Nonprofit Program Manager: Salary and Job Description

Program managers are crucial to organizations in virtually every major industry, and public health nonprofits are no exception. From agencies focused on epidemiology to organizations rooted in preventing or treating addiction, thousands of nonprofits require exceptional leadership.

The average nonprofit program manager salary is a direct reflection of the size and scope of the role as well as the individual professional’s education and experience. A Bachelor of Science (BS) in Public Health Education degree is an exceptional option for those interested in pursuing a program manager role in the public health space.

What Is a Nonprofit Program Manager?

Program managers oversee projects and initiatives across for-profit and nonprofit companies, organizations, and agencies. They often manage multiple different projects simultaneously, and they must have a bird’s-eye perspective on how each project fits together to form the organization’s purpose or initiative. From planning to guiding staff and teams to ensuring that each project aligns carefully with the organization’s goals, program managers are integral to any company’s success.

In the not-for-profit public and community health space, these program managers are medical and health services managers who play key roles in directing their organizations’ activities. Though their exact duties and responsibilities may vary based on organizational hierarchy and structure, most nonprofit program managers carry out some or all of the following duties as they work to help the organization reach its goals:

Overseeing and maintaining the quality of health education and other programs offered by the organization
Hiring, scheduling, and training staff
Assisting in the development of new projects and smaller goals aligned with the organization’s overarching goal
Creating and adhering to budgets associated with one or more projects
Keeping accurate records as they apply to finances or services rendered
Keeping donors, volunteers, and the general public up to date regarding the latest program offerings and needs
Ensuring that the nonprofit complies with legal and ethical standards and keeping the appropriate records as proof

Though these skilled professionals have a great deal of responsibility, the typical nonprofit program manager’s salary reflects this. The more the nonprofit thrives by providing important services to the community, the greater its earning potential.

Education, Skills, and Experience Requirements

Aspiring nonprofit program managers should carefully consider the requirements for the role. From education to skill development, there are specific steps individuals can take to improve their odds of landing the roles they want.

Education

While public health nonprofit organizations don’t have a universal minimum education requirement for program managers, a college degree in a related field is strongly preferred. A bachelor’s degree in public health is an excellent choice as its coursework and projects focus on public well-being, preventive health care, and education, as well as advancing access to care among underserved populations.

Skills

Skills nonprofit program managers should develop through their college experience, internships, and entry-level roles include the following:

Leadership: Provide a foundation for hiring, training, disciplining, scheduling, and managing staff. Their ability to motivate others may directly impact the nonprofit’s success.
Analytics: Checking figures and reading reports, looking for new ways to make the organization more efficient to help it meet its goals.
Communication: Explaining information to staff, health care workers, and the public in general requires exceptional communication skills.
Technical or Clinical Skills: For example, understanding electronic health records (EHRs) and health information privacy laws ensures regulatory compliance.

Experience

Most nonprofit program managers work in internships, volunteer roles, or entry-level positions with nonprofit organizations for two to five years before applying for management roles. During this time, many participate in online degree programs, thereby maximizing what they learn in the classroom during their internship or volunteer experiences.

Nonprofit Program Manager Salary and Expectations

Nonprofit program manager salaries vary based on the size and scope of the nonprofit organization, its location and reach, and the amount of funds or supplies donated. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for social and community service managers, including public health nonprofit program managers, was about $78,240 as of May 2024.

The BLS projects that employment of social and community service managers will increase by 6% between 2024 and 2034, resulting in around 18,600 openings each year during that period. Overall growth among these professionals can be attributed to factors such as an aging population and an increased need for social services.

Commit Yourself to Your Favorite Cause as a Nonprofit Program Manager

If you’re passionate about expanding access to services for all populations, working as a public health nonprofit program manager can allow you to commit yourself to that cause. You can support communities by managing nonprofit programs that support health literacy and community well-being.

Earning your online BS in Public Health Education with NCCU Online can provide you with the skills and education you need to thrive in this role, and the required internship gives you the opportunity to put your classroom education to work in the real world.

Learn more about how our community-service-oriented curriculum can empower you to make a difference in your area.

Recommended Readings

5 Health Promotion Careers for Public Health Graduates

Why Mental Health Literacy Matters

Population Health vs. Public Health: Differences and Similarities

Sources:

Indeed, What Are the Steps to Becoming a Successful Nonprofit Management Program Director?

Indeed, What Is Program Management?

LinkedIn, What Are the Key Skills and Competencies for Program Managers?

ZipRecruiter, What Does a Program Manager of a Non-Profit Do?

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Social and Community Service Managers