You know that rewarding feeling when you volunteer, especially for an organization and mission you wholeheartedly believe in? Imagine experiencing that hard-earned elation every day.
The thing is … you can.
We all want to find a career we feel passionate about, which makes working for nonprofit organizations (NPOs) so immensely rewarding. Working in the nonprofit industry lets you focus on furthering the public good through your vocational, humanitarian, and philanthropic callings.
What is a nonprofit?
There are approximately 1.8 million NPOs in the United States, the most being based in California, Texas, and New York. Compared to for-profit organizations, an NPO utilizes its revenue to further social causes and advocate its particular mission. Nonprofits are public charities that may have educational, environmental, religious, public safety, charitable, justice, or cruelty-prevention missions.
Since they’re dedicated to serving the public and reinvesting profits in the services they provide, nonprofits are given tax-exempt status by the Internal Revenue Service’s 501(c) code.
Why should I work at a nonprofit?
Working in nonprofits lets you get hands-on experience with causes you’re passionate about and see a positive impact of your involvement directly transfer to the community, population, or mission you care about. The various positions entail relationship-building, problem-solving, and servant leadership. If you have a variety of interests, working in nonprofits is great because (as in any career journey) you’ll be able to learn more about yourself and the world.
Nonprofits operate as various businesses, which can include:
- Veterans organizations
- Social clubs
- Public agencies
- Private foundations
- Charities
What roles are offered in nonprofit organizations?
Regardless of the cause you’re compelled to work in, there are various roles you can choose from. Broadly speaking, this includes on-the-ground implementation roles and support roles.
On-the-ground implementation roles
On-the-ground implementation roles grant the opportunity to work with individuals and communities directly; oriented toward achieving the nonprofit’s mission hands-on. Common jobs in this category include:
- Field officer
- Surveyor
- Moderator
Support roles
Support roles organize the tasks necessary for an NPO to achieve its mission. They provide the direction of the organization’s trajectory and hone into building sustainable operations. In these jobs, you’re likely to work with corporations, public advocacy campaigns, philanthropic organizations, and high-net-worth individuals. Common jobs in this category include:
- Fundraiser
- Program manager
- Campaign manager
- Researcher
- Communications specialist
What can I get from a job in nonprofits?
Nonprofit jobs generally don’t pay less than for-profit corporations, yet employee compensation varies depending on the populations served, the organization’s philanthropic culture, and the revenue earned. Per Foundation List, “all funds above the operating costs are held by the nonprofit to reinvest in its programmatic and operational work.”
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Who are you called to be?
Pursue your purpose at PLNU.
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According to TeamStage, 73% of nonprofits think donations from individuals are essential for their services. Nevertheless, employees of NPOs still get adequate pay and have benefits, and a Bureau of Labor Statistics study found that, in general, nonprofit employees earn a pay premium compared with their for-profit counterparts.
Lifelong learning
Admittedly, the nonprofit sector can be hard to initially navigate, especially when put face to face with social resistance, institutional inequalities, and cultural constraints. However, this altruistic work reaps many benefits — you’re changing the world!
Working for nonprofits will also help you excel with people skills. Also known as “soft skills,” the ability to personally connect with the individuals whom you encounter will foster deep relationships. Through experience, you’ll also gain “hard skills,” such as copywriting, finance, social media, and data analysis.
What degrees should I get to work in nonprofits?
Contrary to what some may think, you don’t need a degree in social sciences to work at an NPO. There are many undergraduate degrees that prepare you for a career in the nonprofit sector, many of which can be tailored to your specific cause interests. Below are six beneficial degrees for working in nonprofits and roles that can be achieved through each one:
Sociology
A degree in sociology will equip you with knowledge of social and cultural patterns, working with diverse groups of people and issues, and engaging as an agent of change and restoration. While studying sociology, you’ll master interpersonal skills — collaboration, teamwork, and empathy — that will transfer directly to serving others of various backgrounds.
Nonprofit roles you can obtain with a sociology degree:
- Paralegal
- Market research analyst
- Public relations specialist
- Culture officer
Social work
A Bachelor of Arts in Social Work prepares you to promote social and economic justice, understand human interactions in social and cultural environments, and empower diverse populations. Rooted in sociology, psychology, biology, and economic theories, this degree provides specialized knowledge in child welfare, human behavior, policy, and race and ethnicity.
Nonprofit jobs you can get with a degree in social work:
- Living skills advisor
- Housing counselor
- Social worker
- Managed care coordinator
Business
With a business degree, you’ll have the foundational knowledge of how a nonprofit can be efficiently and effectively run. Courses on business law and administration, human resource management, finance, and economics provide analytical skills necessary for the support roles within an NPO, where you’ll become a viable resource for program support, community engagement, and volunteer engagement.
Some NPO roles you could obtain with a business degree:
- Financial officer
- Executive director
- Campaign manager
- Program manager
Education
A degree in education and education-related fields is great if you’re looking to help students, parents, fellow educators, and the general public better understand the mission of your NPO. There are also plenty of nonprofits dedicated to strengthening educational institutions and learners of all levels.
Examples of nonprofit jobs you could get with a degree in education:
- Director of adult education
- Outreach educator
- Teacher or administrator
- Learning program coordinator
Health services
From hospital foundations to international relief organizations, a fair amount of the nonprofit industry is health-related. Patient support and advocacy, medical knowledge, and familiarity with research and outreach are necessary for these NPOs. Hence, if you’re interested in working for a health organization or nonprofit, a degree in the medical or health services field is right for you.
Nonprofit roles you can obtain with a degree in medical or health services:
- Research coordinator
- Epidemiologist
- Fundraisers with a background in public health
- Policy analyst
Environmental science
NPOs often take up the brunt of work for environmental, climate, and wildlife policy and missions, which is great if you’re looking to pursue a degree in environmental science. Foundational courses in biology, the social and political sciences, and the arts and humanities will suit you with extensive insight applicable to nonprofit jobs that work to mitigate the climate crisis, protect endangered species, conduct research, strive for rainforest conservation and clean water, and much more.
Nonprofit roles you can obtain with an environmental science degree:
- Conservation scientist
- Wildlife biologist
- Environmental educator
- Policy analyst
Start Your Degree at PLNU
Point Loma Nazarene University offers varying bachelor’s degrees. Ready to start your journey? Connect with a counselor to get your questions answered, or apply now!