Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) play a vital role in tackling some of the world’s most pressing issues. From providing humanitarian aid and promoting human rights to fighting poverty and protecting the environment, NGOs are at the forefront of creating positive change.
While many assume NGO work means low pay, the truth is there are also highly lucrative career opportunities within the sector. In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the highest-paying NGO jobs currently listed on NGOJobSite, the leading online job board for nonprofit professionals.
We’ll provide real job postings with details on roles, responsibilities, locations,s and compensation packages. You’ll discover positions paying up to $150,000 USD per year or more. We’ll also include tips for landing one of these top jobs and maximizing your career within the growing nonprofit industry.
Let’s begin exploring some lucrative NGO positions and how you can apply your skills and experience to make a significant impact while also earning a great salary.
Top Paying NGO Jobs of 2023
One of the highest-paying NGO jobs currently available is for a Senior Director of Strategic Partnerships at CARE USA, a leading international humanitarian organization fighting global poverty.
Job Title: Senior Director of Strategic Partnerships
Organization: CARE USA
Location: Atlanta, GA
Salary: $130,000 – $150,000 per year
As Senior Director, you will be responsible for overseeing CARE’s major partnership portfolios, implementing high-level strategies and managing a team of partnership managers. In this critical executive role, you’ll helpresource programs in over 90 countries annually.
The salary range of $130,000-$150,000 makes it one of the most lucrative careers within the NGO sector. The job calls for 10+ years of progressive leadership experience in international development partnerships and nonprofit management.
Another top paying NGO position is Director of Individual Giving at The Pew Charitable Trusts, a nonpartisan fact tank driving policy change through rigorous research.
Job Title: Director of Individual Giving
Organization: The Pew Charitable Trusts
Location: Washington D.C.
Salary: $125,000 – $150,000 per year
In this crucial director role, you’ll lead Pew’s team focused on acquiring and retaining individual donors. Responsibilities include developing fundraising strategies, overseeing annual campaigns, and growing the individual donor base.
The salary range matches that of the CARE USA job and candidates should have a proven record of managing multi-million dollar nonprofit portfolios, optimizing donor pipelines, and engaging new supporters.
Additional Lucrative NGO Opportunities
While roles like director and senior director positions are among the highest earners, there are also many jobs for qualified professionals who earn between $80,000 and $120,000 per year within NGOs. Here are some additional top-paying career opportunities:
Project Management
Job Title: Project Manager, Global Health
Organization: FHI 360
Location: Washington D.C.
Salary: $95,000 – $110,000 per year
As a project manager at FHI 360, you’ll oversee complex global health initiatives, build high performing teams and ensure projects stay on track, on budget and deliver maximum impact.
Job Title: Senior Project Manager
Organization: Mercy Corps
Location: Portland, OR
Salary: $105,000 – $120,000 per year
This job involves managing all aspects of grant-funded development projects from inception through successful completion while adhering to compliance standards. Candidates should have 8+ years of related experience.
Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning
Job Title: Director of Evaluation
Organization: CARE USA
Location: Atlanta, GA
Salary: $110,000 – $130,000 per year
Reporting into the Vice President, the Director will lead the evaluation function, ensuring rigors quality standards across programs in emergencies and development. Advanced degree required.
Job Title: Senior MEL Manager
Organization: World Vision
Location: Federal Way, WA
Salary: $90,000 – $110,000 per year
This role involves managing multiple grants, designing M&E frameworks, and building organizational capacity for learning. Strong analytical and facilitation skills are needed.
Resource Development
Job Title: Senior Grant Writer
Organization: GlobalGiving
Location: Washington D.C.
Salary: $80,000 – $100,000 per year
As a grant writer you’ll research funding opportunities and develop competitive proposals to major foundations and institutional donors. Track record of successful multi-million dollar grants.
Job Title: Major Gifts Officer
Organization: The HALO Trust
Location: Remote within the United States
Salary: $85,000 – $105,000 per year
Responsible for strategically expanding HALO’s major gifts program, identifying and stewarding new 6-7 figure level supporters across high-net-worth individuals and families.
As you can see, there are options across many functions within large and small international NGOs paying between $80,000-$150,000 annually for experienced professionals. The scope for growth and responsibility is huge.
Tips for Landing a High-Paying NGO Job
With so many great career opportunities available, here are some keys to help you maximize your chances of landing one of these top jobs:
Tailor Your Resume – Highlight relevant qualifications and customize each application by matching keywords to the responsibilities emphasized in the job description.
Emphasize Measurable Impact – Quantify your achievements like increased income generated, life-changing programs implemented or beneficiaries reached through your work.
Demonstrate Passion for the Cause – Share ways you’ve actively supported the mission beyond your 9-5 through volunteering, advocating or community projects.
Research the Organization – Learn as much as possible and show alignment between their values and your motivations for applying in your cover letter.
Leverage Your Network – Reach out to contacts currently working in the sector for informational interviews and potential referrals.
Customize Each Application – Do not take a one-size-fits-all approach. Thoughtfully craft and tailor each message for the specific role and organization.
Practice Interview Questions – Anticipate common questions on your qualifications, priorities and problems likely to be encountered in the position.
Emphasize Transferable Skills – If you lack direct career experience, point to related strengths that could apply such as leadership, critical thinking or entrepreneurship.
Following this targeted, personalized approach improves your profile’s competitiveness against other candidates who are passionate about making change through nonprofit work. Remember to highlight strengths that directly address the opportunity.
NGO Career Growth Potential
While many assume roles are stagnant or volunteer-based, the nonprofit sector provides tremendous room for growth over the long term. Consider these statistics:
- The global NGO market is valued at $47.5 billion and is projected to reach $57.5 billion by 2027 according to Research and Markets. Growth of 20% indicates strong demand.
- According the Bureau of Labor Statistics, NGO jobs are expected to increase by 14% through 2030. Certain functions like fundraising are growing much faster.
- Large international NGOs employ ten thousands of staff worldwide and have departmental career ladders similar to multinational corporations. Advancement is achievable for dedicated professionals.
- Smaller nonprofits still provide opportunities to take on additional responsibilities and expand your skillset through diverse project involvement.
- Networking within the tight-knit NGO community opens doors to new opportunities across organizations worldwide. Your career trajectory is scalable.
Overall, salaries generally climb higher the more leadership, technical or specialized your role becomes over time. Committing to the sector leads to excellent long term earning potential and making a lasting impact. The positives truly outweigh any perceived financial sacrifices.
