Current nonprofit filing data identify approximately 13,227 organizations across the greater Memphis metro. Together, those organizations report about 96,628 employees, more than $18 billion in annual revenue and approximately $48 billion in assets. The sector includes very large healthcare and research institutions as well as thousands of smaller community organizations.

Foundation List provides a Memphis-specific search for nonprofit and mission-driven opportunities. Candidates should also search employer career sites and create alerts for related titles rather than depending on one keyword. If your commute allows, include Germantown, Cordova, Bartlett, Collierville and nearby Mid-South communities.

Healthcare and medical research are especially significant because of organizations such as St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare and Baptist Memorial Health Care. Human services, behavioral health, youth development, philanthropy, food security, education and arts also create substantial career paths. The city's cultural identity additionally supports specialized music and museum organizations.

Yes. Current nonprofit filing data show that several of Memphis's largest nonprofit employers are hospitals or research institutions. Healthcare practitioners and technical occupations account for 6.2% of Memphis metro employment, and major health institutions also hire professionals in finance, IT, research, HR, communications, fundraising and administration.

Yes, Memphis has an unusually visible medical-research ecosystem anchored by St. Jude and supported by healthcare and university institutions. Relevant careers can include clinical research coordination, laboratory operations, data, grants administration, compliance, finance and research program management. Candidates should search both research and sponsored-program terminology.

Yes. Youth Villages and other regional organizations hire counselors, social workers, behavioral-health professionals, teachers, nurses and support staff. Some community-based positions can involve travel or on-call schedules, so candidates should review the specific operational expectations carefully before applying.

Yes. Current filing data identify 572 foundations and grantmaking organizations in the greater Memphis metro, with approximately $4 billion in assets. The Community Foundation of Greater Memphis is a major regional philanthropic institution and distributed nearly $148 million through almost 6,900 grants in its most recent fiscal year. Career areas can include donor services, grants management, community investment, development and foundation operations.

Start with the professional occupation rather than one generic nonprofit salary number. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported an average hourly wage of $28.96 across all Memphis metro occupations in May 2025, while management averaged $65.54 and healthcare practitioners averaged $47.14. Compare profession, seniority, responsibilities, employer scale and benefits before evaluating a specific offer.

Yes. Nonprofits and healthcare institutions need finance, HR, technology, communications, operations, project-management and leadership professionals. Your strongest application should lead with professional accomplishments and then connect those skills to the organization's mission and operating environment. Understanding how the employer is funded can also help you explain how your experience transfers.

Useful employers include St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare, Baptist Memorial Health Care, Youth Villages, United Way of the Mid-South and MIFA. Candidates interested in culture can also research Stax Music Academy, Memphis Brooks Museum of Art and Memphis Symphony Orchestra. The University of Memphis and Community Foundation of Greater Memphis add education and philanthropy career paths.

AFP Memphis, Momentum Nonprofit Partners, Volunteer Memphis and the Community Foundation of Greater Memphis are useful places to learn more about the local sector. Volunteering can also introduce candidates to organizations and programs when approached as genuine service. Strong networking focuses on relationships and professional learning rather than immediately asking contacts for jobs.

Volunteering can help candidates understand organizations, gain relevant experience and learn about community needs. Volunteer Memphis provides a centralized local resource, while organizations such as MIFA and United Way offer additional ways to become involved. Choose responsibilities where you can contribute meaningfully and describe the resulting experience accurately on your resume.

Yes. Memphis's cultural identity supports museums, music education, performing arts and cultural organizations. Careers can include fundraising, education, marketing, communications, visitor services, administration, finance and program management. Stax Music Academy and Memphis Brooks Museum provide examples of local organizations with diverse professional needs.

Some grants, fundraising, communications, finance, HR, technology and administrative positions may offer remote or hybrid arrangements. Direct-service, clinical, museum and community-based roles generally require greater onsite presence. Review each posting's location, travel and schedule expectations rather than assuming a role will be flexible.

Search coordinator, assistant, associate, research-support and direct-service roles where transferable skills can be demonstrated. Volunteer work, internships, coursework and community projects can provide useful evidence of experience. Youth Villages, for example, offers paid summer internships in Memphis for students pursuing social-services experience.

Foundation List focuses on nonprofit, foundation, healthcare, education, association and other mission-driven employment. Memphis employers can expand visibility beyond staff, board and referral networks while reaching professionals already interested in purposeful work. That additional reach can be especially useful when hiring specialized professional, healthcare, fundraising or leadership talent.

Clearly state compensation, location, schedule, onsite or hybrid expectations, responsibilities and genuine qualification requirements. Direct-service employers should also explain travel, caseload, licensing and on-call requirements when relevant. Candidates should understand both the mission and the professional realities of the job before they apply.