Charity Fundraiser
Fundraising Manager
Political Fundraiser
Volunteer Organiser
Related Jobs or Working with these Jobs
Emerging
Job
Fundraisers coordinate functions for the purpose of
raising funds for organizations. They organize events, design marketing, and
promotional materials, and recruit sponsors.
Organize
activities to raise funds or otherwise solicit and gather monetary donations
or other gifts for an organization. May design and produce promotional
materials. May also raise awareness of the organization's work, goals, and
financial needs.
Fundraisers help organizations meet
short- and long-term financial goals. They accomplish this by finding
individuals, corporations, and foundations in their communities who may be
interested in donating money to the cause.
It’s the fundraiser’s job to communicate the organization’s mission to
external stakeholders and maintain positive relationships with donors. They
are also often involved in recruiting volunteers, writing grant
applications, and delivering presentations—all requiring strong
communication skills.
In this role, the fundraiser will use their expert communication skills and keen sense of initiative to spot fundraising opportunities, develop relationships with potential donors, and manage fundraising campaigns. By coordinating events, writing proposals, and recruiting and leading volunteers, they will hone their speaking, writing, and leadership abilities while moving the organisation closer to its financial goals.
Fundraisers plan and oversee campaigns and events to raise money and other kinds of donations for an organization. They ensure that campaigns are effective by researching potential donors and examining records of those who have given in the past.
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Specialisations:
The following are examples of types of fundraisers:
-
Annual campaign fundraisers
solicit donations once a year for their organization. Many nonprofit
organizations have annual giving campaigns.
-
Capital campaign fundraisers
raise money for a specific project, such as the construction of a new
building at a university. Capital campaigns also raise money for
renovations and the creation or expansion of an endowment.
-
Major-gifts fundraisers
specialize in face-to-face interaction with donors who can give large
amounts.
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Planned-giving fundraisers
solicit donations from those who are looking to pledge money at a future
date or in installments over time. These fundraisers must have
specialized training in taxes regarding gifts of stocks, bonds,
charitable annuities, and real estate bequests in a will.
Knowledge, skills and attributes
To be successful as a fundraiser, you should demonstrate excellent
written and verbal communication skills, plus strong leadership qualities.
Ultimately, a top-notch fundraiser should be able to perform under pressure,
possessing exceptional organizational and presentation skills.
- Communication skills - fundraisers need impeccable communication skills in order to communicate the message of their organization so that people will make donations.
- Creativity and persuasion skills
- Detail-oriented - fundraisers must be detail oriented because they deal with large volumes of data, including lists of people’s names and phone numbers, and must comply with state and federal regulations. Failing to do so may result in penalties.
- Good organizational skills - fundraisers manage large campaigns and events that require planning and organizational skills to succeed.
- Strong leadership qualities - many fundraisers manage large teams of volunteers and must be able to lead them without having the usual incentive of pay at their disposal.
(Source:
Get Fully Funded)
Duties and Tasks
The fundraiser's responsibilities include developing fundraising programs, recruiting sponsors and volunteers, and encouraging support through promotional activities. They also develop and maintain professional relationships.
- Researching potential sponsors or donors
- Writing funding proposals and sending these to potential sponsors
- Creating marketing and promotional activities - create a strong fundraising message that appeals to potential donors
- Developing fundraising events
- Organizing campaigns that will lead to donations
- Training volunteers
- Develop corporate fundraising programs, such as employer gift-matching
- Monitor progress of fundraising drives
- Compile or develop materials to submit to granting or other funding organizations
- Develop and maintain media contact lists
- Develop strategies to encourage new or increased contributions
- Recruit sponsors, participants, or volunteers for fundraising events
- Direct or supervise fundraising staff, including volunteer staff members.
