Association consultant

What does a Föreningskonsulent do? – Tasks and work environment

A Föreningskonsulent works to support and develop the activities of associations, both locally and regionally. Tasks include advising boards, planning activities, training volunteer leaders, and coordinating projects and events. In addition to administrative work, there is often involvement in member recruitment, information dissemination, and applying for grants or other funding sources. The work environment varies between office work, meetings with associations, and participation in various events, requiring flexibility and the ability to work independently. The profession also involves many social contacts and close collaboration with both volunteers and other professionals within civil society.

Salary development over time

Salaries for Föreningskonsulenter have shown stable and positive growth over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 43,200 SEK per month, increasing to 44 700 SEK in 2023 and further to 46 500 SEK in 2024. The total increase amounts to approximately 7.6% over the period, slightly above the average salary increase on the labor market. Factors driving this development include increased demand for qualified association support and employers seeking experienced consultants with broad skills in project management, administration, and association finance. Despite this positive trend, some gender differences remain, with women earning on average 93% of what men do within the profession.

Föreningskonsulent salary – full overview

• Average salary: 46 500 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 30,200 SEK/month (woman, public sector, pre-university education)
• Highest salary: 60,200 SEK/month (man, municipal sector, postgraduate education)
• Hourly wage: 280 SEK/hour
• Gender differences: Women earn 45 300 SEK, men 48 800 SEK (women 93% of men's salary)
• Regional differences: Salary variations may occur depending on the geographical location of the workplace, but detailed statistics are currently unavailable.

Education and qualifications

The path to becoming a Föreningskonsulent often involves a university degree in fields such as social sciences, social work, or sports sciences. Many employers value experience in voluntary work and strong organizational and communication skills. Internships within civil society and courses in project management or association economics can be advantageous. It is also common for consultants to specialize further depending on the associations' activities.

• University degree (3 years or more): Examples include social sciences, social work, or sports sciences
• Courses/certifications: Project management, association economics, leadership
• Internship or voluntary engagement: Experience from association work is often advantageous
• Prerequisites: High school diploma, sometimes with a focus on society or economics
• Tips: Get involved early in associations to build networks and practical experience

Common benefits and compensations

Föreningskonsulenter are often offered benefits such as wellness allowances, flexible working hours, occupational pension, and opportunities for professional development. In some cases, additional vacation days, staff activities, and access to company cars or mobile phones may be included as part of employment conditions.

Competition and challenges

The competition for positions as a Föreningskonsulent is relatively balanced, meaning there is neither a shortage nor an oversupply of qualified candidates. A challenge is that the profession often requires broad skills spanning administration, project management, and communication. Changes within civil society, such as digitalization and decreasing voluntary engagement, also impose new demands for flexibility and adaptability. Additionally, workload can vary significantly depending on the season and projects. For those aiming to establish themselves in the profession, staying updated on trends and tools affecting civil society is important.

Tips for those who want to become a Föreningskonsulent

To succeed as a Föreningskonsulent, it is beneficial to combine engagement with structured work methods and good collaboration skills. Being communicative and attentive facilitates cooperation with members and boards, while initiative is crucial for driving projects and activities forward. Building a broad network within civil society early and continuously furthering education in relevant areas such as leadership, economics, and digital tools is recommended. The ability to handle change and work independently is also central, especially when tasks shift between administration and fieldwork. Finally, patience and perseverance are vital, as development work in associations often takes time before results are visible.

Key facts about Föreningskonsulent

• Educational level: University degree (often in social sciences, sports, or social work)
• Work environment: Variable – combination of office work, fieldwork, and meetings
• Work form: Usually full-time, but some part-time positions exist
• Demand: Moderate, approximately 758 job openings in the profession
• Special skills: Project management, association economics, training volunteer leaders

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as a Föreningskonsulent, opportunities open for more specialized roles, such as project manager, training coordinator, or operations manager within larger organizations. Some choose to move into strategic roles within municipalities or regions, where experience from civil society is highly valued. Forecasts from the Employment Service indicate that demand for planners and investigators – the occupational group including Föreningskonsulenter – is expected to remain unchanged over the next five years, with a balanced recruitment situation. There are also good opportunities to work on development projects or as a consultant within civil society. Further education in organization, economics, or digital communication can provide additional career opportunities.

Frequently asked questions about Föreningskonsulent

• What does a Föreningskonsulent earn?
  - The average salary for a Föreningskonsulent is 46 500 SEK per month.
• What education is required to become a Föreningskonsulent?
  - A university degree in social sciences, social work, or similar is most common.
• Are there salary differences between men and women?
  - Yes, women earn 93% of what men do within the profession.
• How does the job market look for Föreningskonsulenter?
  - The job market is balanced with moderate opportunities for employment.
• What are the most common tasks?
  - Advising associations, training leaders, project management, and member recruitment.
• What is the highest and lowest salary for a Föreningskonsulent?
  - The highest salary is 60,200 SEK, and the lowest is 30,200 SEK per month.
• What personal qualities are important as a Föreningskonsulent?
  - Engagement, collaboration skills, initiative, and good communication.