Fundraiser

Office and Administration

Menu

Charity Fundraiser
Fundraising Manager
Political Fundraiser
Volunteer Organiser


Related Jobs or Working with these Jobs

 

Service or PersuadingClerical or OrganisingSkill Level 5

Emerging JobEmerging Job

Fundraisers coordinate functions for the purpose of raising funds for organizations. They organize events, design marketing, and promotional materials, and recruit sponsors. Future Growth Very StrongOrganize 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.

Fundraisers help organizations meet short- and long-term financial goals. They accomplish this by finding individuals, corporations, and foundations in their communities who may be interested in donating money to the cause.

It’s the fundraiser’s job to communicate the organization’s mission to external stakeholders and maintain positive relationships with donors. They are also often involved in recruiting volunteers, writing grant applications, and delivering presentations—all requiring strong communication skills.

In this role, the fundraiser will use their expert communication skills and keen sense of initiative to spot fundraising opportunities, develop relationships with potential donors, and manage fundraising campaigns. By coordinating events, writing proposals, and recruiting and leading volunteers, they will hone their speaking, writing, and leadership abilities while moving the organisation closer to its financial goals.

Fundraisers plan and oversee campaigns and events to raise money and other kinds of donations for an organization. They ensure that campaigns are effective by researching potential donors and examining records of those who have given in the past.

 

ANZSCO ID: N/A
  

Specialisations
:

The following are examples of types of fundraisers:

  • Annual campaign fundraisers solicit donations once a year for their organization. Many nonprofit organizations have annual giving campaigns.
      
  • Capital campaign fundraisers raise money for a specific project, such as the construction of a new building at a university. Capital campaigns also raise money for renovations and the creation or expansion of an endowment.
       
  • Major-gifts fundraisers specialize in face-to-face interaction with donors who can give large amounts.
        
  • Planned-giving fundraisers solicit donations from those who are looking to pledge money at a future date or in installments over time. These fundraisers must have specialized training in taxes regarding gifts of stocks, bonds, charitable annuities, and real estate bequests in a will.
      

Knowledge, skills and attributes

To be successful as a fundraiser, you should demonstrate excellent written and verbal communication skills, plus strong leadership qualities. Ultimately, a top-notch fundraiser should be able to perform under pressure, possessing exceptional organizational and presentation skills.

  • Communication skills - fundraisers need impeccable communication skills in order to communicate the message of their organization so that people will make donations.
  • Creativity and persuasion skills
  • Detail-oriented - fundraisers must be detail oriented because they deal with large volumes of data, including lists of people’s names and phone numbers, and must comply with state and federal regulations. Failing to do so may result in penalties.
  • Good organizational skills - fundraisers manage large campaigns and events that require planning and organizational skills to succeed.
  • Strong leadership qualities - many fundraisers manage large teams of volunteers and must be able to lead them without having the usual incentive of pay at their disposal.

 

Tickets
(Source: Get Fully Funded)


Duties and Tasks

The fundraiser's responsibilities include developing fundraising programs, recruiting sponsors and volunteers, and encouraging support through promotional activities. They also develop and maintain professional relationships.