- Secure commitments of participation or donation from individuals or corporate donors
- Prepare materials for charitable events, such as fundraising envelopes, bid sheets, or gift bags
- Identify and contact potential donors
- Create or update donor databases - maintaining records of sponsors
- Establish fundraising or participation goals for special events or specified time periods
- Explain the tax advantages of contributions to potential donors
- Identify and build relationships with potential donors
- Monitor budgets, expense reports, or other financial data for fundraising organizations
- Attend community events, meetings, or conferences to promote organizational goals or solicit donations or sponsorships
- Contact corporate representatives, government officials, or community leaders to increase awareness of organizational causes, activities, or needs
- Design or produce materials such as posters, Web sites, or newsletters to promote, market, or advertise fundraising events
- Develop fundraising activity plans that maximize participation or contributions and minimize costs
- Develop or implement fundraising activities, such as annual giving campaigns or direct mail programs
- Evaluate the success of previous fundraising events
- Direct or coordinate web-based fundraising activities, such as online auctions or donation Web sites
- Plan and direct special events for fundraising, such as silent auctions, dances, golf events, or walks
- Solicit cash or in-kind donations or sponsorships from individual, business, or government donors
- Write speeches, press releases, or other promotional materials to increase awareness of the causes, missions, or goals of organizations seeking funds
- Conduct research to identify the goals, net worth, history of charitable donations, or other data related to potential donors, potential investors, or general donor markets
- Coordinate transportation or delivery of materials, supplies, or donations for fundraising events
- Secure speakers for charitable events, community meetings, or conferences to increase awareness of charitable, nonprofit, or political causes
- Write and send letters of thanks to donors
- Write reports or prepare presentations to communicate fundraising program data
- Ensure that all legal reporting requirements are satisfied
Working conditions
Most fundraisers work full time. Some attend fundraising events on nights and weekends, possibly requiring additional hours. Some fundraisers may need to travel to locations where fundraising events are held. Events may include charity runs, walks, galas, and dinners.
Most fundraisers raise funds for an
organization which employs them directly, although some fundraisers work for
consulting firms that have many clients.
Fundraisers spend much of their time communicating with other employees and
potential donors, either in person, on the phone, or through email.
Education and training/entrance requirements
Fundraisers typically need a bachelor’s degree and strong communication and organizational skills. Employers generally prefer candidates who have studied public relations, journalism, communications, English, or business. Degrees in other subjects also may be acceptable.
Internships and previous work experience are important in obtaining a paid position as a fundraiser. Many fundraising campaigns rely on volunteers having face-to-face or over-the-phone interaction with potential donors. It is important for the fundraiser who organizes the campaign to have experience with this type of work.
Professional development
Training is primarily on the job. Expect responsibility and autonomy early,
with opportunities to work in various roles.
It's likely you'll be given the opportunity to complete some short courses,
tailored for the not-for-profit sector, ranging from foundation-level
courses for new starters, to specialist and experienced fundraiser courses
in, for example, legacy or corporate fundraising.
Undertaking these courses will help you learn about different methods of
raising money and securing resources. It will also provide you with useful
opportunities for networking.
Employment Opportunities
Laws vary by state, but many states require some types of fundraisers to register with a state authority.
Fundraisers can advance to fundraising manager positions. However, some manager positions may also require a master’s degree, in addition to years of work experience as a fundraiser.
Typical employers are charities, although their size, structure and purpose vary tremendously. Other organisations that employ fundraisers include:
- hospitals
- educational establishments
- arts organisations
- churches
- political parties
- other local, national and international fundraising agencies.
The main characteristic of these organisations is that they are dedicated to the promotion of a particular cause rather than to making a profit.
Fundraising managers work for non-profit organizations
and charities. Fundraising managers supervise and coordinate all operations
within an organization that generates money. They work closely with an
internal team, as well as external clients, donors, and various members of
the community.
The fundraising manager is responsible for
building good relationships with prospective donors and clients across
multiple sectors, communicating with the broader public and internal teams,
delegating tasks, and drawing up plans to ensure annual targets are met.
They need to be well organized, proactive, and
have the ability to inspire those around them.
A successful fundraising manager should stay
informed on marketing strategies, and be comfortable doing research on
different sectors. A great fundraising manager should have sharp public
speaking skills and be able to deliver presentations to a range of
audiences.
