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$25K

$103.8K

$239.5K

How much do nonprofit research organization jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for nonprofit research organization in the United States is $103,830.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $57,000.00 and $130,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a nonprofit research organization?

A nonprofit research organization is an institution that conducts research and analysis to advance knowledge or address societal issues without seeking to make a profit. These organizations typically focus on topics such as public health, education, the environment, or social policy, and their work is often funded by grants, donations, or government contracts. Unlike for-profit research firms, nonprofit research organizations reinvest any surplus funds into their mission-driven activities rather than distributing profits to shareholders. Their findings are often made publicly available to inform policy, enhance public understanding, or support advocacy efforts.

What are jobs working for a nonprofit research organization?

There are a variety of jobs available in a nonprofit research organization. If you work in one of these positions, your duties may involve management and strategic planning, funding, outreach, volunteer coordination, or research operations. A charitable foundation has a director or manager who oversees projects and defines the mission of the organization. Fundraising and donor relations specialists pursue donations, while writers create grants to obtain funding. As a volunteer coordinator, you recruit and organize volunteers, while the responsibilities of outreach coordinators and communications specialists involve educating members of the public, donors, and policymakers about the cause on which the organization works.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in a nonprofit research organization?

Professionals in nonprofit research organizations often encounter challenges such as limited funding, which can affect project scope and timelines. There is also a need to balance rigorous research standards with the expectations and priorities of various stakeholders, including donors and community partners. Collaboration is frequent, as teams are typically multidisciplinary, requiring strong communication skills to align on project goals. Additionally, adapting to shifting research priorities based on funding opportunities or emerging social needs is a regular part of the role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in a nonprofit research organization, and why are they important?

To thrive in a Nonprofit Research Organization, you need strong analytical skills, research methodology expertise, and often an advanced degree in a relevant field. Familiarity with statistical analysis software, data management systems, and grant writing is typically required. Excellent communication, collaboration, and adaptability are important soft skills for engaging stakeholders and working within diverse teams. These competencies ensure high-quality research, effective mission-driven work, and sustainable funding for the organization.

What is the difference between Nonprofit Research Organization vs Nonprofit Program Coordinator?

AspectNonprofit Research OrganizationNonprofit Program Coordinator
Primary RoleConducts research to inform nonprofit strategies and policiesManages and implements specific nonprofit programs and initiatives
Required SkillsResearch methods, data analysis, report writingProgram management, communication, event planning
Work EnvironmentResearch centers, offices, fieldworkCommunity sites, offices, event venues
Common EmployersResearch institutes, think tanks, advocacy groupsNonprofit organizations, charities, community groups

While both roles are vital in the nonprofit sector, a Nonprofit Research Organization focuses on conducting research to support nonprofit goals, whereas a Nonprofit Program Coordinator manages and executes specific programs. Understanding these differences helps job seekers identify the right career path based on their skills and interests.

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Nonprofit Research Organization jobs near you
Infographic showing various Nonprofit Research Organization job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $103,830 per year, or $49.9 per hour.

Materials Research Scientist/Engineer

Menlo Park, CA • On-site

SRI International
Scientific Research and Development Services • 1 - 5K employees
Learn more about SRI Internationalexternal

$115K - $172K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted yesterday

Job description

Overview
The Optical Materials group is seeking an enthusiastic Materials Research Scientist/Engineer to join our team at SRI International's Menlo Park, California headquarters. You will have the opportunity to make important contributions to on-going and future R&D programs in nanophotonic inverse design, metasurfaces, quantum optics, and more.
SRI International is an independent nonprofit research organization with a mission to create world-changing solutions that make people safer, healthier, and more productive. From the computer mouse to robotic surgery, cancer treatments, and more, SRI's 75 years of innovation have created new industries, billions of dollars in market value, and lasting benefits to society. SRI was instrumental in the creation of the internet, high-definition television, and the U.S Postal Service's automated letter sorting system. Some of its many successful spinout companies include E-Trade, Siri, Symantec, Intuitive Surgical, and Nuance. CHECK OUT OUR HISTORY!
The Optical Materials group is part of the Space & Survivability Lab within the Advanced Technology and Systems Division at SRI. The lab is home to several collaborative groups that perform research and development in a variety of areas, including optical materials, advanced sensing systems, nanofabrication, energetic materials, radar systems, and atmospheric science. By and large, our lab is focused on applying academic research to address DoD applications. CHECK OUT OUR LAB!
Responsibilities
  • Perform numerical simulations to analyze and optimize nanophotonic devices
  • Apply your scientific creativity to develop new concepts and research areas
  • Conduct business development and contribute to white papers and proposals
  • Provide technical briefings and reports and support client engagement
  • Collaborate with multi-disciplinary staff

This is a junior PI-track (principal investigator) opportunity to be mentored to become a PI for new research thrusts; based on your own ideas and direct interactions with customers, both in and outside your area of academic expertise.
Qualifications
  • PhD in Physics, Optics, Electrical Engineering, or related discipline with 0-2 years of relevant experience required.
    • Higher levels of relevant experience with demonstrated independent work or task leadership skills will also be considered.
  • Experience with commercial full-wave electromagnetic modeling software, such as Ansys HFSS or COMSOL Multiphysics.
  • Familiarity with inverse design and/or machine learning is a plus.
  • U.S. Citizenship with the ability to obtain/maintain DoD security clearance required. Current clearance is a plus.
  • Limited travel required.

The salary range is: $115,710-$172,115. Salary ranges will vary and are based on several factors, including geographic location, market competitiveness and equity amongst internal employees in similar roles. Positions may also qualify for SRI's Pay for Outstanding Performance program or the annual Performance Based Compensation program. SRI also has a competitive benefits package, to view details please go to https://www.sri.com/resources/benefits/. SRI will accept applications until the position is filled.
SRI is an independent nonprofit research institute headquartered in Menlo Park, Calif., with a rich history of supporting government and industry. We create and deliver world-changing solutions for a safer, healthier, and more sustainable future. For more than 75 years, we have collaborated across technical and scientific disciplines to discover and develop groundbreaking products and technologies and bring innovations and ideas to the marketplace.

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