I do partnerships for some of Google's earliest-stage products and initiatives and I also serve as Chair of the Board for The School Fund, an international nonprofit raising scholarship money for secondary school students in the developing world.
CAREER
Fundraisers
Overview
Salary Median (2020)
$59,610
Projected Job Growth (2019-2029)
+14.3% (faster than the average)
Most Common Level of Education
Bachelor's degree
Career
Roadtrip Nation Leaders in This Career
What Fundraisers Do
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.
Other Job Titles Fundraisers May Have
Contract Grant Writer, Development Associate, Development Officer, Direct Response Consultant, Fundraising Consultant, Grant Coordinator, Philanthropy Officer, Principal Gifts Officer
How Leaders Describe a Typical Day at Work
My day is typically spent managing relationships with our donors and keeping them engaged in what we are doing at N Street Village to make them aware of where their money is going and how it is helping the community. It's a lot of emails, phone calls, and meetings. Our communications manager reports to me, so I help her organize and strategize a lot of our outreach and marketing targeted towards securing new donors. I also help organize our year-end fundraiser where we raise $1 million.
Tasks & Responsibilities May Include
- Identify and build relationships with potential donors.
- Secure commitments of participation or donation from individuals or corporate donors.
- Write and send letters of thanks to donors.
- Solicit cash or in-kind donations or sponsorships from individual, business, or government donors.
- Create or update donor databases.
Education
Level of Education Attained by Fundraisers
Most common level of education among people in
this career: Bachelor's degree (50%)
Some college, no degree
Bachelor's degree
Master's degree
Other*
*All other responses combined for clarity.
Majors Related to Career
Educational Paths Suggested by Leaders
Suggested Path
High School
Bachelor
Small Business Administration/Man...
Suggested Path
Bachelor
Psychology, General
Graduate
Non-Profit/Public/...
Additional Skills & Experiences That Can Help You Excel
As young people, we don't always see the road blocks or potential problems that can occur. Staying optimistic and idealistic is a huge advantage especially when embarking down an unfamiliar path.
Be passionate about service and giving back to others. Learn about trauma-informed care. Compassion and understanding are very important. Don't sweat the small stuff.
Getting Started
Recommended First Step for:
High School Students
My path was winding, and that's ok. Look for people who can teach you new things and expand your worldview. Try to work on projects, products, that align with your values.
While you are a student, get involved with an events industry organization and volunteer to help any chance you can. You'll start building a real world knowledge base and a reputation if you work hard.
Take the time to learn. You don't have to jump into every opportunity right away. Build your skills and experience before trying to take charge. Take advantage of leadership development programs and networking. Intern or take on various positions within your company in order to learn a variety of skills.
College Students
Everyone
This page includes information from theO*NET 26.1 Databaseby the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under theCC BY 4.0license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
