporate resume to highlight the skills and qualities that will help you succeed in this field.

To help you get started on crafting an effective nonprofit resume, we’ve created step-by-step instructions below:

• Use a free online resume builder: Creating a resume can be difficult, especially if you aren’t exactly sure about what to include in your skills and experience sections. Using this type of tool can make the job a lot easier. 
• Include a list of references: Hiring managers can contact them if needed. If you can, show your connections to the organization you are applying to. 
• Format your document neatly and professionally: A well-written resume format is key. It will make it easier for hiring managers and recruiters who receive many applications at a time.  
• Include volunteer experience: For nonprofit organizations, volunteer experience looks great on a resume. Spend some time volunteering for the nonprofit organization you’re interested in, and you’ll have a much better chance of being hired. 

Nonprofit job opportunities are on the rise and there are many good reasons to consider this career path. 

Nonprofit organizations normally don’t search for employees the same way for-profit companies do. Apart from your relative skills, it will be important to show that you are motivated and have the character to be successful. 

Writing a convincing cover letter can help you a lot, and taking advantage of volunteer work, as well as attending events. 

Nonprofit work is meaningful, rewarding, and helps make a difference in people’s lives. It can also be an amazing way to build your resume and gain valuable experience while helping others at the same time.

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