Fundraising Manager

Career Guide

A Fundraising Manager plans and runs campaigns that bring in donations to support a nonprofit or mission-driven organization. They build relationships with donors, coordinate fundraising events and appeals, and track results to grow revenue over time.

Browse All Roles

Key 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

Create a portfolio of 3 fundraising wins with clear metrics

Refresh your resume to highlight dollars raised and donor retention

Learn a donor database and document a clean data process

Draft a 90-day fundraising plan for a target organization

Schedule informational interviews with two development leaders

Volunteer to support a live campaign or event to build recent experience

Prepare a donor meeting outline and a follow-up stewardship template