Fundraising Manager
Career GuideKey Responsibilities
- Create an annual fundraising plan with clear goals and timelines
- Identify and qualify potential donors and partners
- Build and maintain donor relationships through regular outreach
- Manage major donor asks and stewardship activities
- Run fundraising campaigns such as direct mail and digital appeals
- Plan and deliver fundraising events
- Support grant fundraising by coordinating inputs and deadlines
- Oversee donor data accuracy and donation processing workflows
- Track fundraising performance and report results to leadership
- Coordinate with marketing teams on messaging and supporter communications
- Manage fundraising budgets and vendor relationships
- Ensure fundraising practices meet ethical and legal standards
Top Skills for Success
Relationship Building
Persuasive Writing
Public Speaking
Project Management
Negotiation
Stakeholder Management
Donor Stewardship
Major Gifts Fundraising
Campaign Planning
Event Fundraising
Grant Coordination
Donor Data Management
Budget Management
Ethical Fundraising Practices
Career Progression
Can Lead To
Fundraising Manager
Development Manager
Major Gifts Officer
Annual Giving Manager
Transition Opportunities
Director of Development
Director of Fundraising
Head of Advancement
Nonprofit Executive Director
Partnerships Manager
Common Skill Gaps
Often Missing Skills
Donor ProspectingMajor Gifts SolicitationDonor SegmentationPipeline ManagementDonor Data AnalysisEmail MarketingStorytellingBoard Engagement
Development SuggestionsBuild a simple donor pipeline and track it weekly, practice donor conversations with scripts and role-play, and take ownership of one campaign channel such as email or events to prove measurable results.
Salary & Demand
Median Salary Range
Entry LevelUSD 50,000 to 70,000
Mid LevelUSD 70,000 to 95,000
Senior LevelUSD 95,000 to 140,000
Growth Trend
Stable demand, strongest for candidates who can show measurable donor growth, strong communication skills, and comfort with donor data.Companies Hiring
Major Employers
American Red CrossUnited WaySave the ChildrenWorld VisionOxfamHabitat for HumanityYMCAFeeding AmericaPlanned ParenthoodSt. Jude Children's Research HospitalDoctors Without BordersNational Park Foundation
Industry Sectors
Nonprofit OrganizationsHigher EducationHealthcare SystemsHospitalsResearch FoundationsMuseumsPerforming Arts OrganizationsFaith-Based OrganizationsHuman ServicesInternational Aid Organizations
Recommended Next Steps
1
Create a portfolio of 3 fundraising wins with clear metrics2
Refresh your resume to highlight dollars raised and donor retention3
Learn a donor database and document a clean data process4
Draft a 90-day fundraising plan for a target organization5
Schedule informational interviews with two development leaders6
Volunteer to support a live campaign or event to build recent experience7
Prepare a donor meeting outline and a follow-up stewardship template