Program Manager (Non-profit Community Engagement)

Career Guide

Leads planning and delivery of community programs for a nonprofit, building partnerships, coordinating volunteers, managing budgets and grants, and tracking outcomes. Ensures programs meet community needs and align with the organization’s mission.

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Key Responsibilities

Design and launch community programs aligned to mission
Build and manage partnerships with local organizations
Recruit, train, and coordinate volunteers
Plan and execute outreach events and campaigns
Manage program budgets, grants, and compliance reporting
Define KPIs; collect data and report outcomes to funders
Supervise coordinators, interns, and volunteers

Career Progression

Can Lead To

Senior Program Manager

Program Director

Director of Community Engagement

Transition Opportunities

Development/Fundraising Manager

Corporate/Community Partnerships Manager

Grants Manager

Community Health Program Manager

Common Skill Gaps

Often Missing Skills

Program evaluation and logic modelsGrant writing and funder reportingNonprofit budgeting for restricted/unrestricted fundsCommunity partnership developmentCRM and volunteer management tools

Development SuggestionsComplete a grant writing and program evaluation course; implement a pilot program using a logic model and track metrics in a CRM (e.g., Salesforce NPSP) to build a portfolio.

Market Intelligence Report

Program Manager (Non-profit Community Engagement) is part of the Program Management category.Explore our market intelligence report to see how AI and hiring demand are shifting for these roles.

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Salary & Demand

Median Salary Range

Entry Level$50,000–$65,000

Mid Level$65,000–$85,000

Senior Level$85,000–$105,000

Growth Trend

stable — Steady demand across nonprofits; funding-driven hiring variation

Companies Hiring

Major Employers

United WayAmerican Red CrossYMCA

Industry Sectors

Non-Profit & Social ImpactHealthcare & Public HealthGovernment & Public Administration

Recommended Next Steps

Earn CNP or CVA and complete a university/extension course in grant writing or program evaluation

Lead a volunteer-led community project; produce a logic model, budget, and outcome dashboard as a portfolio

Join and network through Young Nonprofit Professionals Network (YNPN) or local nonprofit associations; request informational interviews with Program Directors