Fundraiser Job Description and Outlook
Written by:
East Carolina University®
• Apr 1, 2025
Fundraisers are key players in securing financial support for organizations through donations, grants, and events. These professionals are instrumental in helping nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, and healthcare providers achieve their goals and maintain vital programs. The fundraising sector plays a crucial role in society, with over $500 billion donated to charity in the United States alone in recent years.
An exploration of the traditional fundraiser job description, including core responsibilities, typical work environments, necessary qualifications, and career outlook, demonstrates how the right education and training can lead to a successful and impactful future .
Core Job Responsibilities of a Fundraiser
The primary goal of a fundraiser is to secure financial resources to support an organization’s mission, whether that’s funding research, expanding services, or promoting community initiatives. By raising crucial funds, fundraisers allow organizations to achieve their objectives and make a positive impact in the communities they serve.
The role requires a combination of strategic planning, relationship management, and creativity to successfully engage donors and guarantee long-term support.
The key responsibilities of a fundraiser job description include the following:
-
Planning and Executing Fundraising Campaigns: Developing strategies to meet financial goals through events, online platforms, or direct outreach
-
Building and Maintaining Relationships With Donors and Sponsors: Cultivating long-term relationships with individuals, foundations, and businesses to ensure support
-
Organizing Events and Managing Fundraising Initiatives: Coordinating events, such as galas, auctions, and community drives, to generate funds
-
Writing Grant Proposals and Seeking Funding From Institutions: Identifying potential funders and crafting compelling proposals to secure grants and sponsorships
-
Coordinating With Marketing Teams for Promotional Efforts: Partnering with marketing teams to create awareness and promote fundraising campaigns through social media, newsletters, and other channels
Day-to-Day Duties
Fundraisers spend much of their time on tasks that ensure a consistent and organized approach to securing and maintaining donations. Their day-to-day responsibilities focus on relationship building, research, and tracking campaigns’ success to maximize fundraising efforts.
These tasks help ensure that donations are being managed effectively and that donors feel engaged and appreciated.
Their daily responsibilities include the following:
-
Conducting Research on Prospective Donors: Identifying and researching potential individual or corporate donors who align with the organization’s mission
-
Managing Donor Databases and Tracking Contributions: Keeping accurate records of donor information, ensuring that contributions are logged, and sending acknowledgment receipts
-
Developing Outreach Materials, Such as Newsletters and Social Media Posts: Creating and distributing content to engage current and potential donors; keeping them informed about fundraising campaigns
-
Communicating With Donors to Build Long-Term Engagement: Reaching out to current and prospective donors through phone calls, emails, and meetings to maintain strong relationships
-
Monitoring Campaign Success and Preparing Reports: Tracking the performance of fundraising campaigns, analyzing results, and preparing reports to share with leadership teams and stakeholders
Typical Work Settings and Industries
A traditional fundraiser job description can be applied to a wide range of settings depending on the needs of the organization and the fundraising campaign. While fundraisers can do much of their work from an office or a remote setting, they may also find themselves at event venues or on-site during campaign activities.
Flexibility is key, as the work setting can change often based on the type of fundraising initiative being executed.
Common work settings and industries that employ fundraisers include the following:
-
Offices, Event Venues, or Remote Settings: Work is often conducted in office spaces. However, with remote work being more common, it can also include coordinating and attending events or managing tasks from home.
-
Nonprofit Organizations: Many fundraisers work with nonprofit organizations to raise funds for various causes, including social services, environmental issues, and international aid.
-
Educational Institutions (Colleges and Universities): Fundraisers in this sector focus on alumni donations, scholarships, and research funding for academic programs.
-
Hospitals and Healthcare Organizations: Hospitals and healthcare organizations often employ fundraisers to secure donations for research, treatment programs, and facilities.
-
Arts and Cultural Organizations: Museums, theaters, and performing arts groups rely on fundraisers to support cultural initiatives and public programs.
-
Political Campaigns and Advocacy Groups: Political campaigns and advocacy organizations also employ fundraisers on their teams to raise money for campaigns and public outreach.
Education and Experience Requirements
To fulfill the requirements of a fundraiser job description, having the right educational background and experience is essential.
While the specific requirements can vary, most fundraisers hold at least a bachelor’s degree in fields such as psychology , communications, business, or public relations. These disciplines help develop the foundational skills necessary for effective fundraising, including communication, marketing, and an understanding of human behavior.
Skills Gained Through Psychology Programs
Fundraisers with a background in psychology can bring unique advantages to their roles.
Key skills include the following:
-
Data Analysis and Research Methods: Students in Psychology learn how to ask research questions, including how to increase campaign funding engagement. They also learn how to properly analyze that data to drive change.
-
Understanding Human Behavior and Motivation: A deep understanding of why people can help fundraisers craft more compelling campaigns.
-
Communication and Persuasion Techniques: Psychology students often develop strong skills in influencing others, crucial when building relationships with donors or securing contributions.
Recommended Experience
While education provides the foundation, hands-on experience is equally valuable.
Internships and volunteer opportunities in nonprofit fundraising can provide these professionals with practical exposure to the field. Experience in donor relations, marketing, or event planning helps develop the skills needed to successfully engage and retain supporters.
Whether through entry-level or volunteer roles, this experience improves a fundraiser’s ability to execute campaigns and establish high-value relationships with donors.
Job Outlook and Growth Potential
The job outlook for professionals who fulfill the requirements of a fundraiser job description is strong, with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projecting a 6% growth in employment between 2023 and 2033. This is faster than the average for other occupations. Key growth drivers are a rising focus on philanthropy, nonprofit expansion, and increasing support for social causes.
Salary Expectations
The median annual salary for fundraisers was $64,160 in 2023, with those in educational services making a median of $68,610, according to the BLS.
Experienced professionals, especially in larger organizations or specialized sectors (healthcare, education), can earn over $106,000 annually.
The field offers robust job security and competitive salaries, with significant growth potential as demand for fundraising professionals continues to increase.
Your Path to a Rewarding Career in Fundraising
Fundraisers play a critical role in helping organizations secure the resources to support their missions and achieve their visions. From planning campaigns to building and maintaining donor relationships, this career requires strong communication skills, a passion for social causes, and the ability to encourage others to make a difference. Whether working in nonprofits, healthcare, or education, fundraisers drive positive change and have a lasting impact on the causes they support—and an education can pave the way to success.
The online Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Psychology at East Carolina University® gives students the tools to thrive as fundraisers. This program builds skills in behavioral science and research, managing high stress situations, human behavior and the social environment, and much more.
Explore how a bachelor’s degree from ECU can equip you with the knowledge and practical applications required to thrive in the fundraising field.
Recommended Readings
Public Relations Specialist Career Overview
What Is Organizational Psychology?
Sources:
Double the Donation, Nonprofit Fundraising Statistics to Boost Results in 2025
Glassdoor, How Much Does an Entry-Level Fundraiser Make?
