What does a Fundraiser do?

Fundraisers are professionals who specialize in raising money for an organization or a specific cause. They might have a temporary role for a specific campaign, or they may be a permanent fundraiser who supports long-term or ongoing initiatives. Depending on the scope and seniority level of the position, they may also be called a fundraising specialist or a development officer. They develop and lead fundraising campaigns, donation drives, and other programs. They identify prospective donors, craft tailored messaging, and cultivate donor relationships with the goal of securing financial support. They play an active role in strategic planning.

Fundraisers often have a bachelor’s degree in a business discipline, although many organizations consider a track record of successful fundraising to be more important. They must have excellent donor relations skills. Marketing experience and content strategy skills are helpful.

What responsibilities are common for Fundraiser jobs?
  • Report data in a complete, timely and understandable fashion.
  • Monitor the client's progress and the effectiveness of the strategies and interventions.
  • Prepare intake summaries, treatment plans, and case summaries and maintain ongoing confidential records.
  • Coordinate with internal and external partners as needed.
  • Focus on philanthropy operations, annual giving programs, and planned giving.
  • Assisting management with the planning and design of improvements to business processes.
  • Communicate with dispatching and/or field supervisor, advising of current job status and locations as required.
  • Assist with personal phone calls to donors as needed.
  • Maintain the tools used to ensure the efficiency and effectiveness of the conversion process (system studies, timelines, and questionnaires).
  • Write customized proposals, presentations, and stewardship reports for major individual donors.
  • The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an individual encounter while perform the essential functions of this position.
  • Communicate progress and any potential problems to Team Lead or Manager for awareness and/or resolution.
  • Manage client expectations with respect to available product solutions.
  • Plan strategy and capture notes and next steps in database.
What are the typical qualifications for Fundraiser jobs?
  • Bachelor's or Graduate's Degree in marketing, business, business administration or finance, or equivalent experience.
  • Prior consulting experience.
  • A collaborator and critical thinker.
  • Can multitask and prioritize while interacting with donors and others.
  • Is a professional at all times with demonstrated sound work ethic and attention to details.
  • Comfortable giving motivational interviews and arranging events.
  • Demonstrated confidence with decision making needs.
  • Can display good grooming and neat appearance.
  • An eye for the goals of donor renewals and new sign ups.
  • Experience conducting surveys to gather ideas and info.
Education--
Work/Life Balance
3.5 ★
Total Pay--
Career Opportunity
3.3 ★
Avg. Experience--

How much does a Fundraiser make near United States?

Confident
$62,731 /yr
Total Pay
$45,592
 /yr

Base Pay

+
$17,139
 /yr

Additional Pay

$62,731

 / yr
$37K$109K
Most Likely Range
Possible Range
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Fundraiser Career Path

Learn how to become a Fundraiser, what skills and education you need to succeed, and what level of pay to expect at each step on your career path.

Fundraiser Insights

Read what Fundraiser professionals have to say about their job experiences and view top companies for this career.
HumanaHumana
Senior Professional
Aug 5, 2021

“Work from home was nice and the gym connected to the headquarters is really nice.”

Allied UniversalAllied Universal
Security Professional
Oct 19, 2022

“Many opportunities to grow and advance in terms of finding a stable career without any experience”

Magic Bus IndiaMagic Bus India
Fundraiser
Mar 6, 2023

“Magic bus is one of the best NGO... Vission and mission of the company is good ... I am very happy working with Magic Bus”

Make-A-Wish Foundation of AmericaMake-A-Wish Foundation of America
Fundraiser
Feb 21, 2023

“Poor Leadership: I have never experienced such unprofessional and unkind management in my career.”

SapreaSaprea
Fundraiser
Jul 11, 2023

“Great work and resources for any adult female who was a victim of childhood sexual abuse and needs healing now.”

Up FundraisingUp Fundraising
Fundraiser
Aug 19, 2021

“The pay was really competitive and I felt like I was getting paid what I was worth.”

BalaniBalani
Custom Clothier
May 26, 2022

“Balani is constantly providing you opportunities and resources to learn more and get better at what you do.”

FiservFiserv
Professional
Jun 26, 2021

“Fiserv bpo is not a good as no career opportunities only they will treat as a slaves.”

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Fundraiser Interviews

Frequently asked questions about the roles and responsibilities of a Fundraiser

The most similar professions to Fundraiser are:
  • Business Development Manager
  • Sales Representative
  • Regional Sales Manager
  • Sales Manager

Related Careers

Business Development Manager
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No skills overlap
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Regional Sales Manager
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Sales Manager
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Fundraiser Jobs