7 Non-Profit Program Manager Resume Examples for 2024

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.

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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.
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