Be the Change. Careers that Give Back
Explore opportunities for rewarding careers in the
Nova Scotia Nonprofit & Social Enterprise Sector
Top Facts About the Nonprofit Sector
We are Mission driven. Instead of generating profit for shareholders, we reinvest surpluses back into our organizations for the betterment of our communities and clients.
We are a Major Employer. The sector in Nova Scotia employs over 20,000 people and has over 6,000 organizations ranging in size from 1-4 to over 100 paid staff, some nonprofits with a yearly budget of over $2.5million.
We Give Back. We provide a range of services and programs including supports for youth, immigrants, families and seniors, culture and recreation, education, people living in poverty or facing domestic violence, health, housing, the environment and more!
We are Entrepreneurial. One-third of nonprofits operate an entrepreneurial business or nonprofit social enterprise. Some sell good and services, while others do training, catering, consulting, digital design, recycling or provide hospitality services.
We Need Talented Graduates.
The sector needs talent, undergraduates and graduate students from all disciplines and of all ages. You have valuable skills and knowledge to contribute!
We Contribute Greatly to the Economy.
Together, small and medium-sized non-profits in Nova Scotia contribute $1 billion of Gross Domestic Product every year, similar to the contributions of the accommodations, food sector and utilities sectors.
We are Diverse.
Our sector is diverse! Non-profits hire significantly more people from Acadian, Black Nova Scotians and newcomer communities. Inclusion, social justice and equity are values that are top priorities for many nonprofits and many work in areas that promote outcomes that create more equality. Almost 70% of the leaders in nonprofits are women.
We have lots of Opportunities.
Leaders of nonprofits are aging, and our sector will face succession challenges and will need to fill senior leadership positions. That means there are many opportunities to grow and step into leadership to advance your vision and values.
We offer Cluster Employment.
You can be hired by two or three nonprofits in what is called cluster employment and get a good salary, job stability and benefits. On top of that, you get to work with different organizations to see how they work and what they do.
Three Reasons Why
People Love Working in the Nonprofit Sector
Make a real difference in an organization that is accountable for outcomes and IMPACTS!
Nonprofits provide room to learn and grow at a rapid pace
Nonprofits are values driven and have healthy work culture
Watch the Recorded Interactive Careers Panel!
Learn about Careers in the Nonprofit Sector: Did you know there are 20,000 people working in over 6,000 nonprofit organizations all across Nova Scotia in a wide range of roles? Watch the recording of this webinar to hear directly from people who have chosen this impactful career path. They will share their stories, what they love about working in this sector and they will respond to your questions.
Start Your Career
Examples of Job Opportunities in the Sector
- Program and Operations Coordinator and Project Manager
- Event Manager
- Human Resources Coordinator
- Financial Manager, Bookkeeper, Vice-President of Finance
- Facilitator, Convenor, Network Navigator or Trainer
- Volunteer Coordinator
- Executive Director
- Marketing and Communications Coordinator
- Fund Developer
- Network Manager
The nonprofit sector needs graduates from all disciplines including business, arts, science, environmental studies and health care.
Where to Apply
To find job opportunities in the non-profit sector visit any of the following websites,
also look for postings on your university’s or college’s job board.
Cluster Employment
Cluster Employment allows for employees to spread their wings and contribute to multiple employers while benefiting from the security, benefits and structure of a consolidated full-time role.
Employers will have pre-determined schedules and hours allocated, so the employee's job is to do their job.
Click here sign up to be in the Cluster pool
Charity Village
Thousands of Canadians have used CharityVillage to find rewarding careers in the Nonprofit Sector.
- Find Job Opportunities
- Browse Resources for Job Seekers
WorkInNonprofits
WorkinNonProfits.ca focuses solely on jobs in the Community Sector. We encourage you to utilize this valuable service.
Nova Scotia Works
Nova Scotia Works are employment services centers located across the province. Anyone can access them to receive career services free of charge (i.e. resume/cover letters/interview strategies).
Check out this link to find a NS Works center near you and contact them to find out what they have to offer.
International Students
If you are in international student and are interested in staying in Canada after graduation you can reach out to your university/ college International Student Office or contact Immigration and Citizenship Canada.
If you have any questions use the contact button found at the page below!