Life As a Public Relations or Fundraising Manager
Job Description: Plan, direct, or coordinate activities designed to create or maintain a favorable public image or raise issue awareness for their organization or client; or if engaged in fundraising, plan, direct, or coordinate activities to solicit and maintain funds for special projects or nonprofit organizations.
PR or Fundraising Manager Responsibilities
- Observe and report on social, economic, and political trends that might affect employers.
- Develop and maintain the company’s corporate image and identity, which includes the use of logos and signage.
- Manage special events, such as sponsorship of races, parties introducing new products, or other activities the firm supports, to gain public attention through the media without advertising directly.
- Assign, supervise, and review the activities of public relations staff.
- Write interesting and effective press releases, prepare information for media kits, and develop and maintain company internet or intranet web pages.
- Establish goals for soliciting funds, develop policies for collection and safeguarding of contributions, and coordinate disbursement of funds.
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Things a PR or Fundraising Manager Should Know How to Do
Below is a list of the skills most Public Relations and Fundraising Managers say are important on the job.
Social Perceptiveness: Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
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.
Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Complex Problem Solving: Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Types of PR or Fundraising Manager Jobs
- Funds Development Director
- Development and Public Relations Director
- Fundraising Director
- Account Manager
- Communications Manager
Are There Job Opportunities for Public Relations and Fundraising Managers?
In 2016, there was an estimated number of 73,500 jobs in the United States for Public Relations or Fundraising Manager. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 10.3% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 7,600 new jobs for Public Relations or Fundraising Manager by 2026. The BLS estimates 6,900 yearly job openings in this field.

The states with the most job growth for PR or Fundraising Manager are Utah, Washington, and Nevada. Watch out if you plan on working in Maine, Vermont, or Alaska. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
PR or Fundraising Manager Salary
The salary for Public Relations and Fundraising Managers ranges between about $64,250 and $208,000 a year.

Public Relations and Fundraising Managers who work in District of Columbia, New York, or Virginia, make the highest salaries.
Below is a list of the median annual salaries for Public Relations and Fundraising Managers in different U.S. states.
State | Annual Mean Salary |
---|---|
Alabama | $89,950 |
Alaska | $106,380 |
Arizona | $104,120 |
Arkansas | $114,450 |
California | $141,990 |
Colorado | $136,990 |
Connecticut | $122,760 |
Delaware | $136,930 |
District of Columbia | $188,050 |
Florida | $109,570 |
Georgia | $117,770 |
Hawaii | $108,420 |
Idaho | $87,690 |
Illinois | $119,330 |
Indiana | $105,770 |
Iowa | $103,350 |
Kansas | $111,740 |
Kentucky | $85,920 |
Louisiana | $91,740 |
Maine | $88,940 |
Maryland | $123,020 |
Massachusetts | $131,460 |
Michigan | $121,690 |
Minnesota | $120,190 |
Mississippi | $93,890 |
Missouri | $106,200 |
Montana | $81,670 |
Nebraska | $88,550 |
Nevada | $117,600 |
New Hampshire | $118,960 |
New Jersey | $163,560 |
New Mexico | $110,090 |
New York | $167,330 |
North Carolina | $125,500 |
North Dakota | $102,720 |
Ohio | $116,730 |
Oklahoma | $94,870 |
Oregon | $96,140 |
Pennsylvania | $123,600 |
Rhode Island | $153,480 |
South Carolina | $87,780 |
Tennessee | $99,360 |
Texas | $125,490 |
Utah | $102,290 |
Vermont | $102,260 |
Virginia | $163,680 |
Washington | $128,420 |
West Virginia | $77,250 |
Wisconsin | $107,830 |
What Tools & Technology do Public Relations and Fundraising Managers Use?
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Public Relations and Fundraising Managers:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Hypertext markup language HTML
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Web browser software
- Microsoft Access
- Data entry software
- Microsoft Project
- Adobe Systems Adobe Acrobat
- Microsoft SharePoint
- Adobe Systems Adobe Photoshop
- Microsoft Dynamics
- IBM Notes
- Microsoft Publisher
- Google Docs
- FileMaker Pro
- Adobe Systems Adobe Illustrator
- Adobe Systems Adobe InDesign
How to Become a PR or Fundraising Manager
Individuals working as a Public Relations or Fundraising Manager have obtained the following education levels:

What work experience do I need to become a PR or Fundraising Manager?

Who Employs Public Relations and Fundraising Managers?

The table below shows the approximate number of Public Relations and Fundraising Managers employed by various industries.

Other Jobs You May be Interested In
Career changers with experience as a Public Relations or Fundraising Manager sometimes find work in one of the following fields:
References:
Image Credit: Bill Koplitz via Public domain
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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