Oregon Nonprofit Jobs

Oregon's statewide mission-driven career guide

Oregon Nonprofit Jobs, Careers & Organizations Making an Impact

Search nonprofit jobs across Portland, Eugene, Salem, Bend, Medford, Corvallis, Ashland, Hillsboro, Beaverton, Oregon City, the Oregon Coast, Eastern Oregon and communities throughout the state. Explore opportunities in healthcare, housing, food security, education, philanthropy, conservation, arts, behavioral health, human services, wildfire resilience, advocacy and nonprofit leadership.

Portland Eugene Salem Bend Medford Corvallis Statewide Remote & Hybrid
Portland Oregon skyline representing nonprofit jobs and mission-driven careers across Oregon
Portland is Oregon's largest nonprofit employment market, but meaningful work extends to communities throughout the state.
190,400
Nonprofit jobs across Oregon Reported by the Oregon Employment Department for 2024
Oregon nonprofit employment

The nonprofit sector is one of Oregon's major employers

Oregon Employment Department data identify approximately 190,400 nonprofit jobs across 10,500 nonprofit establishments with payroll in 2024. Healthcare and social assistance account for 61% of nonprofit employment, but Oregon's mission-driven workforce extends through education, arts, philanthropy, housing, environment, associations, advocacy and community services.

10,500

Nonprofit establishments

Oregon's nonprofit economy includes hospitals, foundations, schools, museums, associations and thousands of community organizations.

190,400

Nonprofit jobs statewide

The latest statewide figure is substantially higher than older estimates previously used to describe Oregon's sector.

61%

Healthcare & social assistance

Healthcare systems and human-service organizations account for the largest share of Oregon nonprofit employment.

$70,596

Average annual nonprofit pay

Actual compensation varies significantly by occupation, organization, location and responsibility.

84%

Funding pressure

Oregon nonprofit research shows many organizations have experienced or anticipate government funding cuts.

51%

Growth in food-assistance visits

Demand for essential community services illustrates how nonprofits are being asked to respond to increasing need.

190K+ Nonprofit jobs across Oregon
61% Healthcare & social assistance share
2.9M Food-assistance visits reported last year
$100M OCF Building Hope housing commitment
The Oregon nonprofit market

The state's biggest challenges are shaping its nonprofit workforce

Housing shortages, behavioral-health needs, hunger, wildfire risk, rural service access and environmental stewardship are not abstract issues in Oregon. They directly influence where nonprofits, philanthropies and healthcare organizations need talent.

The strongest demand is not limited to direct-service employees. Organizations also need professionals who can raise revenue, manage budgets, recruit and retain staff, communicate with the public, analyze data, operate technology and lead organizations.

That creates important opportunities for professionals moving from business, government, education, healthcare or other sectors. Your existing expertise may be exactly what an Oregon nonprofit needs.

Oregon nonprofit professionals representing mission-driven jobs and community organizations
Oregon nonprofit careers span direct services, professional functions and executive leadership.
Oregon is not one labor market

Where nonprofit jobs cluster across Oregon

Portland offers the greatest volume, but each Oregon region has its own mix of industries, institutions and community needs. Searching more than one city can substantially widen your opportunities.

Largest nonprofit market

Portland & Metro

Portland, Beaverton, Hillsboro, Gresham, Tigard and surrounding communities offer Oregon's deepest mix of healthcare, housing, food security, philanthropy, arts, public media, education, environmental and human-services careers.

Strong functions: fundraising, program leadership, healthcare administration, finance, HR, communications, housing, behavioral health, advocacy and executive leadership.

Southern Willamette Valley

Eugene & Springfield

The University of Oregon, PeaceHealth and a strong civic sector support education, healthcare, arts, environmental advocacy, youth services, housing and human-services careers.

Strong functions: advancement, healthcare, programs, research, development and education.

Oregon's capital

Salem & Keizer

State government creates a distinctive market for advocacy, public policy, associations and statewide nonprofits alongside healthcare, housing, education and food-security organizations.

Explore Salem nonprofit jobs →
Central Oregon

Bend & Redmond

Population growth and the outdoor economy support conservation, housing, healthcare, youth development, arts, land stewardship, wildfire resilience and rural-community organizations.

