Common Nonprofit Job Titles Explained: Roles, Duties, and Salaries

Behind every nonprofit organization is a team making everything happen. 

Whether you’re applying for a role or building out your org chart, knowing the most common nonprofit job titles (and what they actually mean) can help you navigate it all more confidently.

In this article, we review the most common nonprofit positions, their salary ranges, and their duties. Let’s begin.

What Are Different Types of Nonprofits?

The kind of work a nonprofit does directly shapes the roles it needs.

For example, a health-focused nonprofit will have a very different staff from a local arts organization or an international advocacy group. Some roles are pretty universal (like fundraisers and program managers), but others are shaped by the nonprofit’s mission and structure. 

Before we get into job titles, let’s take a look at the different types of nonprofits:

• Human Services Nonprofits include homeless shelters, food pantries, domestic violence agencies, foster care agencies, and youth support centers.
• Health and Medical Nonprofits include nonprofit hospitals, mental health clinics, cancer foundations, and community health centers.
• Educational Nonprofits include public and private universities, charter schools, after-school programs, tutoring programs, early childhood education centers, and scholarship foundations.
• Arts, Culture, and Humanities Organizations include museums, libraries, symphonies, performing arts centers, cultural festivals, and historical preservation societies.
• Environmental Nonprofits include conservation groups, national park foundations, ocean clean-up organizations, land trusts, and botanical gardens.
• International or Advocacy Organizations include human rights NGOs, global health initiatives, fair trade organizations, international disaster relief, and civic engagement nonprofits.

Nonprofit Leadership Roles

We all know that management is an important part of any business. In the nonprofit world, leadership isn’t just about hitting targets, but rather advancing a mission. Executive roles require a unique mix of strategic thinking, people management, fundraising experience, and a genuine passion for the cause. 

These leaders are responsible for setting the overall direction of the organization, building relationships with donors and partners, keeping programs aligned with the mission, and making sure the day-to-day operations stay on track. They often wear many hats and have to communicate well across departments, the board, and the community.

Here are the most common nonprofit leadership roles, what they typically involve, and their salary ranges:

Executive Director/CEO

The Executive Director (ED) or CEO leads the nonprofit and sets the tone and culture of the organization. 

Responsibilities include:

• Strategic planning: Develops and implements the long-term strategy and vision to align with the organization’s mission.
• Operational management: Oversees the day-to-day, ensuring that the organization’s staff, resources, and processes are effectively handled.
• Fundraising and development: Spearheads fundraising efforts, developing relationships with donors and sponsors, and identifying new revenue sources.
• Board engagement: Works closely with the board of directors, supplying them with the information they need to make informed decisions and implementing their directives.
• Community and public relations: Acts as the primary spokesperson for the organization, engaging with the community, and enhancing the organization’s public image and advocacy efforts.

Salary range: $90,000 – $250,000+

Chief Operating Officer (COO)

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) works closely with the Executive Director to keep the organization running smoothly behind the scenes.

Responsibilities include:

• Operations and workflow management: Oversees daily operations, improves internal systems, and ensures everything runs efficiently across teams.
• Program development and execution: Manages program planning and delivery to keep everything aligned with the organization’s mission and strategic goals.
• Staff leadership and development: Leads the team, fosters a positive work culture, and supports ongoing staff development.

Salary range: $110,000–$220,000+

Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) manages the nonprofit’s finances and works with the Executive Director to support smart, sustainable decision-making.

Responsibilities include:

• Financial strategy and planning: Creates budgets, forecasts, and financial plans to keep the organization financially healthy and mission-focused.
• Compliance and risk management: Makes sure the nonprofit meets all financial regulations and uses strong policies to reduce risk.
• Reporting and analysis: Prepares clear financial reports, analyzes performance, and offers insights to guide leadership and board decisions.

Salary range: $85,000–$150,000

Board of Directors

The Board of Directors is a governing body that goes beyond giving advice, and is legally responsible for ensuring the nonprofit is in compliance with its mission, adheres to laws, and upholds the highest ethical standards. Most board members serve on a volunteer basis, but they hold significant fiduciary and legal duties. 

With that comes the duties of disclosing any personal conflicts of interest, upholding confidentiality and transparency, and mitigating potential risks. 

