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  • How to land a remote career in the nonprofit sector (even without experience)

    After working in the nonprofit sector for the past couple of years, I discovered a completely different world from what I knew in the for-profit sector. Impactful projects, global teams driving positive change, and the rewarding feeling of knowing that your efforts are now contributing to a greater cause. However, if you’re thinking about getting into the nonprofit sector, you must know that the job market is complex for this particular industry.

    Nonprofit organizations come in many sizes, and most depend on public funding to serve their communities and maintain their staff. Currently, the sector faces significant challenges—many organizations are experiencing funding cuts under the new administration, while others face uncertainty about their continued operations. Yet despite these challenges, the demand for qualified workers is growing, especially as organizations embrace remote work. The pandemic proved to be a catalyst for this change, demonstrating that organizations could effectively achieve their missions with remote teams. This shift has created new opportunities for passionate individuals worldwide to join the sector without geographic constraints.

    In the U.S. alone, 57% of nonprofits implemented remote work policies according to the 2023 survey by the National Council of Nonprofits, and many are now opening their doors to global talent. If you’re looking to pursue a career in the nonprofit sector, here’s what I recommend to find a job that matches your skills and passion.

    Start Networking Strategically

    Networking isn’t just helpful—it’s essential for breaking into the nonprofit sector, which operates largely on relationships. In my experience, LinkedIn serves as the primary platform, though there’s a smaller community on X. I’ve found success through following nonprofit thought leaders, engaging meaningfully with their content, and participating in sector-specific groups. Here are some valuable profiles and groups I recommend following and joining:

    Profiles and community groups

    Within these groups, most nonprofit professionals are passionate about their work and genuinely willing to share insights. But remember that effective networking is reciprocal. Even without extensive experience, you can offer fresh perspectives, technical skills, or connections from other sectors. The most meaningful professional relationships develop when both parties find value in the exchange.

    Events

    Don’t underestimate the “chat” function during these events—thoughtful questions can make you memorable to presenters and fellow attendees alike. As an SEO, I use chat features to provide valuable advice to organizations and colleagues who need support, and always get new contacts on my LinkedIn after participating in these events. I’ve found meaningful connections during these events, often starting conversations with potential clients or professionals who can uplevel my work. I strongly suggest you sign up for these events and start networking.

    Check out these top free virtual events that will help you better understand the nonprofit industry:

    • Nonprofit Marketing Summit: EVOLVE: Held from March 4-6, 2025, this summit featured over 80 virtual sessions aimed at empowering nonprofit organizations to adapt and thrive in the digital age. Topics ranged from AI integration to donor engagement strategies, and I had the honor to participate as a speaker providing SEO advice. Community Boost hosts the NMS every year and invites top industry leaders. You won’t want to miss it!
    • Nonprofit Learning Lab Free Webinars: Offers ongoing free webinars covering topics such as diversity, equity, inclusion (DEI), fundraising, board development, and program management. These sessions are designed to provide practical insights and strategies for nonprofit professionals.

    Find your perfect role: in-demand nonprofit positions

    The nonprofit sector is experiencing significant shifts in its workforce needs, particularly as organizations adapt to digital transformation and remote operations. Here are the roles that consistently appear as the most in-demand positions across social impact organizations:

    • Development and fundraising professionals are needed to secure grants, manage donor relationships, and create sustainable funding strategies
    • Digital marketing specialists who understand SEO, social media, and digital campaign management are essential for online growth
    • Program managers are crucial for overseeing project implementation, measuring impact, and ensuring program effectiveness
    • Data analysts help organizations become more data-driven by analyzing trends, measuring outcomes, and reporting impact
    • Remote volunteer coordinators are increasingly valuable for managing and engaging virtual volunteer teams effectively

    When transitioning to the nonprofit sector, it’s essential to understand how your existing skills can be adapted to meet organizational needs. Whether you come from marketing, technology, finance, or project management backgrounds, these skills can be transformed to serve mission-driven work – from using marketing expertise for donor engagement to applying technical knowledge for operational efficiency.

    The key is to emphasize how your professional experience can help organizations maximize their impact while working within resource constraints. Focus on highlighting transferable skills that address nonprofit challenges, such as relationship building for fundraising, data analysis for impact measurement, or communication abilities for stakeholder engagement.

    Essential training and certifications to boost your career

    Strategic skill development through targeted certifications and training can significantly strengthen your nonprofit candidacy, especially when transitioning from other sectors. Here are some foundational courses I recommend:

    • Coursera: Introduction to Nonprofit Law: Offered by the University of Pennsylvania, this course provides a comprehensive overview of the legal frameworks governing nonprofit organizations. Topics include the history and development of the nonprofit sector, legal obligations, and constraints related to fundraising and political activities. The course is free to audit, with an option to purchase a certificate upon completion.
    • Coursera: Leveraging Generative AI for Social Impact Organizations: Provided by the University of Michigan, this course explores how generative AI tools can enhance efficiency within social impact organizations. Participants will learn practical applications of AI to streamline tasks such as responding to inquiries, data management, and communications. The course is free to audit, with an option to purchase a certificate upon completion.
    • Kellogg School’s Nonprofit Management Essentials: In partnership with The Allstate Foundation, Northwestern University’s Kellogg School offers free online learning modules on various aspects of nonprofit management. These on-demand courses cover topics like leadership, finance, fundraising, and analytics, allowing learners to proceed at their own pace.

