15 Social Enterprise Jobs(Roles & Salary Range)

In an era where doing good and making a living are no longer mutually exclusive, the rise of social enterprises has given birth to a diverse range of career opportunities that combine profit with purpose.

Social enterprise jobs not only provide financial stability but also allow individuals to be a part of initiatives that drive positive change in society and the environment.

Before we get into the jobs, let’s establish a clear understanding of what social enterprises are. Social enterprises are organizations driven by a dual mission – to create both social or environmental impact and sustainable financial returns.

Unlike traditional businesses that prioritize profit above all else, social enterprises prioritize their societal and environmental objectives.

Social enterprises are at the forefront of addressing some of the most pressing challenges of our time, from poverty and inequality to climate instability and access to education.

When you work for a social enterprise, you become an agent of change, contributing to solutions that benefit society and the planet.

Here’s why social enterprise jobs matter:

Purposeful Work: Social enterprise jobs offer a sense of purpose that goes beyond a paycheck. Knowing that your work directly contributes to positive social or environmental outcomes can be highly fulfilling.
Innovation: Social enterprises often pioneer innovative solutions to complex problems, fostering creativity and a dynamic work environment.
Personal Growth: These roles often require individuals to wear multiple hats, providing opportunities for personal and professional development.
Sustainability: Many social enterprises operate sustainably, reducing their environmental footprint, which aligns with the growing global focus on environmental responsibility.

Role: Social Entrepreneurs are visionary leaders who create and manage businesses designed to address critical social or environmental issues. They identify opportunities for innovation and sustainable solutions.
Responsibilities: They are responsible for strategic planning, fundraising, team management, and ensuring that their enterprise’s activities align with their mission and values.
Salary Range: $50,000 to $150,000+ per year
Note: Social entrepreneurs often have variable income, with some earning substantial returns after a successful venture.

Impact Investment Analyst

Role: Impact Investment Analysts evaluate potential investments for their financial viability and social or environmental impact. They bridge the gap between investors looking to make a difference and businesses seeking funding.
Responsibilities: These professionals conduct due diligence on investment opportunities, analyze financial data, assess the potential social impact, and recommend investment decisions.
Salary Range: $60,000 to $120,000+ per year
Note: Salaries can vary widely based on the organization and the complexity of the investments.
The Global Impact Investing Network (GIIN) reports that the global impact investing market was valued at approximately $715 billion in 2019.

Role: CSR Managers are vital for companies looking to integrate social and environmental responsibility into their business strategies. They strategize and oversee CSR initiatives.
Responsibilities: They engage with stakeholders, develop CSR programs, ensure compliance with regulations, and report on the company’s social and environmental performance.
Salary Range: $60,000 to $120,000+ per year
Note: Compensation depends on the size and industry of the company.
A study by McKinsey & Company found that more than 90 percent of S&P 500 companies now publish ESG reports in some form, as do approximately 70 percent of Russell 1000 companies.

Role: Social Media Managers in social enterprises play a crucial role in building the brand’s online presence and fostering a sense of community around the mission.
Responsibilities: They create and curate content, engage with followers, track analytics, and develop strategies to amplify the organization’s message on social media platforms.
Salary Range: $40,000 to $80,000+ per year
Note: Salaries can vary based on the organization’s budget and location.

Sustainability Consultant

Role: Sustainability Consultants work with businesses to help them adopt sustainable practices that reduce their environmental footprint and enhance their social responsibility.
Responsibilities: They conduct environmental audits, develop sustainability strategies, and advise on compliance with environmental regulations and standards.
Salary Range: $50,000 to $100,000+ per year
Note: Earnings can differ depending on the consultant’s expertise and client base.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that employment of environmental scientists and specialists, which includes sustainability consultants, is projected to grow 8% from 2020 to 2030, faster than the average for all occupations.

