Job description of Fundraising Manager, Responsibilities & Skills

The major job role of a Fundraising manager is to oversee the fundraising programs in his/her organization. Fundraising Manager works for a charity or another type of not-for-profit organization such as university and the role varies depending on size.

Charity Jobs portal provides all the information on job roles and jobs that are being posted. In larger organizations there’s usually a fundraising team to look after, while in smaller charities the entire scope of fundraising activities might be solely responsibility by a person.

A Fundraising Manager would be responsible for meeting income targets. Many techniques need to be incorporated to generate donations from sources such as the public, businesses and many others via special events, and wealthy benefactors (known as major donors).

Responsibilities of a Fundraising Manager

  • Recruiting, organising and inspiring volunteers.
  • Building relationships with major donors or companies.
  • Researching fundraising opportunities and writing grant applications to charitable trusts or statutory bodies.
  • Managing information and recording the profile and fundraising activity of donors on a database.
  • Preparing and delivering presentations.
  • Managing your own budget and ensuring targets are met.
  • Developing and organising fundraising campaigns. Encouraging events and door-to-door collections.
  • Ensuring major donors or companies are happy with their donation scheme and are kept informed of progress and key milestones.
  • Raising awareness of the organisation’s work and spotting fundraising opportunities.

Skills

  • Excellent communication skills: The role of a Fundraising Manager mainly depends on his/her verbal and written communication skills. Building long-term relationships with potential donors or volunteers is another key area that needs to be fulfilled.
  • Research skills: Explore and devising strategies need to be implemented, while spotting and taking advantage of donation opportunities is a necessity.
  • People management abilities: Skills of managing people including the team members, donors, business organisations, partners, and any others.

Qualifications

Being an undergraduate is often preferable but employment-related qualifications offered by the Institute of Fundraising can be even more helpful to become a Fundraising Manager. Certificate in Fundraising and the Diploma in Fundraising can also fetch you opportunities across different organizations.