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Knowledge, skills and attributes
- Bachelor's degree in PR, Fundraising, or any related field (preferably a master's degree)
- 3-5 years of fundraising experience
- Previous experience in sales or marketing also acceptable
- Sound knowledge of the sector
- Experience managing a team
- Excellent written, verbal, and telephonic communication skills
(Source:
Better Team)
Duties and Tasks
- Conducting research on fundraising opportunities
- Writing, submitting, and uploading press releases as required
- Writing funding proposals and submitting these to potential donors
- Preparing quarterly budgets
- Coming up with ingenious ways to raise awareness
- Implementing a variety of marketing strategies and promotional campaigns
- Organizing and attending non-profit events and networking with relevant stakeholders
- Establishing good relationships with staff, members of the public, and the media
Working conditions
Fundraising managers work full time. Some attend fundraising events on nights and weekends, possibly requiring additional hours.
Education and training/entrance requirements
- Bachelor's degree in PR, Fundraising, or any related field (preferably a master's degree)
- 3-5 years of fundraising experience
- Previous experience in sales or marketing also acceptable
Employment Opportunities
Fundraising managers are employed by:
- Educational services; state, local, and private
- Religious, grantmaking, civic, professional and similar organizations
- Administrative and support services
- Arts, entertainment, and recreation
- Healthcare and social assistance
Employment of fundraisers is projected to grow faster than the average for
all occupations. Employment growth will be driven by the continued need of
nonprofit organizations to collect donations in order to run their
operations.
Many nonprofit organizations are focusing on cultivating an online presence
and are increasingly using social media for fundraising activities. As a
result, social media platforms have created new avenues for fundraisers to
connect with potential donors and to spread their organization’s message.
Job prospects for fundraising managers are
expected to be good because organizations are always looking to raise more
donations. Candidates with internship or volunteer experience in nonprofit
and grantmaking organizations should have better job opportunities
Charity fundraisers seek to increase individual and group
contributions by building relationships and exploring new
fundraising opportunities. Networking is an
important part of the role of a charity fundraiser since success
depends heavily on being able to forge positive relationships with
supporters. Charities fundraisers encourage people and organisations
to donate money to good causes. Charities and not-for-profit
organisations rely on donations and funding, and they employ
fundraisers to help keep these coming in. Fundraising is a paid
role: it's not the same as shaking a bucket in the street as a
volunteer (although fundraisers may organise street collections and
help out).
Another aspect to your role will be to raise awareness of the charity's work, aims and goals. In larger charities, you'll usually specialise in one particular area of donation. In smaller charities, you may cover several types of fundraising.
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Alternative names: Charities Fundraiser
Specialisations:
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Corporate fundraisers raise money from businesses in various ways, from organising payroll giving to agreeing sponsorship of major events. This may suit someone with a good understanding of business.
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Trust and statutory fundraisers bid for trust and grant money. This may appeal more to people who enjoy research and preparing proposals.
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Community fundraisers are the main point of contact for most mainstream fundraising involving members of the public. Community fundraising will suit those who can work with people from all walks of life and are keen to get involved in a variety of fundraising activities.
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Major donor fundraisers focus on developing relationships with key supporters who can donate high-value gifts. Often this is a role to which experienced fundraisers progress.
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Legacy fundraisers encourage supporters to consider leaving a gift to the charity in their will. This type of fundraising may suit people with an interest in law or accountancy.
Knowledge, skills and attributes
Recruiters look for candidates who are confident and organised.
