Top Jobs in Philanthropy (and How to Land One)

Bill Gates. MacKenzie Scott. Dolly Parton. What do these people have in common? They’re not only multi-billionaires, but also philanthropists. Gates might be a tech tycoon and the godfather of Microsoft. However, his legacy lies firmly in his philanthropic initiatives, from HIV research to equitable access to vaccines.

Here’s the thing: all of these big names and initiatives have teams of individual people behind them, ensuring their success. If you’re interested in learning more about jobs in philanthropy, it’s important to know that you don’t need to be a celebrity to make a difference – just the drive to follow you passions and help others.

In this post, I’ll write about not only the variety of different jobs you can have in the field of philanthropy, but also how to acquire the necessary skills and education to land one.

Career Pathways in Philanthropy

Philanthropy is a broad and meaningful field that involves giving, managing, or raising funds to create positive social change. I’ll start by listing common work settings and corresponding job options for a career in philanthropy:

Nonprofit Organizations

1. Program Officer/Manager
   • Develop and oversee programs that align with the organization’s mission.
   • Evaluate the impact of initiatives.
2. Development/Fundraising Manager
   • Design and implement strategies to secure funding through grants, donations, and sponsorships.
3. Grant Writer
   • Research and write compelling proposals to secure funding from foundations, government agencies, or corporations.
4. Marketing and Communications Specialist
   • Create campaigns to promote the organization’s mission and attract donors or volunteers.
   • Manage social media, newsletters, and public relations efforts.
5. Volunteer Coordinator
   • Recruit, train, and oversee volunteers to support organizational initiatives.

Foundations

1. Grantmaking Officer
   • Evaluate funding applications and decide which organizations receive support.
2. Impact Analyst
   • Measure and report on the effectiveness of funded projects.
3. Foundation Executive
   • Lead a foundation’s strategic vision, partnerships, and philanthropic investments.

Corporate Philanthropy

1. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Manager
   • Develop programs where a company gives back to the community (e.g., donations, volunteering, environmental initiatives).
2. Partnerships Coordinator
   • Collaborate with nonprofits or community organizations on social impact projects.

Consulting

1. Philanthropy Consultant
   • Advise donors, nonprofits, or foundations on effective giving strategies.
2. Nonprofit Management Consultant
   • Help organizations improve their operations, fundraising strategies, and mission impact.

Education and Advocacy

1. Policy Analyst
   • Research and advocate for social policies that align with philanthropic goals.
2. Community Outreach Specialist
   • Build relationships with underserved communities to understand their needs and collaborate on solutions.

Other Roles

1. Social Entrepreneur
   • Start a mission-driven business that addresses societal issues.
2. Event Planner (for Fundraising Events)
   • Organize galas, auctions, and other events to generate revenue for nonprofits.
3. Operations/Finance Manager
   • Oversee budgets, compliance, and resource allocation in nonprofit or philanthropic organizations.

Best entry-level jobs in philanthropy

Entry-level jobs in philanthropy are a great way to break into the sector and gain hands-on experience. Here are some of the best positions to consider if you’re a recent grad or wanting to break in to this field without prior related experience:

1. Development Associate

• What You’ll Do: Assist in fundraising efforts by maintaining donor databases, coordinating events, and writing donor correspondence.
• Why It’s Great: Fundraising is the backbone of philanthropy, and this role provides exposure to donor relations and nonprofit operations.

2. Program Assistant

• What You’ll Do: Support program implementation, research initiatives, and monitor project outcomes.
• Why It’s Great: You’ll gain a deep understanding of how philanthropic programs are designed and executed.

3. Grants Coordinator

• What You’ll Do: Research funding opportunities, write grant applications, and track submission deadlines.
• Why It’s Great: Grant writing is a highly sought-after skill in philanthropy, and this role builds expertise in securing funding.

4. Communications or Marketing Associate

• What You’ll Do: Manage social media, write newsletters, create promotional materials, and handle public relations.
• Why It’s Great: You’ll help tell the organization’s story and attract donors and supporters.

5. Volunteer Coordinator

• What You’ll Do: Recruit, train, and manage volunteers, ensuring they are aligned with the organization’s mission.
• Why It’s Great: This role builds skills in people management and community engagement.

