Top Non-Government MPA Jobs: 12 Careers to Pursue With an MPA

Public administration might sound like it's all about government work, but the reality is much more exciting. Our graduates run major nonprofit campaigns, transform health care delivery, and lead corporate sustainability efforts that shape entire industries.

The strategic thinking and leadership skills you'll develop through our flexible online program are exactly what employers across various non-government sectors look for. You'll learn to tackle complex challenges, manage diverse teams, and create meaningful change wherever your career takes you.

Here are the careers that could transform your professional future with a Master's in Public Administration (M.P.A.).

What are the Top M.P.A. Jobs Outside of Government?

M.P.A. graduates excel in nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, private companies, and international development agencies where mission-driven work creates a meaningful impact.

The strategic thinking and ethical leadership skills you develop through your M.P.A. education will help these organizations tackle their most significant challenges while staying true to their core values.

What are the Top Nonprofit M.P.A. Jobs?

Executive director, fundraising manager, and program director positions offer M.P.A. graduates meaningful opportunities to drive organizational impact in the nonprofit sector.

Nonprofits need leaders who can balance mission-driven goals with practical management skills. Our graduates thrive in roles requiring strategic vision and hands-on execution. These positions allow you to create lasting change while advancing your career.

Nonprofit Executive Director

Executive directors set organizational direction and oversee daily operations. You'll manage staff, develop budgets, and build relationships with donors and board members.

Fundraising and Development Manager

Fundraising managers secure the resources nonprofits require to fulfill their missions. You'll cultivate donor relationships, write grant proposals, and plan fundraising events.

Program Director

Program directors design and implement the initiatives that advance nonprofit missions. You'll oversee program staff, measure outcomes, and ensure programs meet community needs.

Other nonprofit careers include chief operating officer, community engagement director, policy analyst, and grants manager.

Which Private Sector Roles Hire M.P.A. Graduates?

Health care systems, consulting firms, and corporations actively recruit M.P.A. graduates for roles requiring regulatory expertise and stakeholder management skills.

Private companies increasingly recognize the value of professionals who understand how government policies affect business operations. Our M.P.A. program teaches you to work within regulatory frameworks and build the stakeholder relationships that these industries require.

Corporate Social Responsibility Manager

You'll develop sustainability programs that align business objectives with community impact goals. This role involves creating CSR strategies, managing community partnerships, and ensuring compliance with environmental and social regulations.

Public Service Management Consultant

Consulting firms hire M.P.A. graduates to advise government agencies and private clients on policy implementation. You'll analyze regulatory frameworks, develop strategic recommendations, and help organizations adapt to changing policy environments.

Health Care Administrator

Health care facilities require strong leadership to balance patient care with regulatory requirements. You'll manage daily operations, ensure compliance with health care regulations, and serve as a liaison between your organization and government agencies.

Other roles where M.P.A.s thrive include careers as policy analysts, management consultants, human resources directors, and data analysts in the private sector.

What are the Top M.P.A. Jobs in Education?

School district administrators, student services directors, and postsecondary program managers represent key education roles where M.P.A. graduates apply policy expertise and organizational leadership.

Educational institutions face unique challenges, from managing tight budgets to implementing new policies while keeping student success at the center. Our M.P.A. program prepares you to handle these responsibilities effectively.

School District Administrator

School district administrators run the business side of education, making decisions that affect thousands of students across multiple schools. You'll navigate state regulations, allocate resources, and work with school boards to set district priorities.

Director of Student Services or Operations

These directors keep universities running smoothly behind the scenes. You'll manage everything from registration systems to student support programs, ensuring students can focus on their education while administrative processes work efficiently.

Postsecondary Program Manager

These managers handle the specialized programs that extend beyond regular coursework. You'll coordinate initiatives like study abroad opportunities, professional development workshops, or student success programs that help institutions achieve their broader educational goals.

Education careers for M.P.A. graduates also include education policy analyst, university registrar, fundraising manager, and education consultant positions.

What are the Top M.P.A. International or NGO Careers?

Program officers, policy specialists, and development analysts represent international roles where M.P.A. graduates can apply public administration expertise to global challenges.

Working across borders requires navigating diverse political systems, cultural contexts, and regulatory frameworks. These roles demand the strategic thinking and stakeholder management you'll develop through our M.P.A. program.

Program Officer at Global NGOs

Program officers at organizations like the Red Cross, Oxfam, and World Wildlife Fund manage initiatives that span multiple countries. You'll build partnerships with local organizations, oversee project budgets, and navigate the regulatory requirements that vary across different nations.

Policy and Advocacy Specialist

Working to influence international development and human rights policy, these specialists research policy solutions and advocate for change. Your role involves building coalitions with partner organizations and pushing for legislative reforms that advance global progress.

International Development Analyst

Development analysts evaluate international aid programs and identify emerging global challenges. This position requires analyzing field data, preparing reports for donors and government agencies, and recommending program improvements based on research findings.

M.P.A. graduates also find rewarding international careers as development coordinators, public relations managers, financial analysts, and emergency management directors.

