Fundraising Manager Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the philanthropic arena, the need for skilled Fundraising Managers is more critical than ever.

As charitable giving continues to evolve, the demand for proficient individuals who can strategize, implement, and sustain our fundraising efforts grows stronger.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a Fundraising Manager?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker wanting to understand the nuances of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply curious about the intricacies of fundraising management,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a customizable Fundraising Manager job description template, designed for straightforward posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right in.

Fundraising Manager Duties and Responsibilities

Fundraising Managers are crucial for nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, and other entities that rely on donations for operation.

They use their strategic planning and relationship-building skills to create and implement fundraising campaigns and events.

The duties and responsibilities of a Fundraising Manager include:

• Developing an effective fundraising strategy that ensures the financial sustainability of the organization
• Identifying potential donors or sources of funding and building relationships with them
• Organizing and managing fundraising events and campaigns
• Overseeing the development of fundraising materials and promotional products
• Managing a team of fundraisers and volunteers
• Tracking donations and creating reports to present to board members and stakeholders
• Writing grant proposals and applications to secure additional funding
• Ensuring compliance with legal requirements and ethical fundraising standards
• Collaborating with other departments such as marketing and public relations to increase visibility and fundraising opportunities
• Conducting research to identify new potential donors and innovative fundraising opportunities

 

Fundraising Manager Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated and resourceful Fundraising Manager to join our organization.

The Fundraising Manager’s responsibilities include developing fundraising campaigns, communicating with current and prospective donors, and building a stronger fundraising database.

Our ideal candidate is an organized, communicative, and persuasive individual with a strong understanding of effective fundraising strategies in the non-profit sector.

Prior experience in a non-profit, charity, or educational institution would be advantageous.

Ultimately, the role of the Fundraising Manager is to ensure that our organization’s fundraising initiatives are effective in generating the required funds for our valuable work.

 

Responsibilities

• Developing and implementing comprehensive fundraising strategies.
• Organizing and managing events to raise funds or otherwise solicit and gather monetary donations.
• Identifying and cultivating major donors and potential donors.
• Building and maintaining relationships with donors and sponsors.
• Keeping meticulous records of donors and managing the donor database.
• Training volunteers in fundraising procedures and practices.
• Ensuring that all legal reporting requirements are met.
• Developing corporate fundraising programs and grant applications.
• Collaborating with other organizations and groups within the community.

 

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Fundraising Manager or similar role.
• Proficient in MS Office and fundraising software.
• Ability to organize and manage events.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal and leadership skills.
• Outstanding project management abilities.
• BSc/BA in Marketing, Business Administration or relevant field.

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Fundraising Manager
• Work Environment: Office setting with options for remote work. Some travel may be required for fundraising events or meetings.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Director of Development or Executive Director.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $70,000 minimum to $100,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Fundraising Manager Do?

Fundraising Managers typically work for non-profit organizations, educational institutions, and other entities that rely on donations for their operations.

They can also work as independent consultants or for fundraising agencies.

They design and implement comprehensive fundraising strategies to meet the financial goals of the organization.

This often involves researching potential donors, developing donor relationships, and organizing fundraising events.

Fundraising Managers often work closely with other departments within the organization, such as marketing and public relations, to create promotional materials and campaigns that highlight the organization’s work and the importance of donations.

They manage a portfolio of donors, making sure to maintain and strengthen these relationships through regular communication, recognition of contributions, and providing updates on how their donations are making an impact.

They also oversee the fundraising team, setting objectives, and monitoring performance.

Additionally, they ensure compliance with relevant laws and ethical standards in all fundraising activities.

Part of their job includes reporting to the organization’s board or senior management, providing regular updates on fundraising progress against targets.

In some cases, they may be involved in grant writing or soliciting corporate sponsorships.

The goal of a Fundraising Manager is not just to raise funds but also to foster a culture of philanthropy within the organization and its supporters.

 

Fundraising Manager Qualifications and Skills

A proficient Fundraising Manager should have the skills and qualifications that align with your job description, such as:

• Exceptional communication skills to effectively relay the organization’s mission, purpose, and needs to potential donors and stakeholders
• Strong networking skills to build and maintain relationships with donors, sponsors, and community members
• Strategic planning and project management skills to organize and manage fundraising initiatives, events, and campaigns
• Research skills to identify new fundraising opportunities and potential donors
• Financial acumen to manage budgets, track fundraising efforts, and ensure financial goals are met
• Persuasive abilities to convince potential donors of the value and impact of their contribution
• Leadership and team management skills to motivate and guide the fundraising team towards achieving the organization’s goals
• Knowledge of fundraising regulations and ethical practices to ensure all fundraising activities are compliant with laws and ethical standards

 

Fundraising Manager Experience Requirements

Entry-level Fundraising Managers are usually expected to have at least 2 to 3 years of experience in non-profit, sales, marketing or related fields, often gained through internships, part-time roles, or volunteer work that involves fundraising activities.

