What is a Fundraiser?

Position Description 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.

Fundraiser Responsibilities

• Develop strategies to encourage new or increased contributions.
• Develop fundraising activity plans that maximize participation or contributions and minimize costs.
• Develop and maintain media contact lists.
• Identify and build relationships with potential donors.
• Design or produce materials such as posters, Web sites, or newsletters to promote, market, or advertise fundraising events.
• Write and send letters of thanks to donors.

Qualities of a Fundraiser

Fundraisers state the following job skills are important in their day-to-day work.

Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

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.

Persuasion: Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.

Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Types of Fundraiser Jobs

• Development Officer
• Principal Gifts Officer
• Chief Fundraising Officer
• Fundraising Specialist
• Fundraising Coordinator

Job Demand for Fundraisers

In 2016, there was an estimated number of 90,400 jobs in the United States for Fundraisers.

New jobs are being produced at a rate of 14.8% which is lower than average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 13,400 new jobs for Fundraisers by 2026. There will be an estimated 10,700 positions for Fundraiser per year.

The states with the most job growth for Fundraisers are New York, Texas, and California.

Watch out if you plan on working in Alaska, Wyoming, or South Dakota. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.

What is the Average Salary of a Fundraiser

The salary for Fundraisers ranges between about $33,810 and $97,380 a year. The median salary for this occupation is $56,950.

Below is a list of the median annual salaries for jobs of this type in different U.S. states.

Annual Mean Salary by State

State	Annual Mean Salary
District of Columbia	$80,960
California	$69,940
Rhode Island	$68,860
Connecticut	$68,770
New York	$68,460
Massachusetts	$67,470
Maryland	$66,610
New Jersey	$65,910
Virginia	$63,610
Pennsylvania	$62,170
Michigan	$62,090
Washington	$61,310
Minnesota	$61,210
Wyoming	$60,950
Nevada	$60,510
Illinois	$59,570
North Dakota	$59,490
Delaware	$59,240
Kansas	$59,140
Florida	$58,650
North Carolina	$58,630
Colorado	$58,390
Hawaii	$58,310
Texas	$58,050
Oklahoma	$57,370
Tennessee	$57,150
Ohio	$56,150
New Hampshire	$55,620
Wisconsin	$55,230
Montana	$54,890
Vermont	$54,730
South Dakota	$54,020
Maine	$53,960
Nebraska	$53,740
Oregon	$53,160
Mississippi	$52,820
Alabama	$52,650
New Mexico	$52,590
West Virginia	$52,540
Utah	$51,920
Indiana	$51,720
Iowa	$51,080
Missouri	$51,040
Alaska	$50,730
South Carolina	$50,690
Idaho	$50,340
Arizona	$49,920
Louisiana	$49,170
Georgia	$48,910
Kentucky	$47,370
Arkansas	$43,610

What Tools do Fundraisers Use?

Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Fundraisers may use on a daily basis:

• Tessitura Network Tessitura Software
• Microsoft Word
• Microsoft Outlook
• Structured query language SQL
• Blackbaud The Raiser’s Edge
• Microsoft PowerPoint
• Microsoft Office
• Microsoft Excel
• Microsoft Dynamics
• Data entry software

Who Employs Fundraisers?

References

Bureau of Labor Statistics

College Factual

O*NET Online

Image Credit: Via Wikimedia Commons