Research & higher education

Corvallis

Oregon State University anchors careers in research, education, agriculture, sustainability, public health, student services, advancement and administration.

Southern Oregon

Medford & Ashland

Healthcare, arts, housing, human services, education, food access and wildfire resilience create a varied nonprofit economy throughout the Rogue Valley.

West Metro

Beaverton & Hillsboro

Growing communities support nonprofits focused on immigrant services, youth, healthcare, education, workforce development, philanthropy and community engagement.

Clackamas County

Oregon City & Milwaukie

Healthcare, schools, family services, housing, disability services and regional community organizations create meaningful careers south of Portland.

North Oregon Coast

Astoria, Seaside & Tillamook

Marine conservation, rural health, community development, food systems, arts and emergency resilience reflect the distinctive needs of Oregon's coastal communities.

South Coast

Coos Bay & Brookings

Rural healthcare, family services, education, conservation and economic-development organizations often serve large geographic areas.

Eastern Oregon

Pendleton, La Grande & Baker City

Search rural healthcare, tribal and community services, housing, heritage, agriculture, education, wildfire preparedness and regional economic-development organizations.

Columbia Gorge

Hood River & The Dalles

Conservation, food systems, rural health, youth services, arts and outdoor-oriented organizations create a distinctive regional nonprofit market.

Oregon nonprofit industries

Where mission-driven work is especially important

Use mission areas together with your professional specialty. Oregon nonprofits need accountants and fundraisers just as much as they need program managers, clinicians and conservation specialists.

HC

Healthcare & community health

Hospitals, community health centers and behavioral-health organizations create clinical and nonclinical opportunities across Oregon.

HS

Housing & homelessness

Affordable housing, supportive services, shelters, development and homelessness prevention remain major statewide needs.

BH

Behavioral health

Mental health, addiction recovery, crisis response, family services and community-based treatment remain important areas for Oregon hiring.

FS

Food security

Food banks and hunger-relief organizations need logistics, program, fundraising, advocacy, communications and volunteer talent.

EN

Environment, land & water

Land trusts, watershed organizations, climate organizations, wildlife groups and environmental educators operate throughout Oregon.

WF

Wildfire resilience

Preparedness, recovery and rural resilience now connect nonprofits, philanthropy, government and community organizations.

ED

Education & youth

Higher education, private schools, youth programs and education organizations hire across programs, administration and advancement.

AR

Arts, culture & public media

Museums, theaters, music organizations and public media create careers in programming, fundraising, events and communications.

PH

Foundations & philanthropy

Grantmaking, donor services, grants operations, finance, evaluation and community investment create a distinct career path.

IV

Immigrant & refugee services

Language access, legal assistance, healthcare navigation, education and workforce-development programs serve diverse communities.

RU

Rural community development

Rural nonprofits address healthcare, childcare, housing, economic vitality, arts, agriculture and community infrastructure.

AD

Advocacy & associations

Salem and Portland support statewide advocacy groups, professional associations, coalitions and public-policy organizations.

Oregon nonprofit reality

High community demand is meeting tighter resources

Understanding these pressures can help candidates ask better questions and help employers design more sustainable roles.

Funding uncertainty

Government funding pressure can affect staffing, programs, budgets and organizational priorities.

Record hunger demand

Food assistance has risen sharply, placing new pressure on food banks and community-service organizations.

Housing scarcity

Housing affordability drives nonprofit, philanthropic and community-development activity statewide.

Wildfire resilience

Preparedness and recovery increasingly require collaboration among nonprofits, funders and rural communities.

Know the Oregon nonprofit ecosystem

Organizations and institutions worth following

Follow organizations before you need a job. Read their news, study their priorities, watch their career pages and learn which professional functions they employ.

Philanthropy

Oregon Community Foundation

Statewide philanthropy, grants and community investment.

Explore OCF →
Food security

Oregon Food Bank

Statewide hunger relief, advocacy and community partnerships.

Explore Oregon Food Bank →
Healthcare

OHSU

Healthcare, medical research, education and administration.

Explore OHSU →
Healthcare

Providence

Hospitals, clinics and statewide healthcare operations.

