By: Lindsay Marcal, Director, Membership 

Setting competitive and equitable compensation in today’s nonprofit environment is increasingly complex, especially for organizations working in patient advocacy, health, and human services. Leaders are often balancing limited resources with the need to attract and retain talent, while ensuring decisions are grounded in reliable data. 

To support our members in navigating these challenges, the National Health Council (NHC), in partnership with PRM Consulting and the National Human Services Assembly (NHSA), will again conduct a Management Compensation Survey. The goal is to provide benchmarking data that reflects the realities of the health and human service sector. 

The survey collects information on total cash compensation, including base salary and additional cash compensation, as well as salary ranges and benefits across more than 90 management and professional roles. Participation from nonprofit organizations of different sizes and geographies, along with the availability of historical data, provides a view of compensation trends over time. Because the data is drawn specifically from organizations in the health and human services space, the resulting NHC/NHSA Management Compensation Report offers a direct comparison point within the sector. 

Organizations use this data in practical ways: It supports salary benchmarking and compensation structures, informs budget planning, and provides a foundation for hiring decisions. It is also used in conversations with leadership and boards, helping organizations better understand how their compensation aligns with peer organizations and how trends are shifting over time. 

In addition to the NHC/NHSA report, survey data is incorporated into PRM Consulting’s Management Compensation Report of Not-for-Profit Organizations. Participating organizations receive both reports, providing a focused view within the health and human service sector as well as a broader nonprofit context. 

Patient Organizations and Partners of Patient Organizations members eligible to participate will receive a personalized link. The survey is typically completed by staff in finance, human resources, or operations, depending on how responsibilities are structured. All data is reported in aggregate to maintain confidentiality.

Survey invitations will be distributed this week, with responses due by May 5. The NHC/NHSA Management Compensation Report is typically shared with participants in late June or early July. 

By participating, organizations gain access to data that supports more informed decision-making and contribute to a resource that reflects the full range of organizations across the NHC membership. 

For questions about the survey, please contact membership@nhcouncil.org.