Effective leadership is paramount for the survival of nonprofit organizations. Professionals with a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in nonprofit leadership are qualified to lead and manage nonprofits as effectively and efficiently as possible through better business practices. Not only should nonprofit organizations have a clear mission, goals and focus, but they also need solid marketing strategies, a sound budget and effective personnel management.
An online Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Nonprofit Leadership from Murray State University can prepare students for dynamic leadership roles in the nonprofit sector by combining mission-driven practices with traditional business expertise. Nonprofit leadership studies combined with conventional business education can provide access to the intricacies required to work within the growing nonprofit sector. The solid foundation provided by the broad-based business core curriculum will develop students’ skills in managerial economics, marketing, accounting, corporate finance, strategic management and more.
Top Professional Roles With an MBA in Nonprofit Leadership
Nonprofit organizations are crucial in transforming lives and changing communities. To advance their missions successfully, nonprofits need effective leaders who acknowledge the difficulty of day-to-day challenges. By understanding the need to attract, develop and retain top talent; fight burnout; and navigate the delicate and complex resource-constrained environment, nonprofit leaders can act as important catalysts for enacting positive social change and protecting the bottom line.
The online MBA with a concentration in Nonprofit Leadership from Murray State University prepares students to take on professional roles such as executive director, nonprofit CEO, fundraising manager, program director, social services manager and more. Below are some of the top careers for nonprofit leadership MBA graduates:
Fundraising Manager
A fundraising manager is the driving force behind raising money for a nonprofit organization. They are responsible for managing the nonprofit’s budget, organizing fundraising events, writing grants, managing employees and volunteers, developing donors and designing effective strategies to maximize donations.
A successful fundraising manager is personable, organized, comfortable with public speaking, an excellent communicator and up to date on current political and social topics. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual income for this role is approximately $119,860, or $57.62 per hour. The job growth outlook through 2031 is at 8%, which is faster than average.
Social and Community Service Manager
Social and community service managers can have various responsibilities. They can work directly with a specific community, write grants, analyze data, research and design programs that support the public’s well-being, identify problems, lead awareness programs, coordinate outreach activities and advocate for families and individuals. Most often employed by nonprofit organizations, these managers can make a median pay of $74,000 per year, or $35.58 per hour. The job outlook for this profession is projected to grow 12% through 2031, which is much faster than average.
Program Director
A nonprofit program director oversees the development and execution of outreach programs. They also develop budgets, ensure outreach programs adhere to legal requirements, analyze performance data and obtain any required certifications. The average yearly salary for a program director in the United States is $64,087. However, the median wage can vary according to education level and experience.
An Advanced Business Degree in Nonprofit Leadership
The Arthur J. Bauernfeind College of Business at Murray State University has been accredited by AACSB International since 1981. This 100% online degree program prepares students to empower communities with ethical, purpose-centered businesses with courses such as The Non-Profit Sector and Civil Society; Financial Management for Nonprofits; Social Entrepreneurship; and Nonprofit Organizations and Community Development: Comprehensive Strategies for Impact.
Learn more about Murray State University’s online MBA with a concentration in Nonprofit Leadership program.