  • Researching potential sponsors or donors
  • Writing funding proposals and sending these to potential sponsors
  • Creating marketing and promotional activities - create a strong fundraising message that appeals to potential donors
  • Developing fundraising events
  • Organizing campaigns that will lead to donations
  • Training volunteers
  • Develop corporate fundraising programs, such as employer gift-matching
  • Monitor progress of fundraising drives
  • Compile or develop materials to submit to granting or other funding organizations
  • Develop and maintain media contact lists
  • Develop strategies to encourage new or increased contributions
  • Recruit sponsors, participants, or volunteers for fundraising events
  • Direct or supervise fundraising staff, including volunteer staff members.
  • Secure commitments of participation or donation from individuals or corporate donors
  • Prepare materials for charitable events, such as fundraising envelopes, bid sheets, or gift bags
  • Identify and contact potential donors
  • Create or update donor databases - maintaining records of sponsors
  • Establish fundraising or participation goals for special events or specified time periods
  • Explain the tax advantages of contributions to potential donors
  • Identify and build relationships with potential donors
  • Monitor budgets, expense reports, or other financial data for fundraising organizations
  • Attend community events, meetings, or conferences to promote organizational goals or solicit donations or sponsorships
  • Contact corporate representatives, government officials, or community leaders to increase awareness of organizational causes, activities, or needs
  • Design or produce materials such as posters, Web sites, or newsletters to promote, market, or advertise fundraising events
  • Develop fundraising activity plans that maximize participation or contributions and minimize costs
  • Develop or implement fundraising activities, such as annual giving campaigns or direct mail programs
  • Evaluate the success of previous fundraising events
  • Direct or coordinate web-based fundraising activities, such as online auctions or donation Web sites
  • Plan and direct special events for fundraising, such as silent auctions, dances, golf events, or walks
  • Solicit cash or in-kind donations or sponsorships from individual, business, or government donors
  • Write speeches, press releases, or other promotional materials to increase awareness of the causes, missions, or goals of organizations seeking funds
  • 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
  • Coordinate transportation or delivery of materials, supplies, or donations for fundraising events
  • Secure speakers for charitable events, community meetings, or conferences to increase awareness of charitable, nonprofit, or political causes
  • Write and send letters of thanks to donors
  • Write reports or prepare presentations to communicate fundraising program data
  • Ensure that all legal reporting requirements are satisfied

 


Working conditions

Most fundraisers work full time. Some attend fundraising events on nights and weekends, possibly requiring additional hours. Some fundraisers may need to travel to locations where fundraising events are held. Events may include charity runs, walks, galas, and dinners.

Most fundraisers raise funds for an organization which employs them directly, although some fundraisers work for consulting firms that have many clients. Fundraisers spend much of their time communicating with other employees and potential donors, either in person, on the phone, or through email.


Education and training/entrance requirements

Fundraisers typically need a bachelor’s degree and strong communication and organizational skills. Employers generally prefer candidates who have studied public relations, journalism, communications, English, or business. Degrees in other subjects also may be acceptable.

Internships and previous work experience are important in obtaining a paid position as a fundraiser. Many fundraising campaigns rely on volunteers having face-to-face or over-the-phone interaction with potential donors. It is important for the fundraiser who organizes the campaign to have experience with this type of work.

Professional development
   

Training is primarily on the job. Expect responsibility and autonomy early, with opportunities to work in various roles.

It's likely you'll be given the opportunity to complete some short courses, tailored for the not-for-profit sector, ranging from foundation-level courses for new starters, to specialist and experienced fundraiser courses in, for example, legacy or corporate fundraising.

Undertaking these courses will help you learn about different methods of raising money and securing resources. It will also provide you with useful opportunities for networking.


Employment Opportunities

Laws vary by state, but many states require some types of fundraisers to register with a state authority.

Fundraisers can advance to fundraising manager positions. However, some manager positions may also require a master’s degree, in addition to years of work experience as a fundraiser.

Typical employers are charities, although their size, structure and purpose vary tremendously. Other organisations that employ fundraisers include:

  • hospitals
  • educational establishments
  • arts organisations
  • churches
  • political parties
  • other local, national and international fundraising agencies.

The main characteristic of these organisations is that they are dedicated to the promotion of a particular cause rather than to making a profit.

 

Fundraising Manager
Office and Administration

Service or PersuadingClerical or OrganisingSkill Level 5Skill Level 6

Fundraising managers work for non-profit organizations and charities. Fundraising managers supervise and coordinate all operations within an organization that generates money. They work closely with an internal team, as well as external clients, donors, and various members of the community. Future Growth Very Strong

The fundraising manager is responsible for building good relationships with prospective donors and clients across multiple sectors, communicating with the broader public and internal teams, delegating tasks, and drawing up plans to ensure annual targets are met. They need to be well organized, proactive, and have the ability to inspire those around them.

A successful fundraising manager should stay informed on marketing strategies, and be comfortable doing research on different sectors. A great fundraising manager should have sharp public speaking skills and be able to deliver presentations to a range of audiences.

