10 Non-Profit Program Manager Resume Examples for 2025

In this article, we provide key tips for building a strong resume for a non-profit program manager role. Expect clear advice and examples on what to include: management experience, measurable impact, and relevant skills. Learn how to format your resume to showcase your experience and dedication to making a difference.

  Compiled and approved by Marie-Caroline Pereira
  Last updated on See history of changes

  Next update scheduled for

At a Glance

Here's what we see in the best resumes for this industry.

  • Show Impact With Numbers: The best resumes show impact using numbers. Common metrics include increased volunteer participation by 25%, reduced expense by 15%, improved program reach by 30%, and managed budgets up to $1 million.

  • Include Relevant Skills: Include skills on your resume that you have and are mentioned on the job description. Some popular ones are grant writing, budget management, data analysis, program development, and project management software. But don't include all of them, choose the ones you have and are mentioned in the JD.

  • Highlight Unique Challenges: Non-profit work has unique challenges. Use phrases like fundraising campaigns, community outreach, and stakeholder engagement to show you understand this.

Get instant feedback on your resume

Want to know how your resume stacks up for non-profit program manager roles? Our resume scoring tool gives you a clear picture of where you stand. It checks your resume against key criteria that recruiters in the non-profit sector look for.

Upload your resume now to get a free, unbiased assessment. You'll receive a score and tips on how to make your resume stronger for program management positions. This feedback can help you stand out in a competitive job market.

...
Drop your resume here or choose a file.
English resumes in PDF or DOCX only. Max 2MB file size.
   100% privacyWe're committed to your privacy. Your resume will be scanned securely to give you confidential feedback instantly. Your resume is completely private to you and can be deleted at any time.

Education positioning on resume

Place your education near the top if you are new to the workforce or if you have recently completed significant education, like a master's degree. This helps explain any gaps in your employment and shows the value you can bring to a non-profit program.

If you have been working for some years, put your work experience first. In this field, practical skills managing projects, fundraising, or coordinating events are crucial. Your hands-on experience should be the first thing hiring managers see. Highlight any specific program management or relevant sector experience here.

Show impact with metrics

Include specific metrics to show your impact. Use numbers to quantify the results of the programs you managed, like the number of beneficiaries or percentage growth.

This helps employers see your value and effectiveness in a nonprofit setting, where impact is crucial.

Correct resume length

For a program manager in the non-profit sector, it's essential to keep your resume concise yet informative. If you have less than 10 years of experience, aim for just one page. This helps you to present your most relevant skills and accomplishments without overwhelming the reader. Remember, what you include should reflect your strength in program development and community outreach.

For those with more than 10 years of experience, a two-page resume can be appropriate. Use the extra space to detail significant projects or leadership roles that showcase your ability to manage programs and drive results. However, ensure your key achievements are on the first page as hiring managers often review this page most thoroughly. Focus on readability by avoiding small fonts and narrow margins. Instead, choose clarity and prioritize the most impactful information about your nonprofit management expertise.

Highlight relevant skills

Emphasize skills like grant writing and volunteer management. These are key skills specific to nonprofit program managers.

Include examples of how you have successfully secured funding or managed volunteer teams in your past roles.

Beat the resume screeners

When you apply for a job as a program manager at a non-profit, you need to pass the first test: the Applicant Tracking System (ATS). This system looks at your resume to see if you're a good match for the job. To make sure you get through, follow these tips.

  • Use keywords from the job posting in your resume. For example, if the posting says 'community outreach,' make sure you mention your experience in this area.
  • Make your resume easy to read. Use a clear font and put your most important jobs and skills at the top. This helps the ATS and the hiring manager see right away that you are a strong fit for the role of managing programs.

Match your experiences to the job

When applying to manage programs at a non-profit, show how your past work fits with what is needed. Focus on the skills that matter for this job. Use simple words to make it clear you're a good fit.

  • Review the job listing and use the same words they do to describe your skills. For example, if they ask for 'program development,' you could say: Developed and managed multiple community-focused health programs.
  • Show work that proves you can handle the job, like managing budgets or leading teams. Use numbers to show the size of the budget or team you managed.
  • If your past job was different, find what is similar. For example, if you worked in events, focus on your planning and organizing skills.

Key skills for effective program management

As a hiring manager, I've seen that certain skills can make a big difference on a non-profit program manager's resume. Here are some you should consider:

  • Grant writing
  • Budget management
  • Program development
  • Volunteer coordination
  • Event planning
  • Stakeholder engagement
  • Performance measurement
  • Database management
  • Policy analysis
  • Strategic planning

Make sure you show these skills in your work experience. For example, talk about a grant you wrote or a budget you managed. Include numbers to show size or results, like 'Managed a $50,000 budget' or 'Increased donations by 20%'. This is good for the ATS (Applicant Tracking System) and shows me, the hiring manager, exactly what you can do.

Remember, you don't need all these skills. Just pick the ones that match the job you want. Think about what a non-profit program manager does. If you plan events, make 'event planning' a skill on your resume. If you work with databases, list 'database management'. Put these skills in a skills section so they are easy to find.

Showcase leadership in your role

When you're looking to impress as a program manager in the non-profit sector, it's vital to show clear examples of leadership and any steps up you've taken. Think about times you’ve guided a project or led a team. Even if you're not sure, you likely have valuable experience to share.

  • Led a team of volunteers in a successful fundraising campaign, exceeding goals by 20%.
  • Managed a community outreach program, expanding services to three additional neighborhoods.

Your resume should also reflect any promotions. If you've moved up in an organization, make sure this is clear. List your job titles in order and show how your responsibilities have grown. You can do this by:

  • Listing positions separately with dates to show your progression within one organization.
  • Detailing increased responsibilities or the size of projects you've managed over time.

Quantify your impact

As a program manager in the non-profit sector, showing your impact with clear numbers can make your resume stand out. You need to prove your ability to deliver results that align with the mission of any organization you wish to join. Here's how to do it:

  • Reflect on your past programs and quantify the number of participants you managed. For example, 'Led a team to deliver educational programs to over 500 participants annually.'
  • Think about the budgets you've overseen. Highlight your fiscal responsibility by stating, 'Managed program budgets totaling $200,000 while cutting costs by 15%.'

Estimating your impact, even when you're unsure, can still demonstrate your effectiveness. Consider:

  • The percentage of increased attendance or engagement in your programs, such as 'Boosted event attendance by 30% through targeted community outreach initiatives.'
  • Any efficiency improvements in processes, for example, 'Implemented new project management software, reducing time spent on administrative tasks by 25%.'

Remember, these numbers help hiring managers see the concrete value you can bring to their team. When you talk about your achievements, use simple, strong numbers to show your success.

Need more resume templates?

Quick links

Samples


Insights