What does a charity fundraiser role involve?
Fundraising activities may vary, but often include:
- Incentives and promotion of supporters in order to maximize their money;
- Inspiring new supporters to raise funds;
- Maintaining and developing relationships with existing supporters;
- Traditional activities, such as outdoor activities;
- Developing new and imaginative fundraising activities;
- Improve the sense of charity, both locally and nationally, such as looking for photo opportunities with the media;
- Web-based fundraising, online auctions and sales development and coordination;
- Sometimes develop and implement recruitment strategies;
- Recruit charity volunteers within the organization and management of a variety of functions;
- To maintain and update donor contact;
- Risk analysis of cost and time balance.
What are the entry requirements?
Fundraising is so popular and therefore can be very competitive. It is a role that is open to all graduates however possession of some kind of qualification including an HND, degree or masters may give you the edge when applying.
Employers will often consider a graduates skills and experience over the subject they have taken at University. If you are able to get any kind of experience with a charity or working as a volunteer it is vital to take all opportunities available. It can show your interest and commitment in a not for profit organisation. Some of the larger charities offer internships which can quite often turn into full time positions.
For any kind of international development there is very high competitive, so a relevant undergraduate degree or master's is desirable.
What key skills are required for a charity fundraiser?
Key skills include:
- Charitable commitment;
- Creativity;
- Imagination;
- Entrepreneurial attitude to raise funds;
- Positive attitude and drive;
- Good written and verbal communications;
- Ability to influence others;
- Passion to achieve budgetary targets;
- Sensitivity of needs to others;
- Flexibility.
What am I likely to earn?
Salaries depend on the size and type of charity and the fundraising positions. Do remember that the salary of position in a charity will not be the same as that in the private sector. A standard wage after a few years of experience would be around £25,000. A fundraising manager in a small or middle sized charity could earn around £28-£40,000 and a director or head of fundraising could expect to receive up to around £40-£70,000.
What are the working hours like?
Generally a normal 35-40 hour week is expected but often charities offer flexible hours. Around 40% of fundraisers work part-time so it is possible to do work-share and unpaid leave easily. Short term contracts are also popular by charities as future funding is sometimes uncertain. Most charity fundraisers have a very happy work life balance.
Is there career progression for a charity fundraiser?
It is possible to get involved in other departments of the charity especially in smaller charities. In larger charities there is normally an obvious career path. You can look to progress into a fundraising manager role or a middle management position. You would then look to move into a director position.
If you want to get involved in something different, you can move to a different sector. If you work for a small charity, moving to a larger charity may provide you with a more structured career path to progress in.
What training is expected?
Most training is done on the job.
Charities are looking for more qualifications and being a member of the Institute of Fundraising could help. You can look for courses if you are new to being a charity fundraiser or if you are experienced from the Institute of Fundraising or Working for a Charity. There are also a number of Colleges and Schools who offer postgraduate courses including for example, St Marys University College in Twickenham and London South Bank University.
Where do I find charity fundraiser roles?
Simply click on this link to find the charity fundraiser roles in your location.
Search for charity fundraiser roles here.
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Browse through other charity jobs here.
Find out information about other charity jobs here.
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