 

ANZSCO ID: N/A

Knowledge, skills and attributes

  • Bachelor's degree in PR, Fundraising, or any related field (preferably a master's degree)
  • 3-5 years of fundraising experience
  • Previous experience in sales or marketing also acceptable
  • Sound knowledge of the sector
  • Experience managing a team
  • Excellent written, verbal, and telephonic communication skills

Fundraising Manager
(Source: Better Team)


Duties and Tasks

  • Conducting research on fundraising opportunities
  • Writing, submitting, and uploading press releases as required
  • Writing funding proposals and submitting these to potential donors
  • Preparing quarterly budgets
  • Coming up with ingenious ways to raise awareness
  • Implementing a variety of marketing strategies and promotional campaigns
  • Organizing and attending non-profit events and networking with relevant stakeholders
  • Establishing good relationships with staff, members of the public, and the media


Working conditions

Fundraising managers work full time. Some attend fundraising events on nights and weekends, possibly requiring additional hours.


Education and training/entrance requirements

  • Bachelor's degree in PR, Fundraising, or any related field (preferably a master's degree)
  • 3-5 years of fundraising experience
  • Previous experience in sales or marketing also acceptable


Employment Opportunities

Fundraising managers are employed by:

  • Educational services; state, local, and private
  • Religious, grantmaking, civic, professional and similar organizations
  • Administrative and support services
  • Arts, entertainment, and recreation
  • Healthcare and social assistance

Employment of fundraisers is projected to grow faster than the average for all occupations. Employment growth will be driven by the continued need of nonprofit organizations to collect donations in order to run their operations.

Many nonprofit organizations are focusing on cultivating an online presence and are increasingly using social media for fundraising activities. As a result, social media platforms have created new avenues for fundraisers to connect with potential donors and to spread their organization’s message.

Job prospects for fundraising managers are expected to be good because organizations are always looking to raise more donations. Candidates with internship or volunteer experience in nonprofit and grantmaking organizations should have better job opportunities

 

 

 

Charity Fundraiser
Office and Administration

Service or PersuadingClerical or OrganisingSkill Level 3Skill Level 4Skill Level 5

 

Charity fundraisers seek to increase individual and group contributions by building relationships and exploring new fundraising opportunities. Networking is an important part of the role of a charity fundraiser since success depends heavily on being able to forge positive relationships with supporters. Charities fundraisers encourage people and organisations to donate money to good causes. Charities and not-for-profit organisations rely on donations and funding, and they employ fundraisers to help keep these coming in. Fundraising is a paid role: it's not the same as shaking a bucket in the street as a volunteer (although fundraisers may organise street collections and help out). Future Growth Very Strong

Another aspect to your role will be to raise awareness of the charity's work, aims and goals. In larger charities, you'll usually specialise in one particular area of donation. In smaller charities, you may cover several types of fundraising.

ANZSCO ID: N/A

Alternative names: Charities Fundraiser

Specialisations:

  • Corporate fundraisers raise money from businesses in various ways, from organising payroll giving to agreeing sponsorship of major events. This may suit someone with a good understanding of business.

  • Trust and statutory fundraisers bid for trust and grant money. This may appeal more to people who enjoy research and preparing proposals.

  • Community fundraisers are the main point of contact for most mainstream fundraising involving members of the public. Community fundraising will suit those who can work with people from all walks of life and are keen to get involved in a variety of fundraising activities.

  • Major donor fundraisers focus on developing relationships with key supporters who can donate high-value gifts. Often this is a role to which experienced fundraisers progress.

  • Legacy fundraisers encourage supporters to consider leaving a gift to the charity in their will. This type of fundraising may suit people with an interest in law or accountancy.