Explore Providence →
Healthcare

Legacy Health

Portland-region clinical and professional healthcare roles.

Explore Legacy Health →
Eugene healthcare

PeaceHealth

Healthcare careers across Eugene, Springfield and surrounding communities.

Explore PeaceHealth →
Southern Oregon

Asante

Healthcare careers throughout Southern Oregon.

Explore Asante →
Salem healthcare

Salem Health

Clinical, administrative and professional healthcare careers.

Explore Salem Health →
Public media

Oregon Public Broadcasting

Journalism, technology, fundraising and media operations.

Explore OPB →
Animal welfare

Oregon Humane Society

Animal welfare, veterinary services, education and operations.

Explore OHS →
Food security

Marion Polk Food Share

Hunger relief and community programs in the Mid-Willamette Valley.

Explore Marion Polk Food Share →
Arts

Oregon Shakespeare Festival

Arts administration, production, fundraising and audience engagement.

Explore OSF →
Environment

Oregon Environmental Council

Climate, water, transportation and public-policy work.

Explore OEC →
Conservation

Deschutes Land Trust

Central Oregon land and wildlife conservation.

Explore Deschutes Land Trust →
Higher education

University of Oregon

Education, research, student services and advancement.

Explore University of Oregon →
Higher education

Oregon State University

Research, science, agriculture, education and administration.

Explore Oregon State →
Housing

Habitat for Humanity Portland Region

Affordable housing, development, fundraising and community engagement.

Explore Habitat →
Community investment

United Way of the Columbia-Willamette

Regional partnerships and community investment.

Explore United Way →
Build your Oregon nonprofit network

Events, trainings and professional communities to know

Networking works best when it helps you learn the sector. Attend events, volunteer, join professional communities and get to know people doing the work before you need something from them.

Statewide nonprofit network

Nonprofit Association of Oregon

NAO offers workshops, webinars, conferences and regional nonprofit networks.

View NAO events →
Regional networking

NAO Regional Networks

Look for Lane County, Mid-Valley, Central Oregon, Rogue Valley and rural nonprofit-network programming.

Explore regional events →
Philanthropy

Oregon Community Foundation

Follow charitable-planning, grantmaking and statewide philanthropic events.

Explore OCF events →
Pacific Northwest philanthropy

Philanthropy Northwest

Professional development, convening and learning for funders and philanthropy professionals.

Explore Philanthropy Northwest →
Public health

Oregon Public Health Association

Follow public-health education, policy and professional-development opportunities.

Explore OPHA →
Volunteer experience

Find meaningful volunteer work

Volunteer in an issue area you want to understand and contribute in a way that builds real knowledge.

Explore nonprofit resources →
How to get hired in Oregon's nonprofit sector

Turn a broad nonprofit search into a focused Oregon career strategy

Oregon's nonprofit community is connected, but you do not need an established local network to compete for a great role. What matters is showing that you understand the work, the organization and how your professional experience can help.

Instead of searching simply for “nonprofit jobs,” combine your professional function + mission area + Oregon geography.

1 Your skill Finance, fundraising, HR, programs, communications, operations, healthcare, technology
+
2 Your mission Housing, health, environment, education, arts, food security, philanthropy
+
3 Your geography Portland, Eugene, Salem, Bend, Medford, Corvallis, statewide, hybrid or remote
=
✓ A smarter search Fewer irrelevant openings and stronger-fit applications

Start with the function you already know

Finance, fundraising, programs, HR, communications, healthcare, research, operations and technology all exist in Oregon nonprofits. You do not necessarily have to start over because you are changing sectors.

Connect your expertise to an Oregon mission

Ask where your skills could strengthen housing, conservation, healthcare, food security, education, behavioral health, arts or another cause you genuinely understand.

Search individual Oregon markets

Run separate searches for Portland, Eugene, Salem, Bend, Medford and other realistic locations because employers often list a specific city rather than simply “Oregon.”

Research how the organization is funded

Look at grants, contracts, philanthropy, earned income, healthcare reimbursement, tuition or membership revenue. Funding shapes both the job and the organization's priorities.

Learn nonprofit language before the interview

Understand grantmaking versus grant writing, restricted versus unrestricted funding, development versus programs, and board governance versus staff management.