Board members bring their expertise, networks, and time to support the organization’s success, but the position also comes with legal accountability.

Responsibilities include:

• Mission and strategy: Defines the organization’s mission and long-term goals, and revisits them as needed.
• Governance and oversight: Sets policies, ensures legal and ethical compliance, and holds leadership accountable.
• Financial oversight: Reviews and approves budgets, monitors financial health, and safeguards resources. Fulfills fiduciary duties of care, loyalty, and obedience.
• Fundraising support: Assists with fundraising efforts, connects the nonprofit to new donors, and champions resource development.
• Advocacy and representation: Promotes the nonprofit’s mission and strengthens its public image through community engagement.
• Performance review: Evaluates program impact and ensures the organization is making meaningful progress.

Advocacy Director

The Advocacy Director leads the organization’s efforts to influence public policy and drive change that supports its mission.

Responsibilities include:

• Policy and advocacy strategy: Develops strategies to influence legislation and advance the nonprofit’s policy goals.
• Stakeholder engagement: Builds relationships with lawmakers, community leaders, and partner organizations to strengthen advocacy efforts.
• Campaign management: Plans and runs advocacy campaigns, coordinates activities, and mobilizes supporters around key issues.

Salary range: $80,000–$120,000 

Director of Philanthropy

The Director of Philanthropy manages all of the nonprofit’s fundraising efforts, helping to secure the financial support needed to sustain and grow its mission.

Responsibilities include:

• Fundraising strategy and implementation: Creates and carries out a fundraising plan targeting individuals, foundations, and corporate partners.
• Donor relations and stewardship: Builds strong relationships with donors, keeps them informed, and ensures they feel appreciated and connected to the organization’s impact.
• Grant management and reporting: Oversees grant applications and compliance, ensuring reports are submitted on time and funding opportunities are maximized.

Salary range: $75,000–$150,000

Additional nonprofit executive job titles

Every nonprofit organization is structured differently and has its own needs. To reflect that, other executive-level roles may include:

Program & Services Oversight

• Chief Program Officer (CPO): Leads all programmatic work and ensures alignment with the nonprofit’s mission ($120,000–$220,000).
• Vice President of Programs: Oversees strategy and performance of the organization’s service offerings ($120,000–$200,000).
• Member Services Director: Manages membership programs and engagement ($60,000–$90,000).
• Recreational Therapy Director: Oversees therapeutic recreation programs, typically in health or youth services nonprofits ($60,000–$90,000).
• Social Services Director: Leads social work and client services teams ($60,000–$90,000).
• Teen Center Director: Manages programming and operations focused on youth or teen services ($40,000–$60,000).

Operations & Support

• Chief Information Officer (CIO): Directs technology strategy and systems ($110,000–$200,000).
• Support Services Director: Manages behind-the-scenes services such as facilities, transportation, or general operations ($60,000–$120,000).

Development & Engagement

• Vice President of Development: Leads all fundraising, donor relations, and major gifts strategy ($90,000–$200,000).
• Major Gifts Officer: Manages relationships with major donors, focusing on large, long-term contributions ($70,000–$120,000).
• Special Events Director: Plans and executes large-scale fundraising or awareness events ($70,000–$100,000).
• Volunteer Services Director: Oversees volunteer recruitment, training, and recognition programs ($60,000–$80,000).

Nonprofit Administrative Roles

The administrative staff at nonprofits keep things organized, on schedule, and working by handling logistics, supporting staff, and making sure nothing important slips through the cracks.

These positions include: 

• Administrative Assistant: Provides day-to-day support with scheduling, communications, filing, and basic office tasks. Often works closely with department heads or executives ($35,000–$60,000).
• Office Manager: Oversees the general operations of the office, manages admin staff, keeps supplies stocked, and ensures internal processes are followed ($45,000–$65,000).
• Program Coordinator: Supports specific programs by managing schedules, resources, and logistics to keep everything aligned with program goals ($40,000–$65,000).
• Compliance Coordinator: Ensures the organization meets legal, regulatory, and internal compliance requirements ($35,000–$70,000).
• Financial Aid Representative: Helps manage financial support for clients or participants, including eligibility, applications, and disbursement ($40,000–$60,000).
• Member Records Administrator: Maintains up-to-date records of members, tracking engagement, dues, and personal information ($35,000–$55,000).
• Member Services Representative: Serves as a first point of contact for members, handling questions, requests, and day-to-day support ($30,000–$40,000).
• Member Certification Manager: Oversees certification programs, including applications, renewals, and tracking continuing education ($70,000–$100,000).
• Membership Assistant: Provides general support to the membership department, assisting with outreach, recordkeeping, and event planning ($30,000–$45,000).