Other essential skills and qualities include:
- a passion for the not-for-profit sector and a commitment to your charity's cause
- creativity, imagination and an entrepreneurial attitude towards fundraising
- the ability to influence others using excellent written and spoken communication skills
- sales and negotiation abilities
- IT and social media skills
- resourcefulness - a proactive attitude, drive and enthusiasm to carry out projects to conclusion
- the ability to build and maintain professional relationships
- initiative and the ability to solve problems
- the capability to work under pressure and meet deadlines
- good presentation and networking skills
- the ability to meet financial targets
- drive and enthusiasm
- the ability to motivate, manage others and work as part of a team
- resilience, particularly when faced with setbacks
- sensitivity to the needs of volunteers and donors
- a willingness to carry out a range of administrative tasks
- excellent organisation, administrative and project management skills
(Source:
Third Sector)
Duties and Tasks
As a charity fundraiser, you may typically:
- make contact with individuals or companies who may be interested in donating to your charity
- develop and plan new and imaginative fundraising initiatives
- organise ongoing fundraising events such as charity auctions, sponsored or promotional events, fun runs, house-to-house or door-to-door collections
- planning donation campaigns and events
- recruit, train, inspire volunteers and coordinating their work
- inspire new supporters to raise money, while maintaining and developing relationships with existing supporters
- motivate and facilitate supporters to maximise the funds they raise
- keep records of fundraising activities and money raised - manage and update databases to record donor contact and preference information
- manage the running of retail outlets or online sales
- increase funds by researching and targeting charitable trusts whose criteria match the charity's aims and activities
- control budgets and meet targets for the amount of money raised
- writing reports and press releases
- report your performance to managers, trustees and donors
- raise awareness of the charity and its work at local and national levels, e.g. giving talks to groups or seeking photo opportunities with the media, press releases or direct mail
- come up with new ways to acquire funding – through events, online advertising or legacy-giving campaigns, for example – is a particularly important part of the job. In smaller organisations, fundraisers may need to manage communications and events for donors as well
- write applications and mailshots, using direct mailing to reach a range of potential and current donors
- develop and coordinate web-based fundraising, online auctions and merchandise sales
- carry out risk analysis and balance time-cost
ratios to focus effort on the fundraising activities that are most
appropriate and will have the highest chance of success.
Working conditions
In a full-time job you would work around 35 to 40 hours a week. Weekend and
evening work is common, especially in jobs that involve organising events.
Larger charities may offer flexible working. Availability to work out of
hours is often required, e.g. to attend evening or weekend events and
meetings. Time off in lieu is usually offered. Charity fundraisers may be
provided with a company car.
Part-time work in this sector is also common, as smaller charities may not
have the budget to employ a full-time fundraiser.
Around 40% of voluntary sector staff work part time.
Job-sharing and career breaks are possible. Self-employment and freelance
consultancy are possible, usually after a few years' experience.
Short-term contracts are common, especially in event fundraising, and this
can result in job uncertainty.
You could be based in an office, or may do some of your work from home. You
may have to travel to give presentations and attend events and meetings.
You may also be responsible for an outbound call centre that fund raises for
one or more charities.
The majority of employees are women.
Tools and technologies
Fundraisers spend a great deal of time on the phone and using computers especially Excel to record donors.
Education and training/entrance requirements
Charity fundraisers come from a wide range of backgrounds. Most charity fundraisers would have a degree, but employers would also be interested in your skills, experience and commitment to working in the not-for-profit sector. Relevant degrees would include qualifications in marketing, public relations, or communications. To get into degree courses you usually need to gain your senior secondary school certificate or equivalent.
There are routes into becoming a
charities fundraiser for both graduates and school leavers.
For graduates, any degree is acceptable for entry into the profession.
However, qualifications in management, marketing, communications or public
relations may be helpful.
Voluntary work with a charity or not-for-profit will strengthen your
application. It'll demonstrate that you have some understanding of how the
voluntary sector operates, and how funding and donations help keep
organisations running. Look for opportunities via your university or contact
your local volunteer centre.
The field of international
development is particularly competitive and so a relevant undergraduate or
Masters degree is desirable.
Employment Opportunities
Employment of fundraisers is projected to grow faster than the average for all occupations. Employment growth will be driven by the continued need of not-for-profit organisations to collect donations in order to run their operations.
Larger charities with a fundraising department and an established staffing
structure may offer greater scope for promotion and career development. In
smaller charities though, you'll usually gain an excellent breadth of
experience due to being responsible for a range of fundraising activities.
