Frequently Asked Question (FAQs) About Finding Jobs In San Diego

1. What types of nonprofit jobs are available in San Diego?

San Diego offers a wide range of nonprofit job opportunities across healthcare, education, social services, environmental conservation, and community development. With more than 10,000 registered nonprofits in the region, the sector provides roles such as program managers, case managers, grant writers, fundraisers, administrative staff, finance professionals, and executives. Healthcare nonprofits like Sharp HealthCare and Rady Children’s Hospital employ tens of thousands of professionals across clinical, administrative, and community engagement roles. Environmental organizations like the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance and The Nature Conservancy offer positions in conservation, education, and research. Education nonprofits and research institutions such as Sanford Burnham Prebys Biomedical Research Institute and the Salk Institute provide opportunities for scientists, lab staff, administrators, and program coordinators.

2. How large is the nonprofit sector in San Diego?

San Diego’s nonprofit sector is a critical part of the local economy. Nonprofits make up roughly 9 percent of all employment in the county, generating an estimated 14.9 billion dollars in annual revenue and holding 23.8 billion dollars in assets. The size of the sector reflects the diversity of organizations in the area, from large healthcare systems to community-based nonprofits supporting housing, youth, and food access. This level of economic activity places San Diego’s nonprofit industry alongside major contributors to the regional workforce such as hospitality and defense.

3. Which are the largest nonprofit employers in San Diego?

Some of the largest nonprofit employers in San Diego include Sharp HealthCare with about 19,000 employees across hospitals, clinics, and administrative offices, and Rady Children’s Hospital, one of the largest pediatric facilities in California. The San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, known globally for conservation and education, employs thousands across the zoo, safari park, and conservation research teams. Research institutions like Sanford Burnham Prebys Biomedical Research Institute and the Salk Institute also employ hundreds of scientists, program coordinators, and support staff. Other notable nonprofit employers include Feeding San Diego, San Diego Humane Society, and the San Diego Foundation, each offering jobs in program management, development, administration, and outreach.

4. What are the most in-demand nonprofit roles in San Diego right now?

Roles in healthcare and social services are among the most in-demand, especially positions such as nurses, case managers, and community health coordinators. Fundraising professionals, including development directors and grant writers, are also in high demand as organizations compete for funding in a highly active philanthropic region. Program managers and program officers are consistently sought after in education, youth services, and housing nonprofits. Environmental organizations frequently hire conservation specialists, educators, and communications staff to support their missions. Indeed and Foundation List both show hundreds of active nonprofit postings in San Diego at any given time, with many positions offering competitive salaries and benefits.

5. How much do nonprofit jobs in San Diego pay?

Salaries in the nonprofit sector in San Diego vary widely depending on the organization and role. Entry-level administrative and program support jobs typically range from 40,000 to 55,000 dollars annually. Mid-level positions such as program managers, grant writers, or communications specialists often earn between 60,000 and 85,000 dollars. Senior-level roles like development directors or finance managers can earn 90,000 to 120,000 dollars or more. Executive directors and nonprofit CEOs at larger organizations often earn between 150,000 and 250,000 dollars annually. Healthcare nonprofits like Sharp HealthCare and Rady Children’s Hospital tend to pay at the higher end due to the size and complexity of their operations.

6. Do San Diego nonprofits offer remote or hybrid jobs?

Yes, many nonprofits in San Diego now offer remote or hybrid roles, particularly in positions such as grant writing, communications, IT, and program coordination. Indeed lists dozens of remote or hybrid nonprofit opportunities in San Diego, including digital marketing specialists, grant administrators, and finance managers. Larger organizations such as the San Diego Foundation and environmental nonprofits often support hybrid work arrangements to attract and retain top talent. Remote roles are especially common in development and fundraising, where donor outreach and grant work can often be managed online.

7. What are the best neighborhoods in San Diego for nonprofit professionals to live in?

Many nonprofit professionals in San Diego choose to live in neighborhoods that balance affordability, proximity to nonprofit employers, and quality of life. Hillcrest and North Park are popular with young professionals due to their walkability, cultural amenities, and proximity to downtown nonprofits. La Jolla is home to many research institutes like Sanford Burnham Prebys and the Salk Institute, making it a hub for scientific nonprofit staff. Mission Valley offers a central location with access to both downtown and northern parts of the county. Chula Vista and National City provide more affordable housing while still being close to nonprofit hubs in central and southern San Diego.

8. Where can I network with nonprofit professionals in San Diego?

Networking is a powerful way to grow your nonprofit career in San Diego. The Young Nonprofit Professionals Network (YNPN San Diego) hosts regular events, mentorship opportunities, and peer learning groups. The San Diego Nonprofit Association offers resources, workshops, and conferences to connect professionals across the region. Nonprofit Management Solutions provides training and leadership development programs while also serving as a hub for networking. Impact San Diego, in partnership with the regional Chamber of Commerce, connects nonprofit leaders with business professionals. San Diego Grantmakers supports professionals in fundraising and philanthropy with conferences and collaborative learning opportunities. Volunteer involvement with organizations such as United Way of San Diego or Feeding San Diego is another effective way to meet nonprofit leaders and gain valuable connections.

9. How does San Diego’s nonprofit sector compare to other California cities?

San Diego’s nonprofit sector is one of the largest in California, second only to Los Angeles and San Francisco in scale. With over 10,000 nonprofits and nearly 15 billion dollars in revenue, it rivals the economic output of mid-sized industries in the county. Unlike Los Angeles, which has a higher concentration of arts and entertainment nonprofits, San Diego is particularly strong in healthcare, environmental conservation, and scientific research. The presence of institutions like the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance and multiple biomedical research centers makes the city a national leader in conservation and health-related nonprofit work. While San Francisco leads in technology-related philanthropy, San Diego’s nonprofits benefit from strong community support and consistent regional philanthropy.

10. What is the best way to start a nonprofit career in San Diego?

The best place to begin is by searching the San Diego Nonprofit Jobs page on Foundation List, where you can filter opportunities by role type, location, and sector. Supplement this with platforms like Idealist, Indeed, and LinkedIn, which regularly feature hundreds of nonprofit job postings in the area. Volunteering is also a valuable entry point. HandsOn San Diego and United Way of San Diego connect volunteers with local organizations and often lead to career opportunities. Networking with professional associations such as YNPN San Diego or attending training programs through Nonprofit Management Solutions can provide insights and contacts that accelerate your job search. With San Diego’s nonprofit sector employing thousands across healthcare, education, environment, and social services, the opportunities for a mission-driven career are abundant.

Foundation List is national nonprofit job board specifically designed to meet the needs of the not-for-profit hiring sector.

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Foundation List is a job board specifically designed for listing opportunities within the nonprofit employment sector! It is our mission to connect nonprofits, foundations, associations, educational and healthcare institutions to passionate mission-minded job seekers.