Program/Project Management

• Program Manager: Leads program planning, staffing, and evaluation, often supervising program coordinators and aligning efforts with broader strategy ($60,000–$100,000).
• Project Manager: Oversees short- or long-term projects, coordinating teams, timelines, and deliverables to ensure successful execution ($60,000–$90,000).
• Volunteer Manager: Recruits, trains, schedules, and supports volunteers, ensuring they’re engaged and well-matched to roles ($50,000–$70,000).
• Planning Manager: Leads strategic planning and goal-setting across departments, often coordinating annual plans or long-term organizational strategy ($70,000–$100,000).

Nonprofit Marketing & Communications Roles

Marketing and communication roles help spread the word about the nonprofit’s mission. These team members handle outreach, promotion, lead generation, and brand awareness, making sure the right messages reach the right people.

Director of Communications

The Communications Director leads the organization’s overall communication strategy and ensures the nonprofit’s mission, impact, and values are clearly communicated to internal and external audiences.

Responsibilities include:

• Strategy development: Plans and implements communication efforts across media, social platforms, website, and internal channels.
• Brand management: Maintains brand consistency and ensures all messaging reflects the nonprofit’s identity.
• Media outreach: Builds media relationships, writes press releases, and often serves as the organization’s spokesperson.

Salary range: $80,000–$130,000

Marketing Director

The Marketing Director often works closely with the Director of Communications. This role focuses on marketing strategy, visibility, and community engagement to grow awareness and support.

Responsibilities include:

• Marketing strategy: Creates and leads marketing plans that include content, advertising, and campaign development.
• Audience engagement: Identifies and connects with key audiences using social media, email, and other outreach tools.
• Performance tracking: Uses analytics to measure campaign impact and guide future efforts.

Salary range: $80,000–$120,000

Community Outreach Coordinator:

The Community Outreach Coordinator connects the nonprofit to the community, building strong relationships and partnerships that further the organization’s goals.

Responsibilities include:

• Outreach programming: Develops and runs programs that engage and support the local community.
• Partnership development: Builds lasting relationships with businesses, community leaders, and local organizations.
• Event coordination: Plans community events, presentations, and workshops that promote the mission and build involvement

Salary range: $40,000–$80,000

Additional nonprofit marketing and communication job titles

Here are some of the other roles a nonprofit may have to support marketing and communication efforts:

• Social Media Manager: Creates and manages content across social platforms to grow engagement and raise awareness ($50,000–$70,000).
• Content Creator/Writer: Writes blog posts, newsletters, web pages, and campaign content that supports the nonprofit’s messaging and mission ($40,000–$80,000).
• Public Relations Specialist: Manages media outreach, writes press releases, and helps shape the public perception of the organization ($50,000–$80,000).
• Digital Marketing Specialist: Focuses on online campaigns, search engine visibility, paid ads, and digital strategy ($55,000–$75,000).
• Brand Manager: Ensures all marketing materials and communications are visually and tonally aligned with the organization’s identity ($55,000–$100,000).
• Graphic Designer: Designs visual content for print and digital use, including social graphics, brochures, and campaign materials ($35,000–$70,000).
• Event Planner: Coordinates fundraising events, community gatherings, and awareness campaigns from planning to execution ($35,000–$60,000).
• Email Marketing Specialist: Manages newsletters, donor updates, and automated email campaigns to connect with supporters ($50,000–$80,000).
• Media Coordinator: Supports content scheduling, media coverage tracking, and distribution of press materials ($40,000–$55,000).
• Marketing Analyst: Tracks campaign performance, audience behavior, and engagement metrics to inform future strategies ($50,000–$80,000). 