What Is the Salary Outlook for Non-Government M.P.A. Jobs?

M.P.A. graduates earn competitive salaries in nonprofit, private sector, education, and international careers, with compensation increasing as you advance into leadership roles.

Choosing a career outside government doesn't mean sacrificing financial success. These M.P.A. salary ranges demonstrate the economic opportunities available across different M.P.A. jobs and sectors:

Salary Ranges for Nonprofit M.P.A. Jobs

Nonprofit compensation reflects organization size and role responsibility, with leadership positions offering substantial earning potential:

• Nonprofit Executive Director: $78,946, with more experienced professionals earning, on average, or as much as $141,000 annually.
• Nonprofit Development Manager: $61,363, with more experienced professionals earning, on average, or as much as 78,000 annually.
• Nonprofit Program Director: $67,397, with more experienced professionals earning, on average, or as much as $98,000 annually.

Salary Ranges for Private-Sector Roles

Corporate roles often provide the highest salaries for M.P.A. graduates who want to combine strong earnings with social impact:

• Corporate Social Responsibility Manager: $81,284, with more experienced professionals earning, on average, or as much as, $120,000 annually.
• Public Service Management Consultant: $100,453, with more experienced professionals earning, on average, or as much as, $189,000 annually.
• Health care Administrator: $81,589, with more experienced professionals earning an average of $130,000 annually.

Salary Ranges for M.P.A. Jobs in Education

Educational institutions offer competitive compensation packages, particularly for administrative leadership positions:

• School District Administrator: $90,018, with more experienced professionals earning, on average, or as much as, $165,000 annually.
• Director of Student Services or Operations: $72,902, with more experienced professionals earning, on average, or as much as, $106,000 annually.
• Postsecondary Program Manager: $72,720, with more experienced professionals earning, on average, or as much as $114,000 annually.

Salary Ranges for International or NGO Careers

International organizations offer varying compensation depending on the role and level of responsibility:

• Policy Advocate: $58,958, with more experienced professionals earning, on average, or as much, as $63,000 annually.
• Program Officer: $84,183, with more experienced professionals earning, on average, as much as $131,000 annually.
• International Development Analyst: $48,080, with more experienced professionals earning on average or as much as $75,000 annually.

How UOnline Prepares You for Non-Government M.P.A. Jobs

UOnline's Master's in Public Administration program builds essential skills in public budgeting, policy analysis, organizational leadership, and stakeholder management that prepare graduates for careers across nonprofit, private sector, education, and international organizations.

You're ready to make a bigger impact, and our program gives you the tools to do it. We've designed every aspect of your education to prepare you for real leadership challenges.

Build Real-World Public Leadership Skills

Our M.P.A. curriculum teaches public budgeting, policy analysis, ethics, and leadership skills that translate directly to non-government careers.

You'll learn to manage budgets like a nonprofit executive director, analyze policies like a corporate social responsibility manager, and lead teams like an international program officer. These aren't theoretical exercises—they're the same challenges you'll face in your career.

Learn on Your Schedule with Flexibility

We know you're already juggling a lot. That's why our fully online program uses seven-week course blocks that work around your life, not the other way around. You can earn your degree while maintaining your current responsibilities and immediately apply the M.P.A. skills that you learn.

Step Into Roles that Drive Results

UOnline graduates move into leadership positions where they create meaningful change in their communities and organizations.

Your investment in education should pay off in career advancement and personal fulfillment. Our alumni run nonprofit organizations, lead corporate initiatives, and manage educational programs that make a real difference. You'll be ready to join them.

What Should You Do After Earning an M.P.A.?

If you want to hit the ground running after earning your M.P.A., here are the steps to get started:

• Define your leadership goals and mission. How do you want to make a difference, and what type of leader do you want to be? Answering these questions will give you a clear direction and signal your resolve and clarity to employers.
• Leverage professional associations and networks. You can begin building your professional network while in school, then after graduating, use these connections and join relevant associations to expand your reach.
• Consider certifications that complement your M.P.A. The types of certifications you pursue will depend on your chosen direction. If you plan to work in NGOs, for instance, pursuing a certificate in government relations and lobbying may serve your career well.
• Tailor your resume for different sectors. If you are unsure which industry you want to work in after earning your M.P.A., that's okay. You should develop different resumes for the sectors to which you plan to apply, as their needs in a candidate will naturally vary.
• Work with a University of Miami career advisor or mentor. Our career advisors are available to students and alumni alike and ready to provide guidance on landing a job. Mentors also offer excellent resources for creating resumes, prepping for interviews, and negotiating employment terms.

Advance Your M.P.A. Career with UOnline

Earning your degree through the University of Miami's online M.P.A. program can catapult you into the expanding, exciting world of public administration. Our innovative online program gives you the skills to lead across multiple sectors.

Ready to take the next step in your public career journey? Earn your M.P.A. from the University of Miami UOnline and start building the impact-driven career you've always envisioned. Contact us today to speak with an advisor.

Non-Government M.P.A. Jobs FAQ

Here are answers to common questions about M.P.A. careers outside government.