Knowledge, skills and attributes

Recruiters look for candidates who are confident and organised. Other essential skills and qualities include:

  • a passion for the not-for-profit sector and a commitment to your charity's cause
  • creativity, imagination and an entrepreneurial attitude towards fundraising
  • the ability to influence others using excellent written and spoken communication skills
  • sales and negotiation abilities
  • IT and social media skills
  • resourcefulness - a proactive attitude, drive and enthusiasm to carry out projects to conclusion
  • the ability to build and maintain professional relationships
  • initiative and the ability to solve problems
  • the capability to work under pressure and meet deadlines
  • good presentation and networking skills
  • the ability to meet financial targets
  • drive and enthusiasm
  • the ability to motivate, manage others and work as part of a team
  • resilience, particularly when faced with setbacks
  • sensitivity to the needs of volunteers and donors
  • a willingness to carry out a range of administrative tasks
  • excellent organisation, administrative and project management skills

 

Fundraiser Motto
(Source: Third Sector)

 

Duties and Tasks
  
As a charity fundraiser, you may typically:

  • make contact with individuals or companies who may be interested in donating to your charity
  • develop and plan new and imaginative fundraising initiatives
  • organise ongoing fundraising events such as charity auctions, sponsored or promotional events, fun runs, house-to-house or door-to-door collections
  • planning donation campaigns and events
  • recruit, train, inspire volunteers and coordinating their work
  • inspire new supporters to raise money, while maintaining and developing relationships with existing supporters
  • motivate and facilitate supporters to maximise the funds they raise
  • keep records of fundraising activities and money raised - manage and update databases to record donor contact and preference information
  • manage the running of retail outlets or online sales
  • increase funds by researching and targeting charitable trusts whose criteria match the charity's aims and activities
  • control budgets and meet targets for the amount of money raised
  • writing reports and press releases
  • report your performance to managers, trustees and donors
  • raise awareness of the charity and its work at local and national levels, e.g. giving talks to groups or seeking photo opportunities with the media, press releases or direct mail
  • come up with new ways to acquire funding – through events, online advertising or legacy-giving campaigns, for example – is a particularly important part of the job. In smaller organisations, fundraisers may need to manage communications and events for donors as well
  • write applications and mailshots, using direct mailing to reach a range of potential and current donors
  • develop and coordinate web-based fundraising, online auctions and merchandise sales
  • carry out risk analysis and balance time-cost ratios to focus effort on the fundraising activities that are most appropriate and will have the highest chance of success.

Working conditions

In a full-time job you would work around 35 to 40 hours a week. Weekend and evening work is common, especially in jobs that involve organising events. Larger charities may offer flexible working. Availability to work out of hours is often required, e.g. to attend evening or weekend events and meetings. Time off in lieu is usually offered. Charity fundraisers may be provided with a company car.

Part-time work in this sector is also common, as smaller charities may not have the budget to employ a full-time fundraiser.

Around 40% of voluntary sector staff work part time. Job-sharing and career breaks are possible. Self-employment and freelance consultancy are possible, usually after a few years' experience. Short-term contracts are common, especially in event fundraising, and this can result in job uncertainty.

You could be based in an office, or may do some of your work from home. You may have to travel to give presentations and attend events and meetings.

You may also be responsible for an outbound call centre that fund raises for one or more charities.

The majority of employees are women.

Tools and technologies

Fundraisers spend a great deal of time on the phone and using computers especially Excel to record donors.


Education and training/entrance requirements

Charity fundraisers come from a wide range of backgrounds. Most charity fundraisers would have a degree, but employers would also be interested in your skills, experience and commitment to working in the not-for-profit sector. Relevant degrees would include qualifications in marketing, public relations, or communications. To get into degree courses you usually need to gain your senior secondary school certificate or equivalent.

There are routes into becoming a charities fundraiser for both graduates and school leavers.

For graduates, any degree is acceptable for entry into the profession. However, qualifications in management, marketing, communications or public relations may be helpful.

Voluntary work with a charity or not-for-profit will strengthen your application. It'll demonstrate that you have some understanding of how the voluntary sector operates, and how funding and donations help keep organisations running. Look for opportunities via your university or contact your local volunteer centre.

The field of international development is particularly competitive and so a relevant undergraduate or Masters degree is desirable.


Employment Opportunities

Employment of fundraisers is projected to grow faster than the average for all occupations. Employment growth will be driven by the continued need of not-for-profit organisations to collect donations in order to run their operations.

Larger charities with a fundraising department and an established staffing structure may offer greater scope for promotion and career development. In smaller charities though, you'll usually gain an excellent breadth of experience due to being responsible for a range of fundraising activities.

