Sales & Business Development

Fundraiser

SOC 13-1131.00 · ESCO 3339

REA INV ART SOC ENT CON This role See your match →

Role snapshot

Overview

Builds relationships with donors and organises campaigns, events, and grant applications to raise money for non-profits or causes. Tracks contributions and communicates the impact of donations to supporters, ensuring financial sustainability for the organisation's mission.

Secures vital financial resources for non-profit organisations, enabling them to deliver on their mission, expand programs, and serve more people or causes within the community.

On the job

  • Cultivate and maintain relationships with individual donors, corporate sponsors, and foundations
  • Plan and execute fundraising campaigns, events, and appeals to engage potential donors
  • Write compelling grant proposals and applications to secure institutional funding
  • Manage donor databases and track contributions, ensuring accurate record-keeping and stewardship
  • Communicate the impact of donations to supporters through reports, newsletters, and direct engagement
Fundraiser at work

Tools & technology

CRM software (e.g., Salesforce, Raiser's Edge)Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)Email marketing platforms (e.g., Mailchimp, Constant Contact)Event management softwareGrant writing databases

Average salary

$65K
MEDIAN SALARY Annual · USD
$45K Bottom 10%
$90K Top 10%

Job outlook

Stable

Demand is steady. This is an established role with consistent hiring across sectors.

Education & training

Bachelor's degree in non-profit management, communications, marketing, business, or a related field. Experience often valued over specific credentials.

Career pathways

WHERE YOU COULD GO

Fundraising Manager
Director of Development

CURRENT ROLE

Fundraiser

Sales & Business Development

ADJACENT MOVES

Program Manager (Non-profit)
Non Profit Intern
Marketing Assistant
Event Coordinator

STARTING POINTS

Who thrives here

Interest profile

E

enterprising · ESC

People who thrive on social interaction, enjoy influencing others for a good cause, and are adept at organizing and managing details to achieve financial goals often find success as a Fundraiser.

Personality characteristics

Outgoing

Enjoys meeting new people, building rapport, and confidently engaging in conversations with diverse individuals.

Organized

Meticulous about managing donor information, tracking campaigns, and adhering to grant deadlines.

Empathetic

Understands donor motivations and connects with their desire to make a positive impact.

Goal-oriented

Driven by achieving fundraising targets and securing resources for the organisation's mission.

Resilient

Maintains a positive attitude and persistence despite potential rejections or setbacks in fundraising efforts.

Detail-oriented

Ensures accuracy in proposals, reports, and donor communications.

Best for

  • Individuals who are passionate about a cause and want to directly contribute to its financial success.
  • People who enjoy networking, building relationships, and inspiring generosity in others.
  • Professionals who are organised, persuasive, and able to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

Watch out for

  • The role can involve occasional weekend work for events and some travel for donor meetings.
  • Dealing with potential rejections from donors requires resilience and a positive outlook.

A week in the life

A representative working week for a Fundraiser — where the deep work, meetings, and admin actually land.

8am9am10am11am12pm1pm2pm3pm4pm5pm6pm
Mon
Team check-in and goal setting
Donor outreach and follow-ups (calls/emails)
Grant proposal research and drafting
Tue
Update donor CRM and prepare reports
Meeting with program staff to gather impact stories
Develop content for fundraising campaign
Wed
Strategy meeting for upcoming event
Site visit or meeting with a potential corporate sponsor
Draft donor stewardship communications
Thu
Event logistics planning and vendor coordination
Lunch with a major donor prospect
Review and edit grant applications
Fri
Weekly progress review and planning
Administrative tasks and email management
Deep work Meeting External Social Admin

FREE ASSESSMENT

Does Fundraiser fit you?

Measure your personality and interests, then see how this career ranks against 1,300+ others — for you personally.

Take the free assessment →