Health & Human Services Roles

Nonprofits in the health and human services space work to improve the well-being of individuals and communities through direct support, education, and advocacy. These roles often focus on delivering services, managing programs, and helping people navigate real-life challenges.

Social Worker

Social workers provide direct support to individuals and families, helping them cope with emotional, social, and health-related issues.

Responsibilities include:

• Client assessment: Evaluates needs and creates personalized care or intervention plans.
• Resource connection: Links clients to services such as housing, healthcare, and financial aid.
• Advocacy: Represents client needs in schools, hospitals, and public agencies.

Salary range: $40,000–$80,000

Public Health Program Manager:

A Public Health Program Manager leads the planning and execution of public health programs aimed at improving community wellness.

Responsibilities include:

• Program design: Creates initiatives based on local health data and community needs.
• Stakeholder coordination: Collaborates with medical providers, nonprofits, and community leaders.
• Program evaluation: Tracks impact and adjusts programs to improve outcomes.

Salary Range: $65,000–$100,000

Community Health Educator:

The Community Health Educator designs and delivers health education programs to promote disease prevention and healthy habits.

Responsibilities include:

• Material development: Creates and presents health information to targeted audiences.
• Outreach events: Hosts workshops and community events to boost engagement.
• Impact evaluation: Measures the success of education efforts and updates strategies as needed.

Salary Range: $40,000–$60,000

Additional health and human service job titles

There are many other nonprofit roles that work to improve health and human services, including: 

Child and Youth Services

• Child Care Worker: Provides daily care and supervision for children in shelters, childcare centers, or after-school programs ($22,000–$30,000).
• Child Life Specialist: Supports children and families during medical procedures or hospital stays, using play and education to reduce stress ($50,000–$60,000).
• Child Support Case Officer: Manages child support cases, ensures compliance, and coordinates with parents and legal entities ($40,000–$60,000).
• Juvenile Counselor: Works with youth involved in the justice system to support rehabilitation and reintegration ($40,000–$60,000).

Health, Hospice, and Social Work

• Childbirth Educator: Teaches classes on labor, delivery, and newborn care to expectant parents ($40,000–$60,000).
• Hospice Supervisor: Oversees hospice care teams, ensuring patients and families receive compassionate end-of-life support ($60,000–$80,000).
• Medical Social Worker: Assists patients and families in navigating healthcare systems, offering counseling and connecting them to resources ($50,000–$80,000).
• Managed Care Coordinator: Coordinates services and care plans for patients enrolled in managed healthcare programs ($35,000–$70,000).

Housing and Independent Living

• Housing Coordinator: Helps individuals and families access stable housing, often working with landlords and support programs ($35,000–$50,000).
• Housing Counselor: Guides clients through home buying, renting, foreclosure prevention, or financial literacy ($45,000–$70,000).
• Living Skills Advisor: Teaches daily living and self-sufficiency skills to individuals with disabilities or transitioning out of institutional care ($30,000–$40,000).
• Residential Living Assistant: Supports residents in group homes or assisted living facilities with daily tasks and emotional support ($25,000–$35,000).

Faith-Based and Labor Roles

• Pastor / Priest / Imam / Rabbi: Provides spiritual guidance, pastoral care, and leadership within faith-based nonprofits or community organizations ($35,000–$95,000).
• Labor Union Organizer: Advocates for workers’ rights, recruits members, and helps organize campaigns for fair labor practices ($35,000–$80,000).

Build Your Nonprofit Org Chart

With so many different types of roles, it can be tough to keep track of what does what in a nonprofit. That’s where a clear org chart comes in. It helps your team (and the board) understand the structure, who’s responsible for what, and how everything connects.

Create your own nonprofit org chart with our tool! Whether you’re starting from scratch or updating your existing structure, this is a simple way to visualize your team and understand your organization. 

Here’s how it works:

1. Add your team: Enter each person’s name, role, and manager. Alternatively, upload an Excel file that already has this information.
2. View your structure: The chart updates automatically as soon as you add people. Use the filters or search bar to explore by role or department.
3. Edit and share: Click the pencil icon to make changes. You can download, print, or export your org chart for easy reference.

What are you waiting for? Build your org chart now!