Your career path in fundraising might involve moving from volunteering to
fundraising officer, then to fundraising manager, head of fundraising in a
small charity or a middle management role in a large charity. Eventually
becoming a director of fundraising in a small charity, or head of a
fundraising department in a large charity.
If you want to specialise in a particular area, such as corporate or trust
fundraising, there will be more opportunities in larger charities since they
are more likely to have several fundraising teams. Large charities also
require the full range of business functions, so you could move into
specialist areas such as operations, database management or marketing and
communications.
Organisations that will receive less financial support than in the past,
such as colleges and universities, may need fundraisers to solicit donations
to make up for shortfalls.
More non-profit organisations are focusing on cultivating an online presence
and are increasingly using social media for fundraising activities. As a
result, social media has created a new avenue for fundraisers to connect
with potential donors and to spread their organisation’s message.
The skills you develop as a fundraiser, such as strategic thinking, project management, networking, and public relations, are useful and highly valued by employers both within and outside the voluntary sector. Highlighting your commercial awareness and business skills may help with a sideways move into the private or public sector. Corporate social responsibility is a growing area where jobs may emerge.
Vacancies in small organisations are likely to be advertised locally. Look
at community news sources, follow social media pages that post about local
charity opportunities and contact your local council for voluntary service
or volunteer centre for ideas.
Jobs in larger organisations may be advertised in the national press and on
specialist websites.
|
Did You Know? What is Crowd Funding? Crowdfunding is a way to finance your business through, loans, donations or exchanging money for rewards or shares in your business. You generally do this through a crowdfunding website. To begin, you’ll need to post your business idea (as a campaign) on the website. People can then support your campaign by contributing money to help you achieve your goal. On some websites, you’ll set a goal for the amount of money you need, and when you want to reach this goal by. (Source: Business.gov.au) McGrath Foundation The McGrath Foundation is a breast cancer support and education charity in Australia, which raises money to place McGrath Breast Care Nurses in communities across Australia and increase breast health awareness. The charity was founded by Australian cricket player Glenn McGrath and his English-born wife, Jane McGrath, in 2005, following Jane's initial diagnosis and recovery from breast cancer. Jane died on 22 June 2008 at the age of 42. The McGrath Foundation hosts a variety of events and community fundraising initiatives each year to support its vision. Sydney Pink Test – Each January, the Sydney Cricket Ground turns into a sea of pink on day three of the Sydney Pink Test in honour of Jane McGrath. The Sydney Pink Test has become the iconic centrepiece of the Cricket Australia and McGrath Foundation partnership, through the community action program Cricket Cares.  (Source: Cricket Country) Pink Stumps Day – Pink Stumps Day allows people to bring the spirit of the Pink Test into their own community by providing clubs, businesses and schools the opportunity to show off their cricket skills and fundraise for the McGrath Foundation. Pink Stumps Day is held in February each year. Pull On Your Socks – An initiative targeted at encouraging people to purchase pink McGrath Foundation sports or everyday socks and host a fundraiser in support of the McGrath Foundation. McGrath Foundation High Tea – Jane McGrath and best friend Tracy Bevan, Ambassador and Director of the McGrath Foundation, hosted a high tea as one of the Foundation's first fundraising initiatives. The McGrath Foundation continues to host high teas in Sydney and Melbourne as a way to connect with supporters and raise funds. (Source: Wikipedia) |
Volunteer organisers recruit, train and manage volunteers in their own
company, or on behalf of companies for which they recruit volunteers.
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N/A
Alternative names:
Volunteer Coordinator; Volunteer Manager
Knowledge, skills and attributes
To become a volunteer organiser, you would need:
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a non-judgmental attitude
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the ability to relate to a wide range of people
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excellent speaking, writing and presentation skills
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the ability to lead and motivate others
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enthusiasm and a positive, outgoing attitude
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strong teamwork skills
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empathy with users of the volunteer service
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the ability to develop contacts and networks in organisations.
