Career Options

Executive Director

The executive director is the highest position available at non-profits. They are in charge of making sure the organization completes its activities within the budget. It is important to be able to work well with others because maintaining a good relationship with the Board of Directors is crucial to running a successful non-profit.

Skills: self-directed, communication, marketing, good delegator

Average pay: $60,339*

Range: $35,521-106,008

Director of Program Services

In this position, the director oversees the training of employees, volunteers, volunteer coordinators, and finances. Also, if the organization has a grant writer, they will work closely in an attempt to secure funds for programs.

Skills: communication, organization

Average pay: $38,302*

Range: $26,757-51,660

For more information, read Donald Whitehead's story.

Donor Relations Coordinator

They manage the donor and acknowledgement processes, assist in fundraising, and provide research and analysis about the organization. It is important to be able to network and use research skills to help identify the best possible donors.

Skills: organization, communication, analytical thinking

Average pay: $44,836*

Range: $33,236-64,559

Case Manager

Case managers help people get their life back on track. They identify specific services that could provide aid and create treatment plans. In the plan they have certain dates and goals. As a case manager, you work with children and/or adults.

Skills: communication, compassion, problem solving, time management

Average pay: $33,053*

Range: $25,095-44,328

For more information, read Kirk Baston's story.

Careers in Non-Profit Organizations

Grant Writer

A grant writer's job requires extensive research and writing. In order to help the non-profit secure funds, they are in charge of writing an application that contains quantifiable data to a foundation, institution, or corporation. This requires research and patience, as some applications are very detailed and others very simple.

Skills: writing, research, networking

Average pay: $42,086*

Range: $28,956-72,406

Education Coordinator

Education coordinators are in charge of developing and evaluating programs for the non-profit. Also, they work with the Volunteer Coordinator to help educate and train volunteers.

Skills: organization, communication, problem solving

Average pay: $38,238*

Range: $24,688-50,630

For more information, read Seneka Arrington's story.

Volunteer Coordinator

Volunteer coordinators excite, recruit, monitor, and accredit volunteers. In smaller non-profits, the volunteer coordinator position is usually combined with another job. They must assure that the volunteers have proper training and use the volunteers' skills in the best way possible.

Skills: communication, conflict management, leadership, marketing, public speaking

Average pay: $35,000*

Range: $23,996-45,483

Clinical Therapist

Clinical therapists are in charge of providing counseling to youth and families, assessing the issues and creating treatment plans. There are many areas in clinical therapy such as mental health counseling, family, abuse, and addiction that different non-profits address.

Skills: listening, problem solving, empathy, communication

Average pay: $39,640*

Range: $31,211-63,244

* Indicates that the salary varies depending on the size of the non-profit.