Guide To Nonprofit Careers

The holidays inspire many people to give back, whether it's through donating money to charitable organizations, buying gifts for the less fortunate, or volunteering time to lend a helping hand.

If you thrive on the spirit of giving and would like to keep it going all year long, consider a job with a nonprofit organization (NPO), where every day presents the chance to improve the lives of others.

According to The Urban Institute, which collects data and conducts research on social and economic problems and issues in the United States, there are more than 1.5 million NPOs in the United States and the number of public charities alone has grown more than 60 percent in the last ten years.

So how can you get in on this expanding employment sector full of feel good work?

Check out our guide on NPOs to see if a job in this sector is right for you – and what education you'll need to get started.

What is a NPO?

Nonprofit organizations are those that don't make money for owners or shareholders. Employees earn a salary but any money earned by the organization goes into its programs or operating costs.

NPOs include:

• Charities
• Educational institutions
• Human service programs
• Arts programs
• And more

NPOs are a significant part of the U.S. workforce, making up one in ten jobs nationwide and contributing more than $666 billion to the U.S. economy.

NPO Jobs

Any job that exists in the for-profit world has a nonprofit equivalent. And you might be glad to hear that nonprofit salaries are not "nonprofit" for employees.

Offices need to be staffed; programs created, marketed, and carried out; some organizations even need automobile mechanics and paralegals.The national average salary for paralegals is $47,000-$60,000. You should see comparable or only slightly lower salary numbers in the non-profit sector.

Because budgets are often tight, employees should be flexible and willing to wear more than one hat.

For example, you may be hired as a graphic designer, but be prepared to help the fundraising staff from time to time. Graphic designers earn a median annual salary of $42,000 per year.

Want to work in accounting? According to a survey of New York City-area nonprofit organizations by Professionals for NonProfits, you'll make between $50,000-$60,000 per year. And that could go up to $90,000 if you work at a larger organization. But don't be surprised if you're also tasked with answering calls when the receptionist is out sick.

The relatively small size of most nonprofits helps create a rich working environment. The multi-tasking required can help you expand your resume of marketable job skills. And who knows, maybe you'll move up to the top spot at a nonprofit organization. According to Professionals for NonProfits, you could earn up to $300,000 per year if you run a large organization.

Look for schools that can prepare you for a nonprofit career now.

Nonprofit Job Training

Because of the wide range of jobs available at NPOs, you have a variety of educational options.

• If you like numbers, an associate's degree in accounting will help you get started in fundraising. If you rise to the top in that field, becoming a Chief Development Officer, you could make as much as $100,000 per year at a large nonprofit.
• An associate's or bachelor's degree in graphic design will prepare you to design web sites, flyers, and magazines. These are vital for raising money and informing people about the organization's mission.
• A bachelor's in information technology will keep the computers running smoothly. According to Professionals for NonProfits, IT professionals in the New York City area can make $50,000-$90,000 per year.
• A bachelor's or master's degree in education, psychology, or nursing can put you on the front lines, teaching vital skills or delivering health care to those in need.

Many nonprofits encourage their employees to continue their education and offer generous tuition reimbursement while they work.

If you're looking for an advanced degree that will be especially useful in the nonprofit world, consider a master's of business administration, social work, or public administration.

Start preparing for your nonprofit career now.

Nonprofit Job Benefits

A common stereotype of nonprofit jobs is that they just don't pay as well as their for-profit counterparts. Not true. Here's a breakdown of the benefits you could enjoy working for a nonprofit organization.

• Salary – While hefty bonuses and stock options may be uncommon, salaries are usually comparable for similar positions in the for-profit sector, especially in fields like health care where services are standardized.
• Perks – Some nonprofit jobs offer fun perks like travel to program locations and access to glitzy fundraising dinners (even if you're staffing the event).

And, of course, the chance to contribute to something larger than themselves is a major benefit for many employees.

Just ask Joshua Lamont, who most recently served as a vice president at amfAR, The Foundation for AIDS Research.

"When I began working full-time in the nonprofit sector, I looked forward to applying my professional skills to more directly effecting social change," says Lamont.

"What I have enjoyed most – and had not expected – is the great sense of personal fulfillment that has added greatly to the professional experience."

How Do I Find a Nonprofit Job?

• Start by getting an education. A few classes or a degree in your area of interest will show that you have the knowledge, skills, and dedication to help an organization succeed.
• While you're in school, consider doing an internship. You'll gain valuable experience and have a chance to see if a nonprofit career is right for you.
• Search the Web. Many NPOs advertise job openings the same way for-profit companies do – through online job sites, college career offices, or word of mouth. But there are also specialized job listings for the nonprofit area on websites like idealist.org, philanthropy.com, or nonprofitcareer.com.
• Think outside the workplace. Have you done any volunteer work? Put it on your resume and it will show that you have a commitment to goals that are bigger than just your pocketbook. The person in charge of the volunteer project could be a great reference as well.
• Tip: If you're interested in a particular organization but there aren't any current openings, offer to volunteer. You'll get the inside scoop on any new job openings, and when you apply, they'll already be familiar with you and your skills.