Memphis Nonprofit Jobs – Explore Careers, Top Employers, and Industry Insights
Memphis, Tennessee, is home to more than 3,000 registered nonprofit organizations supporting the city’s thriving healthcare, human services, education, faith-based, and arts communities. Nonprofits in Memphis are closely tied to the city’s identity as a hub of music, medicine, and philanthropy. Anchored by world-renowned institutions like St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis nonprofits provide opportunities for professionals at every level, from program staff and case managers to development directors and executive leaders. With its rich cultural heritage and engaged philanthropic base, Memphis offers a dynamic nonprofit job market for those passionate about making an impact.
Best neighborhoods to live in if you work in Memphis’s nonprofit sector: Midtown is popular among arts and community professionals for its creative vibe and proximity to cultural institutions. Downtown provides access to major nonprofits, museums, and healthcare employers. Cooper-Young offers a vibrant community feel attractive to younger professionals. East Memphis is convenient for those working with healthcare and education nonprofits, while Germantown and Cordova provide family-friendly suburban options with reasonable commutes.
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Memphis nonprofit jobs on Foundation List.
Finding Nonprofit Jobs in Memphis: Market Overview & How to Search
Memphis nonprofit jobs are strongest in healthcare, human services, fundraising, education, faith-based programs, and the arts. To find roles quickly, run targeted searches, set alerts, and focus on both anchor institutions and grassroots organizations.
What the local market looks like
- Healthcare anchors: Nonprofit hospitals and research institutions dominate, led by St. Jude and Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare.
- Community impact: Housing, food security, and workforce development nonprofits are steady sources of employment.
- Arts & culture: Music and arts nonprofits reflect Memphis’s heritage and hire in development, education, and outreach.
- Fundraising demand: Development directors, major gifts officers, and grant writers are consistently needed.
How to search effectively
- Run a targeted search on Foundation List for “Memphis, TN” roles by category (Development/Fundraising, Program, Communications, HR, etc.).
- Set job alerts to get notified as soon as new positions are posted.
- Track anchor employers: St. Jude, Methodist Le Bonheur, University of Memphis, and United Way of the Mid-South.
- Volunteer first: Many Memphis nonprofits hire volunteers into full-time roles.
Memphis Nonprofit Sector Snapshot
- Healthcare: St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare, and Baptist Memorial Health Care.
- Human services: United Way of the Mid-South, Metropolitan Inter-Faith Association (MIFA), and Catholic Charities of West Tennessee.
- Education: University of Memphis, Shelby County Schools partnerships, and youth-serving nonprofits.
- Arts & music: Memphis Symphony Orchestra, Stax Music Academy, and Memphis Brooks Museum of Art.
- Faith-based: Numerous churches and religious nonprofits offering social services and community outreach.
Where Nonprofit Jobs Cluster in Memphis
- Downtown: Healthcare anchors, museums, and civic nonprofits.
- Midtown: Arts, community development, and education nonprofits.
- East Memphis: Healthcare systems and education nonprofits.
- Suburban hubs: Germantown and Cordova for regional nonprofits and family-focused services.
Most In-Demand Nonprofit Roles in Memphis
- Healthcare staff, case managers, and social workers
- Development directors, grant writers, and fundraising staff
- Program managers for housing, food security, and youth development
- Communications and marketing specialists
- Finance, HR, and operations professionals
Salary & Career Growth Insights
- Program Coordinators: $36,000–$50,000
- Development Directors: $75,000–$110,000+
- Case Managers & Social Workers: $40,000–$55,000
- Executive Directors (midsize orgs): $95,000–$135,000
- Communications/Digital Fundraising Managers: $55,000–$75,000
Networking & Professional Associations
- AFP Memphis – fundraising professionals and events.
- Momentum Nonprofit Partners – nonprofit training and networking hub.
- Volunteer Memphis – volunteer and leadership opportunities.
Volunteer Pathways into Careers
Volunteering is one of the strongest entry points into Memphis nonprofits. Organizations like MIFA, United Way, and local arts institutions often hire long-term volunteers for program or administrative staff roles. This pathway is especially effective for early-career professionals and those transitioning into the sector.
Remote & Hybrid Nonprofit Jobs in Memphis
While direct-service roles are mostly in person, many administrative and growth-oriented functions offer remote or hybrid schedules. These include:
- Grant writing
- Communications and fundraising campaigns
- IT, data, and finance roles
- Human resources and compliance
Why Work in Memphis Nonprofits?
Memphis nonprofits combine deep cultural roots with nationally recognized healthcare and education institutions. The city’s legacy of music and activism blends with modern philanthropy, offering professionals opportunities to grow careers while contributing to social justice, community well-being, and cultural enrichment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Memphis Nonprofit Jobs
1) How large is the Memphis nonprofit sector?
Memphis has over 3,000 nonprofits across healthcare, human services, arts, and education. Collectively, they employ thousands of local workers, making the sector an important part of the city’s economy and community infrastructure.
2) How do I find nonprofit jobs quickly in Memphis?
The fastest method is to use Foundation List’s advanced search filtered for Memphis and create alerts for new postings. Monitoring anchor employers like St. Jude and United Way of the Mid-South also helps you stay ahead of the market.
3) What are the best neighborhoods for nonprofit workers?
Midtown and Downtown provide proximity to nonprofits, healthcare anchors, and cultural employers. East Memphis suits those working in hospitals and universities, while Germantown and Cordova are family-friendly areas within commuting distance.
4) Who are the largest nonprofit employers in Memphis?
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare, and Baptist Memorial Health Care dominate nonprofit healthcare hiring. United Way of the Mid-South, MIFA, and cultural institutions like the Memphis Symphony Orchestra are also major employers.
5) Which roles are most in demand?
Healthcare professionals, case managers, fundraising leaders, and program managers are consistently sought after. Communications and operations roles also post regularly as organizations expand their reach and infrastructure.
6) Do Memphis nonprofits offer remote or hybrid roles?
Yes, especially in grant writing, fundraising, marketing, IT, and HR. Direct-service and healthcare roles are largely in person, but hybrid arrangements are increasing in administrative departments.
7) What salary ranges can I expect in Memphis nonprofits?
Program coordinators earn $36k–50k, development directors $75k–110k+, and case managers $40k–55k. Executive directors at midsize organizations typically earn $95k–135k. Benefits and professional growth opportunities often add to compensation packages.
8) How do I start an entry-level nonprofit career in Memphis?
Begin by volunteering at organizations like MIFA, Volunteer Memphis, or local food banks to build connections. Apply for coordinator or assistant-level roles while highlighting transferable skills in communication, administration, or service delivery.
9) Are nonprofits hiring right now in Memphis?
Yes, nonprofits in Memphis regularly post openings in healthcare, social services, fundraising, and education. With ongoing community needs, hiring tends to be consistent year-round, especially at healthcare institutions.
10) What local resources help nonprofit job seekers?
Foundation List provides targeted Memphis job searches. Locally, Momentum Nonprofit Partners and AFP Memphis are excellent for networking and training. Volunteer Memphis is a strong entry point for those building experience or new to the city.
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