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.

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.

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

1
Earn CNP or CVA and complete a university/extension course in grant writing or program evaluation
2
Lead a volunteer-led community project; produce a logic model, budget, and outcome dashboard as a portfolio
3
Join and network through Young Nonprofit Professionals Network (YNPN) or local nonprofit associations; request informational interviews with Program Directors