    Engaging in these programs can equip you with valuable skills and knowledge, thereby enhancing your impact within the nonprofit sector.

    Moreover, digital skills certifications have become increasingly valuable as nonprofits embrace technology. When I completed the Search Engine Optimization (SEO) Specialization by UC Davis through Coursera, it immediately strengthened my applications for digital marketing roles. Similarly, certifications in database management platforms like Salesforce’s Nonprofit Cloud can position you for operations and data management positions that form the backbone of many organizations.

    When selecting training opportunities, focus on addressing specific skill gaps between your current experience and target roles. Review job descriptions for desired qualifications, then seek credentials that directly address those requirements. This targeted approach ensures your learning investments translate directly to enhanced employability.

    Applying for your first job in the nonprofit sector

    As a digital specialist, I found my way into this exciting industry by working for a marketing agency that focuses on serving nonprofit and social impact organizations. This represented a great opportunity for me because I was able to learn more about the needs of the clients, understanding how different marketing channels contribute to a campaign or a long-term goal.

    I suggest looking for agencies that are looking for roles that you could fit, as there are more chances that they hire you even without experience in the sector. However, you can always apply to job opportunities using the job board that I’ll be updating regularly with new opportunities – 100% remote and international.

    Freelancing as an entry point

    Freelancing offers a powerful alternative pathway into the nonprofit sector that I’ve seen work remarkably well for career-changers. When traditional entry-level positions seem out of reach due to experience requirements, freelance projects can provide that critical first foothold while building a relevant portfolio of nonprofit work.

    The beauty of freelancing lies in its flexibility and low barrier to entry. You can start with micro-projects that match your current skill level while gradually taking on more complex assignments as your confidence grows. A colleague with a corporate marketing background began by designing simple fundraising flyers for small nonprofits, eventually building enough sector-specific examples to land a full-time communications position with a major foundation.

    Freelancing also provides invaluable exposure to nonprofit culture, terminology, and workflows—knowledge that proves tremendously useful in interviews.

    Volunteer

    Volunteering remains one of the most effective ways to gain hands-on experience while demonstrating your commitment to the nonprofit sector. Strategic volunteering can serve multiple purposes: building relevant skills, expanding your professional network, and gaining valuable insights into organizational operations.

    I’ve seen countless professionals successfully transition into paid nonprofit roles after meaningful volunteer experiences. The key is to approach volunteering with intentionality, selecting opportunities that align with your career goals and desired skill development. Whether you’re interested in fundraising, program management, or communications, there’s likely a volunteer role that can help you build expertise in that area.

    Many organizations now offer virtual volunteer opportunities, making it possible to contribute meaningfully regardless of your location. These remote positions can range from grant writing and social media management to virtual mentoring and digital campaign coordination. I’ll be regularly updating our job board with remote volunteer opportunities alongside paid positions, ensuring you have access to both traditional and virtual ways to gain experience in the sector.

    When considering volunteer opportunities, look for roles that:

    • Match your professional development goals
    • Offer meaningful interaction with staff and other volunteers
    • Provide concrete deliverables you can add to your portfolio
    • Allow you to learn about nonprofit operations and culture
    • Demonstrate your commitment to the cause when applying for paid positions

    Remember that quality matters more than quantity in volunteer work. A focused, sustained commitment to one organization often proves more valuable than scattered involvement across multiple causes. This deeper engagement allows you to develop stronger relationships, take on increased responsibility, and potentially transition into paid opportunities within the organization.

    Why choose a remote career in nonprofits?

    The beauty of remote nonprofit work lies in its ability to connect passion with purpose, regardless of where your office is. You’re not just working from anywhere—you’re working for everywhere. Your skills, whether in technology, communications, program management, or fundraising, can now touch lives across continents. This is what makes remote nonprofit work so powerful: it democratizes the ability to create meaningful change.

    As organizations continue to embrace remote work, they’re proving that meaningful work doesn’t require a commute to a physical office, but rather a commitment to a shared mission and the tools to execute it effectively. This is your opportunity to be part of this transformation, to contribute your unique skills to causes that matter, and to build a career that aligns with both your professional ambitions and your desire to make a difference.

    Making the career switch

    Successfully transitioning into the nonprofit sector requires thoughtful adaptation of your professional narrative. When revamping my resume for nonprofit applications, I discovered that emphasizing impact over achievements made a noticeable difference. Rather than highlighting sales targets or efficiency metrics from my corporate role, I reframed experiences to showcase collaboration, resource optimization, and community engagement—qualities highly valued in mission-driven organizations.

    Your journey in the nonprofit sector isn’t just about finding a new job—it’s about discovering a purpose-driven career that can transform both your professional life and your personal growth. From my experience, working in this sector has opened doors to collaborate with inspiring organizations tackling complex global challenges, which has enriched my expertise and perspective in ways I never imagined.

    This sector offers unique opportunities to apply your skills meaningfully while contributing to positive change. Whether you’re helping organizations amplify their impact through digital strategies, managing programs that directly benefit communities, or developing innovative solutions to social challenges, each day brings the satisfaction of knowing your work matters.

    I’m always excited to connect with others interested in landing a career in the nonprofit industry and happy to share more insights or answer questions. Feel free to reach out to me directly on LinkedIn if you’d like to connect or contribute to this guide. Let’s work together to create meaningful change!