6. Administrative Assistant

• What You’ll Do: Handle scheduling, correspondence, and logistical tasks for a nonprofit or foundation team.
• Why It’s Great: Provides an overview of the organization’s operations and opportunities for growth.

7. Philanthropy Fellow or Intern

• What You’ll Do: Support a specific department (e.g., grants, programs, or communications) on short-term projects.
• Why It’s Great: Fellowships and internships often lead to full-time roles and provide valuable networking opportunities.

8. Community Outreach Assistant

• What You’ll Do: Build relationships with local organizations and communities to promote programs or initiatives.
• Why It’s Great: This role gives you direct experience with the communities the organization serves.

9. Research Assistant

• What You’ll Do: Conduct research on trends, policies, or target populations to inform philanthropic strategies.
• Why It’s Great: Develops analytical and critical thinking skills while learning about impact measurement.

10. Event Coordinator (Entry-Level)

• What You’ll Do: Assist in planning and executing fundraising events like galas, auctions, or donor luncheons.
• Why It’s Great: Provides experience in project management and donor engagement.

What Makes These Roles Ideal?

• Transferable Skills: Many of these roles build skills that are critical for advancing in philanthropy, such as relationship management, writing, and strategic planning.
• Networking Opportunities: You’ll interact with donors, community leaders, and nonprofit professionals, which is key for career growth.
• Broad Exposure: Entry-level positions often allow you to work across various functions, helping you find your niche.

Best remote philanthropy jobs

Want to make a difference while in the cozy comfort of your own home? Remote philanthropy jobs have become more common as the nonprofit and philanthropic sectors embrace technology to expand their reach. Here are some of the best remote-friendly roles in philanthropy:

1. Grant Writer

• What You’ll Do: Research and write compelling proposals for funding opportunities.
• Why It’s Great Remotely: Most of the work involves research, writing, and communication via email, making it ideal for remote work.

2. Fundraising Consultant

• What You’ll Do: Develop fundraising strategies, coordinate virtual campaigns, and advise on donor outreach.
• Why It’s Great Remotely: Fundraising can be done using digital tools like donor management software and virtual meeting platforms.

3. Impact Analyst

• What You’ll Do: Analyze data to measure the success of philanthropic programs and write impact reports.
• Why It’s Great Remotely: This is a research and data-heavy role that can be handled from anywhere with the right tools.

4. Donor Relations Specialist

• What You’ll Do: Maintain relationships with donors, create personalized communication plans, and organize virtual donor events.
• Why It’s Great Remotely: Relationship management is often done via email, phone calls, and virtual meetings.

5. Social Media and Communications Manager

• What You’ll Do: Manage social media accounts, create content, and oversee digital marketing campaigns.
• Why It’s Great Remotely: All tasks can be done using social media management platforms and collaborative tools like Slack or Trello.

6. Program Coordinator (Remote-Focused Programs)

• What You’ll Do: Plan and oversee programs that can be implemented virtually, such as online workshops or webinars.
• Why It’s Great Remotely: Many programs now leverage online platforms for delivery, making coordination location-independent.

7. Virtual Event Planner

• What You’ll Do: Organize and execute online events like webinars, fundraising campaigns, or conferences.
• Why It’s Great Remotely: Virtual events can be planned and managed using tools like Zoom, Eventbrite, and Canva.

8. Philanthropy Researcher

• What You’ll Do: Research trends, identify funding opportunities, or analyze philanthropic data.
• Why It’s Great Remotely: Research and reporting tasks can be done independently with access to online resources.

9. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Specialist

• What You’ll Do: Develop and implement a company’s CSR programs, such as sustainability or community giving initiatives.
• Why It’s Great Remotely: Many CSR efforts involve strategic planning and partner coordination, which can be done virtually.

10. Digital Fundraising Specialist

• What You’ll Do: Create and manage online fundraising campaigns using platforms like GoFundMe, Givebutter, or Classy.
• Why It’s Great Remotely: This is a tech-savvy role that uses online platforms to reach donors and raise funds.

11. Online Volunteer Coordinator

• What You’ll Do: Recruit, train, and manage virtual volunteers for programs like tutoring, mentoring, or administrative support.
• Why It’s Great Remotely: Virtual volunteering has grown significantly, and this role ensures volunteers are engaged and effective.

