Explore Career Options

Career paths in philanthropy

The nonprofit sector has millions of jobs that are more than meaningful—they are sound, long-term career choices.

Wonder what a job in philanthropy might be like? Here are a few examples: 

Grants specialist

Grant specialists may research private and government funding opportunities available to their organization, develop grant proposals, and make sure that any funds that have been awarded are utilized and disbursed properly. 

In the U.S., grants management specialist salaries average between $53,327 and $89,226 per year.

Executive director

A nonprofit executive director plans and directs the organizations programs. They oversee day-to-day operations, implement and track budgets, and report to the board of directors.

The average Nonprofit Executive Director salary in Indiana is $84,171 as of December 27, 2022, but the range typically falls between $73,581 and $98,159.

Development director

Development directors are responsible for planning and implementing the long and short-term fundraising strategies of an organization. 

In the U.S., the salary of a nonprofit director of development averages between $92,100 and $149,400 per year. 

Philanthropy officer

Philanthropy officers structure and implement fundraising activities, such as events and campaigns. They may build relationships with individual donors, corporations, and foundations. 

In Indiana, the average salary for a chief philanthropy officer is $112,714.

More career opportunities

  • Nonprofit leadership
  • Nongovernmental organizations (NGOs)
  • Fundraising and development
  • Communications and publicity
  • Foundation programs
  • Endowment and stewardship programs
  • Wealth advising
  • Research and public policy

Our grads get great jobs at places like

  • The Patterson Foundation Fellowship Program
  • The American Cancer Society
  • The Kiwanis International Foundation
  • The Corporation for National and Community Service
  • The Indiana Youth Institute
  • Eli Lilly & Company
  • The Nature Conservancy
  • United Way of Central Indiana
  • The Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation