In our rapidly changing world, many citizens are looking for ways to incorporate helping others into their day-jobs. Non-profit organizations are everywhere, and there are many paying jobs within their ranks. If helping community organizations, charities, or other non-profits succeed in a competitive world seems like a worthwhile career, a job as a non-profit manager could be the job for you.
Like public and private sector organizations, non-profits must have an experienced, qualified director at the helm ensuring all operations within the organization run smoothly. Though non-profit organizations are tax exempt, they must run like any other business: with a hard-working team led by effective and capable management.
What is Non-Profit Management?
A non-profit manager, sometimes called the executive director, works with the organization’s board, committee members, and volunteers to ensure that every member of the non-profit is on track regarding the mission and goals of the organization. Depending on the size of the organization, managers may be in charge of handling the group’s financial tasks. These tasks can include reaching out for sponsorship from area businesses and professionals, as well as planning and overseeing fundraising events.
In most cases, the manager is the public face of the non-profit. Therefore, candidates for these positions must have the proper educations and personal skill sets to meet the needs of the organizations they wish to manage.
Non-Profit Management Qualifications
Most people can help out and volunteer for a non-profit, but not just anyone can become a non-profit manager or executive director. There are some prerequisites for earning such a great title within an organization:
Education
If you plan on becoming a non-profit manager, the first step is to acquire at least a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in a related field. Popular degrees for non-profit managers include but are not limited to social work, program management, business, accounting, city planning, and public administration.
Resource: Top 10 Online Health and Human Services Degree Programs – Bachelor’s
Skills
Though having the proper education is a good place to start, successful non-profit managers have a wonderful set of skills that allow them to excel at their jobs. Non-profit directors possess valuable oral and written communication skills, enjoy reaching out to others within their field and community, are able to multi-task and problem solve, and can come up with creative ideas to keep their non-profit both relevant and fully functional. It is almost guaranteed that at your job interview the board of directors will want to hear more about your strategic planning and leadership skills.
Pay and Career Outlook
According to Payscale, the median income for an executive director at a non-profit organization is $61,781. Salaries are dependent on the candidate’s skill and experience. The geographic location and revenue of the organization may also be a factor in how much the non-profit management is paid annually.
Jobs in management for non-profit organizations are forecast to continue growing by approximately 22% through the year 2022, so if you are already in college it may not be too late to change your major. If you haven’t declared a major or if you are looking into college for the first time, you still have time to get your degree and try to get a job in the field.
