Overview
A graduate career in the charity and not-for-profit sector provides meaningful opportunities to positively impact society.
Charities and NGOs (Non-Governmental Organisations) prioritise social, environmental, and humanitarian causes, while social enterprises reinvest profits into their social missions. With over 820,000 employees across approximately 195,000 UK charities, the sector offers roles in fundraising, administration, marketing, finance, policy, and project management.
Though many positions begin as volunteer or internship opportunities, around 15-20% are paid roles. Career advancement depends significantly on experience, commitment, and skills rather than rigid corporate structures. The charity sector is ideal for graduates passionate about community support, advocacy, and driving social change, providing diverse and rewarding career paths.
Course backgrounds
Degrees in social sciences, politics, marketing, finance, environmental studies, and international relations are advantageous, though passion and experience often outweigh specific qualifications.
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Example salaries
Every job is influenced by various factors that employers consider when determining salary, such as benefits, location, and training. This is the average base salary per year for a junior and trained Charity position in the United Kingdom.
Popular job titles
Fundraising Officer
Secures funding through campaigns, grants, and donations
Marketing & Communications Executive
Raises awareness through social media, events, and PR
Project Coordinator
Manages initiatives supporting the charity’s beneficiaries
Policy & Advocacy Officer
Influences government policies and public opinion
Finance & Administration Assistant
Supports financial planning, budgeting, and operational needs
Essential skills
Commitment & Passion
Genuine enthusiasm for charitable missions
Communication Skills
Strong verbal and written communication for advocacy and public engagement
Project Management
Planning and managing effective campaigns or initiatives
Persuasion & Negotiation
Essential for fundraising and securing partnerships
Resilience & Adaptability
Thriving with limited resources and handling diverse responsibilities
Teamwork & Collaboration
Effectively engaging with volunteers, colleagues, and stakeholders
Typical working week
In the charity sector, the typical working week can vary depending on the role and the specific needs of the charity.
In the morning, you may start by reviewing emails and attending team meetings, ensuring that projects are on track. In the afternoon, your tasks could involve working on fundraising initiatives, creating content for campaigns, or liaising with external partners.
Many charities embrace hybrid working, allowing employees to split their time between the office and home. Larger organisations may have more structured management hierarchies, while smaller charities tend to have flat management structures, offering more hands-on involvement for employees.
The pace can be fast, with increased activity during fundraising events or initiatives.
Work-life balance
Charity sector roles can offer flexibility, though smaller organisations may require significant adaptability due to limited resources and diverse responsibilities.
Work hours can vary, sometimes extending during campaigns or events. Many charities encourage flexible and remote working arrangements, supporting overall work-life balance despite potential periods of increased workload.
Professional training
Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE)
Internationally recognised for fundraising professionals
Project Management Qualification (PRINCE2)
Essential for managing complex charity projects
Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) Certification
Enhances skills in communications and fundraising marketing
Economic sensitivity
Jobs in the charity sector are affected by economic downturns, as donations often decrease when individuals and businesses face financial difficulties.
Charities may need to scale back on projects, reduce staff, or rely more heavily on government or corporate funding. Despite this, many charities continue to operate, albeit at a reduced scale, to maintain their mission-driven goals.
Is Charity the right career for you?
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A career in charity suits graduates passionate about creating social impact, advocating for important causes, and driving community improvement.
This sector values experience, flexibility, and commitment, offering meaningful roles that can be deeply rewarding. While financial compensation might be lower than commercial sectors, the skills and experience gained are highly transferable and respected across multiple industries.