Use volunteering for meaningful exposure

Choose service connected to an issue you care about. The objective is to understand the work and contribute, not simply add another line to your resume.

Get into Oregon's professional community

Use NAO networks, funder events, public-health groups, professional associations and issue-based gatherings to learn which organizations and challenges are active.

Rewrite your resume for strong opportunities

Show measurable accomplishments and translate outside-sector experience into language demonstrating how you can strengthen the organization's work.

Demonstrate Oregon-specific knowledge

Housing, hunger, wildfire resilience, rural access, healthcare and conservation all have distinctly Oregon dimensions. Know the environment around the mission.

Apply selectively and follow professionally

A smaller number of carefully matched applications usually creates a stronger signal than dozens of generic submissions. Respect the employer's process.

Ready to put the strategy into practice? Search by role, mission and Oregon location.
Jobs that change lives message for Oregon nonprofit job seekers

Build a career around skills and impact

Caring about a cause is important, but employers also need professionals who can raise funds, manage budgets, lead programs, recruit staff, improve operations, communicate and measure outcomes.

A strong Oregon nonprofit application answers two questions: why this mission matters to you and why your professional experience makes you capable of advancing it.

Accomplishments worth quantifying

Funds Raised Grants Managed Programs Expanded People Served Budgets Managed Teams Led Costs Reduced Systems Improved Volunteers Recruited Partnerships Built Audiences Reached Research Completed
Search the whole organization

Oregon nonprofits hire across nearly every professional function

Executive & leadership
CEO Executive Director President COO CFO Vice President Senior Director
Fundraising, grants & philanthropy
Development Director Major Gifts Grant Writer Grants Manager Foundation Relations Donor Relations Philanthropy
Programs & services
Program Director Program Manager Program Coordinator Case Manager Counselor Community Outreach Volunteer Management
Organizational infrastructure
Finance Accounting Human Resources Operations Administration Legal Compliance Technology
Communications & specialized work
Communications Marketing Public Relations Social Media Education Healthcare Research Conservation Arts Public Policy Data & Evaluation
Oregon nonprofit career resource hub

Research the sector before you apply

Use these resources to find organizations, understand Oregon's nonprofit market, research funders, attend events and strengthen your job-search strategy.

Statewide nonprofit network

Nonprofit Association of Oregon

Training, advocacy, data, events and statewide nonprofit resources.

Visit NAO →
Employment data

Oregon Nonprofit Employment Data

Explore statewide nonprofit employment, industries and compensation.

View Oregon data →
Charity oversight

Oregon Department of Justice

Research registered charities and Oregon charitable-activity resources.

Explore Oregon DOJ →
Organization research

Oregon Secretary of State

Research nonprofit corporations and registered organization records.

Search Oregon records →
National nonprofit research

Candid

Research nonprofits, foundations, grants and funding relationships.

Explore Candid →
Philanthropy

Oregon Community Foundation

Follow statewide grantmaking, community priorities and philanthropy.

Explore OCF →
Regional philanthropy

Philanthropy Northwest

Professional development and philanthropy resources across the Northwest.

Explore Philanthropy Northwest →
Search jobs

Foundation List Advanced Search

Search Oregon and nationwide mission-driven career opportunities.

Search jobs →
Resume

Create Your Foundation List Resume

Create or update your professional job-seeker profile.

Post your resume →
For Oregon nonprofit employers

Your next great employee may not already be in your network

Oregon's nonprofit sector is highly connected, but relying only on referrals can narrow your reach. Foundation List helps nonprofits, foundations, healthcare organizations, educational institutions and other mission-driven employers reach people intentionally searching for purposeful careers.

Recruit beyond your immediate circle

Finance, HR, technology, communications and operational talent may have highly relevant experience even when candidates are not already working for nonprofits.

Be clear about Oregon geography

Specify Portland, Eugene, Salem, Bend, another Oregon community, statewide travel, hybrid requirements or true remote work.

Oregon employer playbook

Make your nonprofit opening easier for strong candidates to choose

01

Publish compensation

Give candidates enough information to evaluate the opportunity realistically.

