Fundraisers

Organize activities to raise funds or otherwise solicit and gather monetary donations or other gifts for an organization. May design and produce promotional materials. May also raise awareness of the organization's work, goals, and financial needs.

Median Annual Wage: $52,430

Education: Bachelor's degree (78%); Some college, no degree (9%); Master's degree (6%)

Projected Growth: Faster than average (15% to 21%)

Related Job Titles: Director of Development; Development Director; Direct Response Consultant; Executive Director of Development and Alumni Relations; Executive Director of Development, Gift Planning; Fundraising Consultant; Principal Gifts Officer; Vice President for Philanthropy; Vice President of Major Gifts and Planned Giving; Vice President, Marketing & Development

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Source: O*NET OnLine information for Fundraisers.

More Business and Financial Operations Careers

  • Write and send letters of thanks to donors.
  • Secure commitments of participation or donation from individuals or corporate donors.
  • Develop fundraising activity plans that maximize participation or contributions and minimize costs.
  • Develop strategies to encourage new or increased contributions.
  • Create or update donor databases.
  • Direct or supervise fundraising staff, including volunteer staff members.
  • Develop or implement fundraising activities, such as annual giving campaigns or direct mail programs.
  • Solicit cash or in-kind donations or sponsorships from individual, business, or government donors.
  • Monitor progress of fundraising drives.
  • Compile or develop materials to submit to granting or other funding organizations.
  • Conduct research to identify the goals, net worth, history of charitable donations, or other data related to potential donors, potential investors, or general donor markets.
  • Establish fundraising or participation goals for special events or specified time periods.
  • Monitor budgets, expense reports, or other financial data for fundraising organizations.
  • Contact corporate representatives, government officials, or community leaders to increase awareness of organizational causes, activities, or needs.
  • Recruit sponsors, participants, or volunteers for fundraising events.
  • Write reports or prepare presentations to communicate fundraising program data.
  • Design or produce materials such as posters, Web sites, or newsletters to promote, market, or advertise fundraising events.
  • Write speeches, press releases, or other promotional materials to increase awareness of the causes, missions, or goals of organizations seeking funds.
  • Explain the tax advantages of contributions to potential donors.
  • Plan and direct special events for fundraising, such as silent auctions, dances, golf events, or walks.
  • Attend community events, meetings, or conferences to promote organizational goals or solicit donations or sponsorships.
  • Direct or coordinate web-based fundraising activities, such as online auctions or donation Web sites.

Source: O*NET OnLine information for Fundraisers.

  • Writing - Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
  • Persuasion - Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.
  • Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
  • Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
  • Coordination - Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
  • Social Perceptiveness - Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
  • Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
  • Service Orientation - Actively looking for ways to help people.
  • Negotiation - Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.

Source: O*NET OnLine information for Fundraisers.

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