Nonprofit Job Titles and Descriptions

January 31, 2023

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Nonprofit Job Titles and Descriptions. Nonprofit work is a broad category that refers to any job within a nonprofit organization. A nonprofit organization is one that uses its surplus revenue to further achieve its mission. A nonprofit organization typically serves the general public through its mission. It might work to improve education, promote women’s rights, or healthcare.

Nonprofit Job Titles and Descriptions

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Because nonprofit work is such a broad field, there are many nonprofit job titles.

Titles also vary based on whether one is in an entry-level or management job. Read below for an extensive list of nonprofit job titles, and what each title means.

Nonprofit Job Titles and Descriptions

Most Common Nonprofit Job Titles

Many jobs in nonprofit organizations can also be found in for-profit organizations. For example, both kinds of organizations will typically have management positions like executive directors, as well as jobs like accountant, IT specialist, and administrative assistant.

However, there are other jobs that are rather unique to the nonprofit sector. Below is a list of some common nonprofit job titles that are unique to the nonprofit sector, as well as a description of each. For more information on each job title, check out the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Outlook Handbook.

Community Outreach Coordinator
While there are some community outreach jobs at for-profit organizations, community outreach coordinators are critical to many nonprofits.

A community outreach coordinator connects the public to the organization. He or she promotes the mission of the nonprofit among the local community. A community outreach coordinator might organize events, recruit volunteers, or arrange other projects to get the community excited about and invested in the organization.

Development Director
Also known as a director of development, the development director is responsible for spearheading an organization’s fundraising efforts. They might develop a fundraising plan, secure financial support, run special events for donors, and run other projects to ensure the organization meets its annual goals. This job title is similar to that of a fundraising manager.

Grant Writer
A grant writer might work underneath the development director. He or she completes applications for funding (typically applications to foundations, the government, or a trust). The grant writer works with the development director to make sure the nonprofit achieves its annual financial goals.

Program Manager
While there are also some program managers at for-profit organizations, program managers are critical to many nonprofits. A program manager works to implement a variety of projects related to a nonprofit’s mission. The manager will develop the project, make sure it is well run, and ensure that goals are met. There are also many positions under the program manager, such as project manager, program associate, and program assistant.

Volunteer Coordinator
Many nonprofits depend on volunteers to help with various projects.

A volunteer coordinator manages all elements of the volunteer force. He or she is typically responsible for recruiting, hiring, and placing volunteers, as well as training and managing them.