02

Explain first-year priorities

Describe the outcomes the new employee should accomplish rather than every historical duty.

03

Clarify work location

Define office attendance, local travel, statewide travel and residency expectations.

04

Describe available resources

Explain team size, budget, management support and what the employee will have available.

05

Separate requirements from preferences

Do not exclude qualified candidates for capabilities they could reasonably learn.

06

Reach beyond referrals

A specialized nonprofit job board can reach people outside your existing staff and board networks.

Search current opportunities

Find nonprofit and mission-driven jobs

Use Foundation List to explore opportunities in Oregon and nationwide. Search individual cities, multiple job-title variations and your specific professional function for better results.

Oregon nonprofit jobs FAQ

Answers for Oregon nonprofit job seekers and employers

How large is Oregon's nonprofit job market?

Oregon Employment Department data for 2024 identify approximately 190,400 nonprofit jobs across 10,500 nonprofit establishments with payroll. The workforce includes hospitals, human-service organizations, educational institutions, foundations, arts organizations, associations and environmental nonprofits. Healthcare and social assistance represent the largest share, but professional opportunities span nearly every occupational function.

Where can I find nonprofit jobs in Oregon?

Foundation List lets you search Oregon nonprofit and mission-driven jobs by keyword, title and location. Run separate searches for Portland, Eugene, Salem, Bend, Medford and other communities because employers frequently identify positions by city. Create job alerts and follow target organizations so new opportunities do not depend on a single search session.

Which Oregon city has the most nonprofit jobs?

Portland and the surrounding metropolitan region form Oregon's largest and most diverse nonprofit employment market. Healthcare systems, foundations, housing organizations, arts institutions, food-security organizations and social-service providers create opportunities across many functions. Eugene, Salem, Bend, Corvallis and Medford also have distinct regional nonprofit economies worth searching individually.

What nonprofit jobs are common in Portland?

Portland employers recruit across healthcare, housing, food security, philanthropy, human services, arts, environment, education and advocacy. Common professional functions include development, programs, finance, HR, operations, communications, healthcare administration, technology and leadership. Expand searches into Washington and Clackamas counties when the commute or hybrid arrangement is practical.

What nonprofit jobs can I find in Eugene?

Eugene and Springfield have meaningful employment in healthcare, higher education, arts, youth programs, human services and environmental organizations. The University of Oregon and PeaceHealth are major institutional anchors, while smaller organizations create opportunities in fundraising, programs and community work. Search Eugene and Springfield together because the regional labor market crosses city boundaries.

What makes Salem nonprofit careers different?

Salem's role as Oregon's capital creates opportunities in advocacy, public policy, professional associations and statewide organizations. Healthcare, food security, housing, human services and education are also important local sectors. Candidates interested in government-adjacent nonprofit work should include Salem in a statewide search.

Are there nonprofit jobs in Bend and Central Oregon?

Yes, Bend and Central Oregon support nonprofits working in conservation, housing, healthcare, arts, youth development and community services. Population growth and wildfire risk also create work related to resilience and rural-community needs. Search Bend, Redmond and Central Oregon rather than relying on only one city name.

Are healthcare nonprofits major Oregon employers?

Yes, healthcare and social assistance represent 61% of Oregon nonprofit employment according to the Oregon Employment Department. Major mission-oriented health employers include OHSU, Providence, Legacy Health, PeaceHealth, Asante and Salem Health. Their workforces include clinical professionals and people working in finance, HR, technology, research, operations and administration.

Are environmental nonprofit jobs common in Oregon?

Oregon's forests, rivers, coast, public lands and agricultural regions support a large conservation and environmental nonprofit community. These organizations recruit scientists and conservation professionals as well as fundraisers, communications specialists, educators, policy professionals and operations staff. Pair environmental terms with your professional specialty to improve search results.

Are housing nonprofit jobs important in Oregon?

Yes, housing affordability and limited housing supply remain significant statewide issues. Nonprofits work across housing development, shelters, supportive housing, homelessness prevention, advocacy and community investment. Relevant careers include direct services, real estate, finance, development, fundraising and operations.

Can I move from a corporate job into an Oregon nonprofit?