Challenges Nonprofits Face (and Why Roles Matter)

Looking at all the roles involved, it’s clear that running a successful nonprofit takes structure, teamwork, and adaptability.

Unlike for-profit businesses, nonprofits face some unique challenges that impact how they operate day to day:

• Funding constraints: Finding reliable, long-term funding to keep programs and staff supported.
• Donor retention: Keeping supporters engaged so they continue to give over time.
• Volunteer management: Recruiting, training, and coordinating volunteers with different skills and availability.
• Regulatory compliance: Staying on top of laws, policies, and reporting requirements.
• Mission drift: Balancing new opportunities while staying true to the organization’s purpose.
• Impact measurement: Proving the difference your work makes with data, goals, and reports takes time and resources.
• Team communication: Keeping staff and volunteers aligned, especially when people work different shifts or locations.

The Bottom Line

Nonprofits thrive when everyone knows their role and how their work connects to the bigger mission. Understanding common job titles, and what each one actually does, can help you build a stronger team, improve communication, and operate better day to day.

If you’re looking for a simpler way to manage people, tasks, and communication, Connecteam can help. Connecteam brings scheduling, task management, training, and team communication into one easy-to-use platform, for a price that works for all budgets.

Try Connecteam for free today!

FAQs

What is the highest-paying job in a nonprofit?

Executive leadership roles such as Executive Director/CEO and Chief Operating Officer (COO) typically pay the most, often ranging from $120,000 to $250,000+, depending on the organization’s size, mission, and funding sources. Specialized roles like Chief Information Officer (CIO) or Chief Program Officer (CPO) can also command six-figure salaries.

What are the differences in compensation and benefits between nonprofit and for-profit jobs?

The main difference between nonprofit and for-profit jobs is that nonprofit salaries are usually lower than those in the private sector. However, many nonprofit roles come with flexible schedules, generous leave, meaningful work, and greater job satisfaction. Leadership and technical positions in large nonprofits often match or even exceed salaries in for-profit companies. For-profit roles typically pay higher salaries and may offer performance-based bonuses or stock options.

Do nonprofit employees pay taxes?

Absolutely. While nonprofits are exempt from paying corporate income tax, their employees pay income tax, Social Security, and Medicare just like employees in for-profit companies. Being a nonprofit organization does not make individual salaries tax-free.

Can you make a career in the nonprofit sector?

Yes. Many professionals spend their entire careers in nonprofits, moving from entry-level administrative or program coordinator roles into management, executive leadership, or highly specialized positions. The sector offers growth, stability, and opportunities to build valuable skills in fundraising, leadership, and community engagement.

What are the typical career paths within the nonprofit sector?

Typical career paths in the nonprofit sector include program management, fundraising and development, communications, volunteer coordination, policy advocacy, and executive leadership. Professionals may start in entry-level roles such as program assistant or development associate and advance to director or executive positions.

What qualifications do you need to work in a nonprofit?

It depends on the role. Administrative and entry-level jobs may only require a high school diploma or bachelor’s degree, while leadership, finance, or program management positions often expect advanced degrees (like an MBA, MPA, or MSW) and significant experience. Soft skills like communication, empathy, and adaptability are especially valued.

What are the most in-demand nonprofit jobs right now?

Some of the fastest-growing nonprofit roles include:

• Fundraisers and Development Directors (critical for sustaining donations)
• Volunteer Managers (to coordinate large networks of helpers)
• Communications and Marketing Specialists (to boost visibility online)
• Data and Impact Measurement Analysts (to track outcomes and prove effectiveness)
• Program Managers (to keep services aligned with the mission)

How do I become an Executive Director of a nonprofit?

Most Executive Directors start with experience in program management, fundraising, or operations. They often work their way up by taking leadership roles in smaller nonprofits before moving to larger organizations. Building strong fundraising skills, strategic planning ability, and board management experience is key to reaching this level.

Do nonprofits offer good work-life balance?

It varies. Some nonprofits are known for mission-driven but high-intensity work, especially in advocacy or crisis services. Others, especially community-based organizations, may offer more flexible schedules. Tools like Connecteam can make scheduling, communication, and task management smoother, reducing the risk of burnout for nonprofit staff.