The people who lead and manage teams in government and nonprofit organizations are known as public administrators. In this role, you must be committed to making a difference in the world. If you become a public administrator, you may work at the local, state, or national level. You might specialize in one area or have a variety of responsibilities. Either way, you'll need a broad set of skills to successfully create change.
What You Need to Know for Government and Nonprofit Leadership
1. The Basics of Public Administration
Every public administrator should have a grounding in how agencies and nonprofits operate. You'll need to know the role and ethical requirements of public servants like the back of your hand. Understanding public policy processes and administrative law will be crucial. You may also have to navigate the complexities of state and local governments and their relationships with federal agencies. If you're unprepared, you won't be able to overcome challenges like polarization, gridlock, shifting demographics, tight budgets, and tough economic conditions.
2. Human Resources Management
Managing people is a cornerstone of public administration. Part of your job will be to recruit, retain, and develop qualified employees. As a leader, you'll work with HR to follow labor laws, create an inclusive, engaged workplace, and meet organizational goals.
3. Organizational Behavior
To achieve their goals, leaders deal with change and conflict, find ways to increase collaboration, and negotiate with others. Studying organizational behavior will help you become a better manager, giving you insights into motivation, leadership styles, and team dynamics.
4. Budgeting and Accounting
Public administrators need to be fiscally responsible with public funds. In this job, you'll review financial statements, work on financial plans, and manage budgets that meet financial regulations and minimize debt.
5. Research and Data Analysis
Reading and conducting research helps public administrators make better decisions. You'll use research and data analysis skills to assess programs, identify trends, and establish policies. You need to be able to tell what's trustworthy and what's not. The public will also count on you to share research results in ways they can easily understand.
6. Fundraising and Volunteer Development
Nonprofits won't go far without funding or volunteers. Public administrators should be skilled in fundraising and donor relations. You'll need to oversee annual and capital campaign development, special events, planned giving, automation techniques, and communication strategies. On the volunteer side, there’s recruitment, training, and recognition to consider. There are also legal rules and regulations that you don't want to overlook.
Grant Writing and Contract Management
To win grants and contracts, leaders must research and understand funding conditions. Getting funding will require creating a compelling proposal. Proposals should describe your research and program designs, outcomes, objectives and methodology, data management, evaluation, and budgets. After you receive a grant and contract, you must also monitor and report program and financial data.
Program Evaluation
It is not enough to start a new program. You want it to be efficient and successful. Administrators need to set clear and measurable performance metrics. You should collect and study this data regularly. These numbers will inform your future spending and program improvements or renewals.
Operational and Strategic Management
Nonprofit leaders may work with an executive team, board of directors, full-time staff, and volunteers to define and achieve their mission. They manage operations, develop strategic plans, and ensure their programs have a real impact. In addition, public administrators must follow the laws for nonprofits, including those related to lobbying and electoral politics.
Preparing to Start or Advance in Your Career
A career in public administration demands an extensive set of skills and knowledge. Leaders must be strategic thinkers, effective managers, and ready to operate in complex regulatory environments. In government and nonprofit sectors, these competencies will help you drive change and serve the public good.
Build your skills in this field with our Master of Public Administration program at South University!*
*South University does not promise or guarantee employment.