Yes, Oregon nonprofits need finance, HR, technology, marketing, communications, project-management and operations expertise that often transfers from business. Explain specifically how your experience would strengthen the organization instead of expecting the hiring manager to make that connection for you. Learning nonprofit governance, funding and stakeholder relationships will make the transition more credible.

Do I need previous nonprofit experience?

Not every nonprofit role requires previous nonprofit employment, particularly when an employer needs specialized professional expertise. Candidates should still understand the organization's mission, funding model and stakeholders before applying. Volunteer or board experience can provide useful context but does not replace the professional qualifications required for the role.

How can I network for Oregon nonprofit jobs?

Start with Nonprofit Association of Oregon events, regional nonprofit networks, professional associations and issue-specific gatherings. Attend with the goal of learning about organizations and people rather than immediately asking everyone about openings. Consistent participation and thoughtful informational conversations can build useful professional relationships over time.

What nonprofit events can I attend in Oregon?

The Nonprofit Association of Oregon maintains a statewide calendar of trainings, webinars, conferences and regional networks. Oregon Community Foundation and Philanthropy Northwest also provide events and professional learning related to philanthropy. Public-health, fundraising, arts and environmental professional associations offer additional issue-specific networking opportunities.

Do Oregon nonprofits offer remote and hybrid jobs?

Some fundraising, communications, grants, finance, HR, research and technology positions support hybrid or remote work. Direct services, healthcare and community-facing jobs are more likely to require regular onsite work. Read each posting carefully because remote roles may still require Oregon residency, regional travel or periodic office attendance.

What should I know about Oregon nonprofit salaries?

Oregon Employment Department data show average annual nonprofit pay of about $70,596 for 2024, but that statewide number combines many occupations and should not be treated as an expected salary for an individual position. Compensation varies by role, geography, employer type and responsibility. Evaluate benefits, retirement, paid leave, flexibility and workload alongside base compensation.

How should I prepare for an Oregon nonprofit interview?

Research the organization's programs, leadership, funding sources and the Oregon communities it serves. Prepare measurable examples of funds raised, programs improved, people served, systems strengthened or teams led. Ask thoughtful questions about current priorities and available resources so you understand what success in the role will realistically require.

Where should Oregon nonprofits advertise open positions?

Employers can combine their own career pages with specialized mission-driven job boards, professional networks and relevant local associations. Foundation List helps organizations reach professionals intentionally searching for nonprofit, foundation, healthcare, education and other purpose-driven careers. A strong posting should clearly describe compensation, responsibilities, geography, benefits and work arrangement.

How can Oregon nonprofits attract stronger candidates?

Start with a realistic job description, meaningful compensation information and a clear explanation of what the employee should accomplish. Be candid about team size, workload, location and available resources. Mission can generate interest, but capable management and a respectful hiring process often determine whether experienced candidates remain engaged.

Why should an Oregon employer use Foundation List?

Foundation List is built specifically around nonprofit and mission-driven careers rather than treating the sector as a small category inside a general job board. Oregon employers can reach local candidates while also gaining national visibility for specialized, leadership, remote and difficult-to-fill openings. That additional reach can help organizations find candidates beyond their existing staff, donor and board networks.

Keep building your nonprofit career

More Foundation List career and hiring guides

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Read the guide →
Career planning

Are Nonprofit Jobs Good Careers?

Explore compensation, growth, mission and the questions to ask before committing to nonprofit work.

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Foundations

Foundation and Philanthropy Jobs Explained

Understand grantmaking, philanthropic organizations and foundation career paths.

Explore foundation careers →
Employers

A Guide to Nonprofit Hiring Channels That Work

Compare recruiting strategies for reaching qualified mission-driven candidates.

Read the hiring guide →
Job advertising

A Practical Guide to Nonprofit Job Advertising

Improve your posting strategy and communicate opportunities more effectively to qualified candidates.

Read the advertising guide →
Oregon's missions need talented people

Find meaningful work in Oregon, or find the person who can move your organization forward

From Portland health systems and statewide foundations to Bend conservation organizations, Eugene education employers, Salem advocacy groups and Southern Oregon community nonprofits, Oregon offers mission-driven careers across an unusually broad range of communities and causes.

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