Blaze Aid Out of the ashes of Black Saturday 2009 came an urgent need for fences to be rebuilt and communities restored. Kilmore East farmers, Kevin and Rhonda Butler, were among those whose fences were burnt. Needing to quickly secure their 1,500 sheep, they sought assistance from family, friends and local volunteers to help rebuild their fences. Within a week, the fences were completed – a task that would have taken them months to do on their own. Grateful for the assistance they received, Rhonda and Kevin decided to try to help a few others with their fencing. Thus, BlazeAid was born. Since the devastation of the Black Saturday bushfires on 8th February 2009, thousands of long- and short-term BlazeAid volunteers have come to help rebuild fences for the bush fire survivors. Our volunteers have come from all parts of Australia, as well as New Zealand, Switzerland, England, Afghanistan, Canada, Germany, Austria, America and France. (Source: Blaze Aid) |
Duties and Tasks
As a volunteer organiser, you would:
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work with unpaid volunteers to provide support services in a broad range of organisations
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understand the needs of an organisation that can be met by volunteers
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understand the individual roles that volunteers would be asked to fill
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generate job descriptions for volunteering roles
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write volunteering policies for your own, or client, organisations
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design recruitment activities to attract volunteers
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interview volunteers and conduct risk assessments
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match volunteers to volunteering vacancies
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arrange or deliver training for volunteers and their managers
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give ongoing coaching and support to volunteers and their managers
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work with other agencies
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keep records up to date, including databases
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offer advice and information to volunteers and external organisations through face-to-face, telephone and email contact
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manage budgets and resources, including the reimbursement of expenses
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keep up to date with legislation and policy related to volunteering
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generate income, writing funding bids and undertake fundraising
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maintain databases and other administrative duties.
(Source:
Volunteer)
Working conditions
In a full-time role, you would
usually work a standard number of hours per week. With some
organisations, you may need to cover weekends and evenings. Part-time
and fixed-term work is often available, particularly in smaller
organisations that may not have the budget or resources to employ a
full-time organiser.
You would be mainly office-based, but some travel is likely to attend
meetings with other organisations and to visit volunteers. You may need
a current drivers' licence.
Education and training/entrance requirements
You can become a volunteer
organiser without formal qualifications, You may have extensive
experience in volunteering yourself, and gain a paid role of this nature
as a result of managing volunteers in an unpaid role.
Most volunteer organisers would have some form of tertiary
qualification, such as a degree in business studies, human resource
management, or social work, coupled with experience in management roles
in not-for-profit or volunteer-based organisations.
A post-graduate qualification is not usually needed, but is becoming
increasingly useful as the job grows in popularity, especially for the
more competitive industries, such as international development and aid.
Employment Opportunities
This is a specialised occupation
from the perspective of paid roles; however, opportunities are expected
to be positive.
As more organisations use or rely on volunteers to meet the demand for
the delivery of services, they will increasingly need professional
organisers to recruit, train and mange those volunteers. However, the
number of organisations who can afford to pay staff to undertake these
roles may not grow as quickly as the number of opportunities themselves.
A political fundraiser raises
money on behalf of political parties, charities and research
organisations. Political fundraisers work at
all levels in government, political parties, charities, research centres
and think-tanks - from unpaid volunteers who go door-to-door collecting
money for a local politician or project, to the highest PR svengalis in
government, who oversee the streaming of billions of dollars into
election campaigns.
For mid-level fundraisers, the job involves working with sympathetic
affiliates, be they businesses, organisations or individual donors, to
raise and organise funds for political activities. This money is then
put into running campaigns or funding projects or research on behalf of
a donor.
Employees can be involved in fundraising at all stages of the process,
from devising funding strategies, through the successful execution of
these strategies, to maintaining relations with funders – and overseeing
the distribution of the money into various projects.
Fundraising is increasingly important to today’s political
infrastructure, as parties have to be accountable as to where and how
they acquire the money necessary to run their operations. In a wider
arena, policy and government are heavily reliant on the commissioning of
independent research to investigate important topics within education,
housing and society, and many of these research institutes or
think-tanks are supported solely by money raised from donations.
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Also known as…
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Operations manager
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Campaign fundraiser
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Campaign worker
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Grassroots fundraiser
Knowledge, skills and attributes
Fundraisers who work for political campaigns must be knowledgeable about campaign finance laws, such as the contribution limits of an individual giving to a specific candidate.
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Good social skills and networking skills
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Computer skills, especially database management
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Organisational skills
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An ability to solve problems and take initiative, and a willingness to take responsibility for the management of accounts and confrontation of obstacles
Duties and Tasks
The daily responsibilities of a political fundraiser may include:
-
Initiating and maintaining contact with funders and potential funders
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Managing accounts
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Writing funding bids
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Organising and managing fundraising events and networking functions
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At junior levels, fundraisers will be expected to help out with office administration
-
At higher levels, fundraisers will be expected to delegate to and organise teams of fundraisers
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In senior positions, fundraisers can be expected to devise long-term strategies and oversee their successful implementation at all levels
Most fundraisers work in an office to normal hours, but some attendance at fundraising or networking events can be necessary to the job.
Political fundraisers tend to work normal hours under relatively
well-protected conditions.
However, most fundraisers will be expected to attend functions and
events where relevant, and these usually take place outside normal
office hours. Many fundraisers, for instance, may be expected to attend
all or part of week-long party political conferences in different
locations, and may be expected to be on duty at all times during these
out-of-town trips.
That said, many fundraisers find these events can be stimulating,
offering unique opportunities to network and exposing interesting
perspectives on the political world.
A crowded job market means the environment can be competitive – and
consequently, some fundraisers both at junior and at senior levels can
feel pressured or expected to work late or overtime, and to help out in
different areas.
Finally, fundraisers and organisers can be expected, occasionally, to
help with the logistics of fundraising events. This can be anything from
meeting important speakers at the station to lifting chairs!
Most political fundraisers have a BA or postgraduate degree in a relevant field, such as politics, development or history. Aptitude and a good academic record can be important, although specific interests or qualifications will vary according to the nature of the role or organisation.
Requisite experience varies according to the post,
but almost all positions will expect a BA or equivalent.
In addition, relevant experience in a former job either as a fundraiser
or in politics, will be expected in all but the most junior of
positions.
For junior positions, successful applicants will most likely have a
proven record of interest in the field, with some knowledge of the
position gained by an internship or through other voluntary work or
involvement in the sector.
Finally, a proven record of affinity with or belief in the political
standing of the organisation- membership of a party, for instance – can
be crucial, and will give a strong advantage to potential applicants.
Many fundraisers volunteer or intern as unpaid
assistants before winning a paid job. The
government and mainstream political parties are the main employers of
political fundraisers.
However, political think-tanks and charities that cater to a specific
political interest are growing in magnitude and in power.
A little research can reveal some fascinating specialist areas within
all mainstream political persuasions.
A majority of political fundraisers will go on to
other jobs in politics, either as researchers, or working in government
or policy.
Others return to university to conduct research degrees in politics or
other connected subjects.
For those more interested in the idea of fundraising than in the
political arena, a career in sales, account management, finance or
charity fundraising can prove rewarding – and potentially more lucrative
than a career in politics.
At higher levels, fundraising work tends to intersect with policy or
management of the party, think-tank, charity or other institution.
However, there are a few individuals dedicated to fundraising high up in
government and policy, who are instrumental in the running of political
campaigns, particularly in the run up to and during elections.
(Jobs not linked are currently being worked on)
Material sourced from
Business [Fundraiser; ]
Career Planner [Fundraiser; ]
Web Archive Only - CareerHQ [Charity Fundraiser; Volunteer Organiser; ]
Prospects UK [Charity Fundraiser; ]
TargetJobs UK [Charity Fundraiser; ]
My Job Search [Political Fundraiser; ]
Truity [Fundraiser; ]
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