12. Content Creator or Writer

• What You’ll Do: Write blogs, articles, reports, or other content related to the organization’s mission.
• Why It’s Great Remotely: Writing and content creation can be done independently with flexible hours.

13. Operations Specialist

• What You’ll Do: Oversee day-to-day operations like budgeting, compliance, or data management.
• Why It’s Great Remotely: Operations roles increasingly rely on cloud-based tools for remote collaboration.

How do you become a philanthropist?

The training and education you need depends on the type of position you’re eyeing within the field of philanthropy. Some universities and colleges offer a master’s degree in philanthropy or nonprofit management. These qualifications are tailored to people at the management level.

Business administration or management courses are great for people who opt for the business side of philanthropy. However, many people seeking jobs in philanthropy want to work at the grassroots level where they get to enact real change. 

Philanthropic causes are about enabling communities via various mental health programs and initiatives. One way of helping others directly is by enrolling in one of several online social work graduate programs. Social workers are the heartbeat of charities, NPOs and foundations. They tirelessly work to advocate for equal access to basic healthcare and mental health resources. 

Read on to learn, step by step, how to further explore jobs in philanthropy and get your foot in the door:

1. Understand the Field

• Research Key Areas: Philanthropy encompasses grantmaking foundations, nonprofits, CSR (corporate social responsibility), and fundraising for specific causes. Learn about their roles and how they operate.
• Explore Specializations: These can include education, arts, healthcare, environmental sustainability, and more. Focus on causes that resonate with your values.
• Stay Updated: Follow organizations like the Council on Foundations, Philanthropy Roundtable, or Nonprofit Quarterly for trends and insights.

2. Leverage Your Existing Experience

• Highlight Transferable Skills: Your background in homeschooling, teaching, graphic design, and volunteer work with the PTA and after-school programs shows a strong commitment to education and community development. These experiences can translate well into roles like program coordination, advocacy, or grant writing.
• Build on Volunteer Work: Showcase your work with gifted students and your Central/South America volunteerism. Demonstrating hands-on experience in social impact strengthens your profile.

3. Gain Relevant Skills

• Fundraising & Grant Writing: Learn how to secure funding for causes. This is a key skill in philanthropy. Online courses or certifications in nonprofit management or fundraising can help.
• Project Management: Philanthropy often requires managing programs. Certifications like PMP (Project Management Professional) or training in tools like Asana or Trello are valuable.
• Data Analysis: Impact measurement is critical in philanthropy. Familiarity with data analysis tools or methods can set you apart.

4. Network Strategically

• Join Professional Associations: Engage with groups like the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) or other local philanthropic networks.
• Attend Events: Go to conferences, fundraisers, or networking events hosted by nonprofits or philanthropic organizations.
• Connect on LinkedIn: Follow leaders in the field, engage with their content, and build relationships through meaningful interactions.

5. Gain Entry-Level Experience

• Internships or Fellowships: Many philanthropic organizations offer internships or fellowships, even for mid-career changers. Look into programs at organizations like the Ford Foundation, Rockefeller Foundation, or local foundations.
• Volunteer with Foundations: Start as a volunteer to get hands-on exposure to how these organizations operate. Volunteering often leads to paid opportunities.
• Apply for Support Roles: Consider administrative or program assistant roles to get a foot in the door. These positions often lead to more specialized opportunities.

6. Tailor Your Personal Brand

• Craft a Philanthropy-Oriented Resume: Highlight your leadership, community involvement, and any measurable impact from your work.
• Create a Portfolio: If you’ve worked on campaigns, design materials, or other projects related to nonprofit or educational causes, showcase them.
• Build a Narrative: Frame your transition into philanthropy as a natural extension of your passion for education, creativity, and social impact.

7. Start Small

• Local Organizations: Smaller nonprofits or community foundations often offer entry points with fewer barriers to entry than large global foundations.
• Freelance Opportunities: Many philanthropic organizations need contract work for graphic design, content creation, or social media management, which can align with your design background.

In summary

Now that you’re familiar with the diverse jobs and work environments in philanthropy, along with some tips on how to break into this rewarding field, you’re all set to embark on your journey. Whether you’re drawn to nonprofit organizations, foundations, or even corporate social responsibility roles, there’s a place for you. So go ahead, explore your options, and take that first step toward the next phase of your career.