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There are nearly 1.3 million nonprofit (voluntary, community-based, functional,
or charitable) institutions in the United States alone.
Nonprofit institutions play an important role in community life and are
an integral part of the economic, political, and social structure of our nation.
Certainly its most distinguishing characteristic is that nonprofits do
not attempt to make a profit.
Instead, their primary goal is to advance, advocate, or pursue a cause central
to the organization’s existence and mission.
These missions can range from women’s rights in the United States to
third-world economic development.
Workdays in nonprofit organizations are often long, with financial rewards not
always matching effort or responsibility.
Furthermore, many nonprofits face a continual crisis of resources.
The size, diversity, and activity of nonprofit organizations have grown
dramatically over the past decade as a result of government efforts to
"privatize" services and programs.
This sector employs approximately 12 million people, expends $120 billion in
annual personnel costs, and represents $340 billion in total annual budget
outlays.
Career Paths and Entry Salaries
The nonprofit sector offers multiple employment options for Master’s degree
graduates. Examples of job titles
include: Assistant Director of
Fundraising, Program Analyst, Program Director, Program Officer,
Marketing/Research Associate, Director, Community Outreach Coordinator, Finance
Director, Director of Information Systems and Director of Public Relations. It
is possible to be hired as an Executive Director of a small organization.
Entry-level salaries range from the mid $20’s to the $40’s depending on
the size of the organizational budget, the number of staff, and the diversity of
qualifications.
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.
Qualifications Necessary/Application Procedures to
Enter Field
A Master’s degree in Public Administration, Public
Affairs, International Affairs, Business Administration or a specialized degree
in nonprofit management is usually needed as well as a strong interest in the
issues related to the mission of the nonprofit organization.
It is helpful to gain professional or volunteer experience with related
nonprofit organizations, and it is expected that candidates have excellent oral
and written communication skills.
Because these organizations are often involved in planning large events and
activities, it is desirable that employees have experience in motivating,
training, and supervising others.
Due to budget constraints that non-profits often face, it is necessary to work
creatively with limited human and financial resources.
Overseas experience and proficiency in a foreign language are often
needed for effective work in many international nonprofit organizations.
Sample Employers
Academy for Educational Development,
http://www.aed.org
Demand and Future Challenges of Profession
Nonprofit management is an expanding and dynamic
career field characterized by the growth of new organizations and new programs
developed to improve the human condition.
Furthermore, the outsourcing of previously government-managed programs to
the nonprofit sector continues to serve as a catalyst for new positions.
Finally, there continues to be considerable turnover in the nonprofit
world based on the upward mobility and financial challenges of this profession.
Resources For More Information
Associations/Websites
Alliance for Nonprofit Management,
http://www.allianceonline.org
Directories
100 Best Non-profits to Work For,
Leslie Hamilton and Robert Tragert (2000)
Non-profit Organizations Notebook
(selected contact information in career library)
Non-profit Sector Yellow Book,
Winter and Spring (2003)
The Foundation Directory,
David G. Jacobs, Editor (2003)
Publications
·
A Guide
to Careers in Community Development, Paul C.
Brophy and Alice Shabecoff (2001)
Internet Resources
This page current as of:
April 24, 2008 |
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