What does a Fundraiser do?

A Fundraiser at a nonprofit organization handles various tasks related to raising money to support the mission. They research various ways to generate funds that sustain the organization. When the organization decides on a fundraising campaign or method, the Fundraiser handles the logistics, from initial planning through carrying out the activities. The person in this role interacts with a variety of internal and external stakeholders, as well as volunteers, sponsors and donors, so they must excel at communicating with diverse people.

A Fundraiser is responsible for building relationships with donors to encourage repeat donations, and they work to find new donors all the time. They also handle the administrative parts of bringing in money, such as keeping records of all activities, tracking the success of campaigns and ensuring the organization meets its financial goals.

Fundraiser skills and qualifications

A Fundraiser uses specific skills to grow the financial contributions to an organization. Skills and qualifications to consider for your Fundraiser job description include:

• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Organizational skills and attention to detail
• Understanding of marketing and sales strategies
• Comfort with technology, including donor management systems
• Interpersonal and presentation skills
• Knowledge of nonprofits and regulations surrounding donations
• Creative thinking
• Networking skills and access to numerous connections

Fundraiser experience requirements

It’s beneficial for candidates to have previous fundraising experience, either through a full-time position or internship. Some organizations also accept experience in sales or marketing because skills for those positions often overlap. You might look for someone with experience in the type of fundraising you require or in a similar organization.

The amount of experience you expect can depend on the level of the job. For example, a Fundraiser in a management role who handles all aspects of generating donations might need more experience than an entry-level Fundraiser who’s joining a team.

Fundraiser education and training requirements

There are no standard education requirements for a Fundraiser position. Some organizations might prefer candidates with at least a bachelor’s degree, but many organizations accept fundraising experience instead of a college degree.

Fundraisers can also earn certifications, such as the Certified Fund Raising Executive credential, which can lend credibility and build knowledge. These certifications are typically preferred qualifications on Fundraising job descriptions, rather than requirements.

Job description samples for similar positions

Looking for something a little different than Fundraising job descriptions? These job descriptions for similar positions could be a better fit for your company:

• Development Director
• Public Relations Specialist
• Event Planner

Fundraiser job description FAQs

Are the duties of a Fundraiser different in different industries?

Fundraisers typically work for nonprofit organizations, but they can relate to different industries or fields, such as education, religion, arts and medical care. Regardless of industry, the Fundraiser’s main goal is to generate enough funds to keep the organization running smoothly. The strategies for raising funds can vary depending on the focus of the organization and the typical donor.

What should you include in a Fundraiser job description?

Express the mission and purpose of your organization to find candidates who support that mission. Include information that sets you apart from other nonprofit organizations in your same niche. Detail the types of fundraising activities the role handles as well as other specific duties the job entails. You might also include information about the tools and resources you have.

What traits make a good Fundraiser?

To succeed as a Fundraiser, a candidate needs to be ethical and honest. Creativity can help them devise new ways to generate funds for your organization. Being organized is also important since the chosen candidate manages fundraising events and maintains detailed records. They also need to be empathetic, with good interpersonal skills to build strong relationships with donors and sponsors.

What should you look for in a Fundraiser resume?

Check for previous experience related to fundraising, even if the candidate hasn’t held a Fundraiser position. They might have previous nonprofit experience that allowed them to help with fundraising efforts. Specific skills to look for include marketing, event planning and campaign management.