Your career path in fundraising might involve moving from volunteering to fundraising officer, then to fundraising manager, head of fundraising in a small charity or a middle management role in a large charity. Eventually becoming a director of fundraising in a small charity, or head of a fundraising department in a large charity.

If you want to specialise in a particular area, such as corporate or trust fundraising, there will be more opportunities in larger charities since they are more likely to have several fundraising teams. Large charities also require the full range of business functions, so you could move into specialist areas such as operations, database management or marketing and communications.

Organisations that will receive less financial support than in the past, such as colleges and universities, may need fundraisers to solicit donations to make up for shortfalls.

More non-profit organisations are focusing on cultivating an online presence and are increasingly using social media for fundraising activities. As a result, social media has created a new avenue for fundraisers to connect with potential donors and to spread their organisation’s message.

The skills you develop as a fundraiser, such as strategic thinking, project management, networking, and public relations, are useful and highly valued by employers both within and outside the voluntary sector. Highlighting your commercial awareness and business skills may help with a sideways move into the private or public sector. Corporate social responsibility is a growing area where jobs may emerge.

Vacancies in small organisations are likely to be advertised locally. Look at community news sources, follow social media pages that post about local charity opportunities and contact your local council for voluntary service or volunteer centre for ideas.

Jobs in larger organisations may be advertised in the national press and on specialist websites.

Fundraiser

Judge

Personal Assistant

Corporate Trainer

Lawyer

Marketing Officer

Management Consultant

Officer Administrator

Interpreter

Private Investigator

Security Consultant

Receptionist

Sports Administrator

Call Centre Operator

Marketing Research Analyst

Hospital Administrator

Medical Administrator

Nurse Manager

Sports Centre Manager

Steward of Racing

Bookmaker

Child Care Centre Manager

Conveyancer

Judge

Personal Assistant

Corporate Trainer

Lawyer

Marketing Officer

Management Consultant

Officer Administrator

Interpreter

Private Investigator

Security Consultant

Receptionist

Sports Administrator

Call Centre Operator

Marketing Research Analyst

Hospital Administrator

Medical Administrator

Nurse Manager

Sports Centre Manager

Steward of Racing

Bookmaker

Child Care Centre Manager

Fundraiser

Conveyancer

Judge

Personal Assistant

Corporate Trainer

Lawyer

Marketing Officer

Management Consultant

Officer Administrator

Interpreter

Private Investigator

Security Consultant

Receptionist

Sports Administrator

Call Centre Operator

Marketing Research Analyst

Hospital Administrator

Medical Administrator

Nurse Manager

Sports Centre Manager

Steward of Racing

Bookmaker

Child Care Centre Manager

Fundraiser

Conveyancer

Judge

Personal Assistant

Corporate Trainer

Lawyer

Marketing Officer

Management Consultant

Officer Administrator

Interpreter

Private Investigator

Security Consultant

Receptionist

Sports Administrator

Call Centre Operator

Marketing Research Analyst

Hospital Administrator

Medical Administrator

Nurse Manager

Sports Centre Manager

Steward of Racing

Bookmaker

Child Care Centre Manager

Fundraiser

Conveyancer

Judge

Personal Assistant

Corporate Trainer

Lawyer

Marketing Officer

Management Consultant

Officer Administrator

Interpreter

Private Investigator

Security Consultant

Receptionist

Sports Administrator

Call Centre Operator

Marketing Research Analyst

Hospital Administrator

Medical Administrator

Nurse Manager

Sports Centre Manager

Steward of Racing

Bookmaker

Child Care Centre Manager

Fundraiser

Conveyancer

Judge

Personal Assistant

Corporate Trainer

Lawyer

Marketing Officer

Management Consultant

Officer Administrator

Interpreter

Private Investigator

Security Consultant

Receptionist

Sports Administrator

Call Centre Operator

Marketing Research Analyst

Hospital Administrator

Medical Administrator

Nurse Manager

Sports Centre Manager

Steward of Racing

Bookmaker

Child Care Centre Manager

Fundraiser

Conveyancer

Judge

Personal Assistant

Corporate Trainer

Lawyer

Marketing Officer

Management Consultant

Officer Administrator

Interpreter

Private Investigator

Security Consultant