Fair Trade Coordinator

Role: Fair Trade Coordinators collaborate with suppliers and producers to ensure fair wages, ethical working conditions, and responsible sourcing of products.
Responsibilities: They establish and maintain supplier relationships, monitor compliance with fair trade standards, and facilitate certification processes.
Salary Range: $40,000 to $80,000+ per year
Note: Compensation may vary based on the organization’s size and commitment to fair trade.

Community Outreach Specialist

Role: Community Outreach Specialists build bridges between social enterprises and the communities they serve, fostering relationships and increasing awareness of the organization’s mission.
Responsibilities: Networking with local organizations and individuals, planning community events, and conducting educational outreach programs fall under their purview.
Salary Range: $40,000 to $80,000+ per year
Note: Salaries depend on the organization’s funding and location.

Environmental Educator

Role: Environmental Educators are educators who specialize in promoting awareness of and action on environmental issues. They help individuals and communities understand and engage in sustainable practices.
Responsibilities: They develop educational materials, organize workshops, and deliver presentations to inspire environmentally responsible behavior.
Salary Range: $35,000 to $70,000+ per year
Note: Compensation can vary based on the level of experience and education.

Ethical Fashion Designer

Role: Ethical Fashion Designers create clothing and accessories with a strong emphasis on sustainability, fair labor practices, and responsible sourcing of materials.
Responsibilities: Their responsibilities include designing products, sourcing eco-friendly materials, managing production processes, and marketing ethically produced fashion.
Salary Range: $40,000 to $100,000+ per year
Note: Earnings depend on factors like brand recognition and market demand.

Impact Measurement Analyst

Role: Impact Measurement Analysts are data-driven professionals who evaluate and quantify the social and environmental impact of a social enterprise’s activities.
Responsibilities: They design impact measurement frameworks, collect and analyze data, and prepare reports detailing the organization’s social and environmental outcomes.
Salary Range: $50,000 to $100,000+ per year
Note: Salaries can differ depending on the organization’s focus and the complexity of impact measurement.

Microfinance Officer

Role: Microfinance Officers work to alleviate poverty by providing financial services to underserved communities, enabling entrepreneurship and economic empowerment.
Responsibilities: They manage loan portfolios, deliver financial education, and engage with local communities to foster economic development.
Salary Range: $35,000 to $70,000+ per year
Note: Compensation may vary based on the organization’s size and location.

Renewable Energy Project Manager

Role: Renewable Energy Project Managers oversee initiatives focused on the adoption of renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power.
Responsibilities: They plan and execute renewable energy projects, coordinate with stakeholders, and manage budgets to drive sustainable energy solutions.
Salary Range: $60,000 to $120,000+ per year
Note: Earnings can differ depending on the scale and location of the projects.

Role: Social Impact Researchers investigate and evaluate the effectiveness of social programs and initiatives, helping organizations refine their strategies for maximum impact.
Responsibilities: They design research studies, collect and analyze data, and generate reports that inform decision-making and improve social programs.
Salary Range: $50,000 to $90,000+ per year
Note: Compensation varies based on research expertise and the organization’s funding.

Sustainable Agriculture Specialist

Role: Sustainable Agriculture Specialists advocate for environmentally responsible farming practices that enhance soil health, biodiversity, and food security.
Responsibilities: They manage sustainable farms, educate farmers on eco-friendly techniques, and promote sustainable agriculture within communities.
Salary Range: $40,000 to $80,000+ per year
Note: Salaries may vary based on the size and nature of the agriculture projects.

Role: Legal Counsel for social enterprises ensures that the organization operates within the bounds of relevant laws and regulations while advancing its mission.
Responsibilities: They provide legal guidance, review contracts, and manage legal risks to protect the social enterprise’s interests and reputation.
Salary Range: $70,000 to $150,000+ per year
Note: Compensation can differ based on experience and the organization’s legal needs.

These diverse roles within the realm of social enterprise showcase the varied opportunities for individuals to combine their professional skills and passions for positive social and environmental change.

Whether you’re interested in finance, design, advocacy, or research, there’s a meaningful role for you in the world of social entrepreneurship.