Nonprofit Management is an impactful field for professionals who want to make a difference in their communities. With the rise in nonprofit organizations comes an increasing need for well-equipped professionals to fill leadership roles.

To meet this need, Metropolitan College of New York (MCNY) is excited to introduce a new Bachelor of Science in Nonprofit Management program. Request more information about our accelerated, online program here!

What Is Nonprofit Management?

Nonprofit management refers to leadership positions within a nonprofit organization. These professionals oversee the business and financial aspects of running a nonprofit. An organization's management team includes the board, varying levels of directors and several types of managers to keep it running smoothly. Nonprofit managers are responsible for the day-to-day operations and funding of an organization.

What Career Opportunities Are Available in This Field?

The nonprofit world offers many different career opportunities. Depending on the specific position, nonprofit managers perform various job duties, including:

  • Program development
  • Volunteer management
  • Financial analysis
  • Constructing and managing budgets
  • Maintaining compliance regulations
  • Fundraising strategy
  • Securing grants
  • And more!

No matter the specific cause the organization is focused on (the arts, environmental conservation, women's health, education, etc.), nonprofit management careers require professionals to lead innovative efforts that better communities.

Where Do Professionals in This Industry Work and What Are Their Job Titles?

Nonprofit management spans a wide array of fields, including schools, museums, environmental organizations, hospitals, political organizations and research facilities. Leadership roles are essential across all nonprofits to keep organizations moving forward. Job titles vary depending on the type of nonprofit organization.

Here are a few general examples:

  • Executive Director
  • Deputy Director
  • Development Director
  • Associate Development Director
  • Membership and Data Manager
  • Major Gifts Officer
  • Fundraising Manager
  • Financial Manager
  • Communications Manager
  • Advocacy Director
  • Facility Director
  • Program Manager
  • Office Manager

What Is the Earning Potential for Positions Related to Nonprofit Management? 

Job titles, career paths and employment locations vary within the nonprofit management field, leading to a wide salary range as well. Below you'll find salary ranges for relevant careers.

Nonprofit Management Positions 2023 Salary Range
Executive Director1 $97,637–$199,284
Development & Fundraising Manager2 $98,641–$168,367
Financial Manager3 $82,870–$239,200
Social and Community Service Managers4 $48,880–$127,550

How Do I Become a Professional in the Field?

Nonprofit management requires strong leadership, business and fundraising skills. Most positions require a bachelor’s degree, with a master’s degree typically preferred for top-level and higher-paying roles.

In 2023, The Washington Post reported that over the past 15 years, nonprofit employment has grown 33 percent,5 much faster than the national average. Well-equipped professionals prepared to take on these leadership roles are in high demand. MCNY’s new BS in Nonprofit Management equips students with the knowledge and skills necessary to meet this need.

What Does One Study in the Nonprofit Management, BS Program?

Students in MCNY’s Nonprofit Management bachelor’s program will gain a basic understanding of how nonprofits are formed and managed. Through curriculum instruction and field experience, students learn about the nonprofit sector and how to develop innovative strategies to address the complex challenges faced by these organizations.

This program provides students with a comprehensive analysis of nonprofit organizations, including fundraising, marketing, grants, financial management, personnel, lobbying, quality, risk and coalitions. Students are prepared to strengthen fiscal sustainability, foster strategic vision and growth, and lead organizations in their efforts to provide services and resources to vulnerable populations.

What Is the Future of the Nonprofit Management Field?

With the goal of improving communities, providing resources to the most vulnerable, and overall bettering the world for all, nonprofit management is both a growing field and an increasingly impactful one.

Collaboration between nonprofits, growth in community-based organizations, digital fundraising, diversified revenue streams, and strong communication are just a few nonprofit trends expected to be on the rise.6 With these trends comes an increased demand for nonprofit management professionals ready to meet these needs.

Join MCNY’s 12,000+ active alumni network that works throughout New York State and the country doing important nonprofit work. Apply to Metropolitan College of New York’s BS in Nonprofit Management, and start learning how to make an impactful difference in the field today!

Sources List

1 (2024, May 28). Nonprofit Executive Director Salary in New York, New York. Salary.com. https://www.salary.com/research/salary/posting/nonprofit-executive-director-salary/new-york-ny

2 (2024, May 28). Development and Fundraising Manager Salary in New York, New York. Salary.com. https://www.salary.com/research/salary/benchmark/development-and-fundraising-manager-salary/new-york-ny

3 (2024, April 17). Financial Managers. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Bureau of Labor Statistics. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/financial-managers.htm#tab-5

4 (2024, April 17). Social and Community Service Managers. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Bureau of Labor Statistics. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/social-and-community-service-managers.htm#tab-5

5 (2024, May 28). The real reason America’s nonprofit sector is seeing massive growth, and more! The Washington Post. https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2023/05/12/force-behind-americas-fast-growing-nonprofit-sector-more/

6 (2024, May 28). Nonprofit Trends That Will Dominate 2024. Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbesnonprofitcouncil/2024/01/11/nonprofit-trends-that-will-dominate-2024/