Mid-level candidates are often required to have 3 to 5 years of hands-on experience in fundraising, grant writing, or donor relations.

They are typically expected to have run successful fundraising campaigns and have a proven track record in securing major gifts.

Candidates for senior Fundraising Manager roles should ideally have more than 5 years of experience, with a strong background in strategic planning, team leadership, and donor management.

These professionals usually have a successful history of planning and executing large-scale fundraising events and campaigns.

Certain roles might demand experience in specific areas of fundraising, such as corporate partnerships, major gifts, or digital fundraising.

Furthermore, some non-profit organizations may prefer candidates who have experience relevant to their mission or cause.

In addition to the above, excellent communication and networking skills, as well as a passion for the cause, are key attributes that hiring organizations look for in a Fundraising Manager.

 

Fundraising Manager Education and Training Requirements

Fundraising Managers typically hold a bachelor’s degree in business administration, communications, public relations, or a related field.

Fundamental coursework in marketing, nonprofit management, public relations, and business law is often beneficial.

Some universities and colleges offer specialized degrees in nonprofit management and leadership, which can be advantageous.

Experience in fundraising or sales can be a critical factor, as these roles require skills in building relationships, persuasion, and negotiation.

Many Fundraising Managers choose to pursue a master’s degree in a related field to deepen their knowledge and improve their leadership skills.

These could include a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA), Master’s in Public Administration (MPA), or a Master’s in Nonprofit Management.

Certifications, such as the Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) credential, can also enhance a Fundraising Manager’s career.

This certification demonstrates a professional’s knowledge and competency in fundraising, increasing their credibility in the field.

Ongoing training, such as seminars and workshops in fundraising strategies and technologies, can help Fundraising Managers stay up-to-date with the latest trends and best practices.

Regardless of education, successful Fundraising Managers often have exceptional interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills.

 

Fundraising Manager Salary Expectations

A Fundraising Manager can expect to earn an average salary of $57,138 (USD) per year.

The actual earnings can vary significantly based on the size of the organization, industry, location, and years of experience in the field.

 

Fundraising Manager Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Fundraising Manager need?

Fundraising Managers need exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, as they frequently liaise with donors, staff, and the public.

They should possess strong strategic planning abilities, organizational skills, and creativity to design and implement effective fundraising strategies.

Familiarity with public relations, marketing, and financial planning is also advantageous.

 

Do Fundraising Managers need a degree?

Fundraising Managers typically hold a bachelor’s degree in fields such as marketing, public relations, communications, or business.

Some organizations may prefer candidates with a master’s degree in nonprofit management or a related field.

Additional certifications in fundraising management can also boost a candidate’s profile.

 

What should you look for in a Fundraising Manager’s resume?

In a Fundraising Manager’s resume, you should look for a proven track record in successful fundraising initiatives, strategic planning, and managing teams.

Check for any experience they have in donor relations or partnerships, as well as any relevant certifications.

Communication, organization, and leadership skills should be evident from their professional experiences.

 

What qualities make a good Fundraising Manager?

A good Fundraising Manager is tenacious and persuasive, capable of inspiring potential donors to support their organization’s cause.

They should be highly organized to manage campaigns and databases effectively, and have excellent communication skills to present their organization’s mission compellingly.

A good Fundraising Manager should also be analytical, able to assess the success of fundraising initiatives and make necessary adjustments.

 

Is it difficult to hire a Fundraising Manager?

The difficulty in hiring a Fundraising Manager often depends on the specific needs of the organization.

It requires finding a candidate with a successful track record in fundraising, excellent management skills, and a passion for your organization’s cause.

The competitive nature of this field can make it challenging to find a highly qualified candidate, so it’s important to offer an attractive compensation package and professional development opportunities.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve delved deep into the essence of being a fundraising manager.

Surprise, surprise?

It’s not just about collecting donations.

It’s about forging pathways of hope, one contribution at a time.

With our comprehensive fundraising manager job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to take the leap.

But why stop at readiness?

Dive deeper with our job description generator. It’s your ace in the hole for creating meticulous job listings or fine-tuning your resume to perfection.

Bear in mind:

Every single donation is a piece of the grand puzzle.

Let’s create that brighter future. Together.

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