Non-Profit Management Field Guide
Overview
Non-profit management is an expanding and dynamic career field characterized by the growth of new organizations and new programs developed to improve the human condition. Non-profit institutions play an important role in community life and are an integral part of the economic, political, and social structures of nations. Their primary goal is to advance, advocate, or pursue a cause central to the organization’s existence and mission. There are nearly 1.3 million non-profit (voluntary, community-based, functional, or charitable) institutions in the United States alone. Workdays in non-profit organizations are often long, with financial rewards not always matching effort or responsibility. Furthermore, many nonprofits face a continual crisis of resources.
Career Opportunities
Following the entry level, one may assume positions of increasing responsibility in functional areas, program or service delivery, and/or general management. Primary job functions can include working with a Board of Directors, public and community groups, fundraising, media, clients and other nonprofit organizations. Career advancement depends on the size and mission of each nonprofit, as well as your dedication to the organization. There are unlimited opportunities to jump from the nonprofit sector to the private and public/government sectors because of continuous interaction with institutions in these areas. Probable career outcomes are Senior Executive Director, Program Manager, Government Affairs, or equivalent positions in the private and public sectors.
Types of Jobs
Fundraising
Program analyst
Program director
Marketing/PR
Research
Community outreach
Finance
Information systems
Qualifications + Skills
Interest in issues related to the mission of the organization
Excellent written and oral communication skills
Training and motivating others
Collaborative and interpersonal skills
Fundraising
Grant writing
Working creatively with limited resources
Research and analytical skills
PRO TIP: In addition to screening for skills and talents, NGOs look for candidates who care about the issues they work on. Provide clear examples in your cover letter about how you know and care about the work the organization does; also look for ways to demonstrate a commitment to their core issues in your interview.
Sample Employers
Acadia Center
Alpha House of Tampa
ALSAC - St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
American Cancer Society
American Red Cross
American Society for Public Administration
AmeriCares
And Justice for All
APS Education Foundation
Beyond Borders
CARE
Cincinnati Parks Foundation
City of Hope
Committee to Protect Journalists
Compassion International
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
Direct Relief
Doctors Without Borders
East Lake Foundation
Easter Seals
Environmental Law Alliance Worldwide
Feeding America
Feminist Majority Foundation
FHI 360
Food for The Poor
For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST)
Ford Foundation
FSH Society
GBS/CIDP Foundation International
India Development and Relief Fund
Institute for Global Communications
Kiwanis International Foundation
Local area food banks
...And More!
Sample Maxwell Classes
Human Resources Management
Nonprofit Management and Governance
Financial Management of Nonprofit Organizations
Fund Development for Nonprofit Organizations
Implementation of Public Policy
Collaborative and Participatory Governance
Managing Interpersonal, Group and Systemic Conflicts
Ethics and Public Policy
Resources
Alliance for Nonprofit Management
Charity Navigator
Chronicle of Philanthropy
DevNet Jobs
Foundation Center
Non-Profit Career Network
Opportunity Knocks
Related Career Guides
Foundations
Think Tanks
Human Rights and Social Justice
Humanitarian Aid and Relief