What They Do
Fundraisers typically perform the following tasks:
• 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.
• Develop strategies to encourage new or increased contributions.
• Develop or implement fundraising activities, such as annual giving campaigns or direct mail programs.
• Compile or develop materials to submit to granting or other funding organizations.
• Conduct research to identify the goals, net worth, charitable donation history, or other data related to potential donors, potential investors, or general donor markets.
• Develop fundraising activity plans that maximize participation or contributions and minimize costs.
• Direct or supervise fundraising staff, including volunteer staff members.
• Establish fundraising or participation goals for special events or specified time periods.
• Monitor progress of fundraising drives.
• Recruit sponsors, participants, or volunteers for fundraising events.
• Contact corporate representatives, government officials, or community leaders to increase awareness of organizational causes, activities, or needs.
• Attend community events, meetings, or conferences to promote organizational goals or solicit donations or sponsorships.
• Write reports or prepare presentations to communicate fundraising program data.
• Explain the tax advantages of contributions to potential donors.
• Design or produce materials such as posters, Web sites, or newsletters to promote, market, or advertise fundraising events.
• Write speeches, press releases, or other promotional materials to increase awareness of the causes, missions, or goals of organizations seeking funds.
Key facts
Median: $66,490
Employment: 134,400
Growth (2024–2034):
+4.0%
Education:
Bachelor's degree
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Career Intelligence Metrics
Automation Risk Assessment
Medium RiskWork-Life Balance Score
7.1/10Personality Fit (RIASEC Profile)
3.8
Realistic
7.2
Investigative
4.0
Artistic
6.6
Social
8.2
Enterprising
8.8
Conventional
Powered by O*NET Career Profiling
Personality Match: The higher the score (out of 10), the better this career matches that personality type. People with similar interests and work styles tend to be most satisfied in careers that match their personality profile.
Top Skills
Communication skills
Decision-making skills
Detail oriented
Interpersonal skills
Organizational skills
Strengths
- High Demand
- Flexible Work
- Continuous Learning
Challenges
- Burnout Risk
- Rapid Technological Change
Median Salary Comparison
Employment projection (2024–2034)
Geographic Employment & Wage Analysis
BLS OEWS Data Updated 2024-05States with Highest Employment
- New York 11,380
- California 10,570
- Massachusetts 5,940
- Pennsylvania 5,600
- Florida 5,470
- Texas 4,800
- Illinois 4,080
- Ohio 3,600
- North Carolina 3,520
- Virginia 3,520
BLS OEWS data (2024-05)
Regional Wage Variations
-
New York +17%$77,480
-
California +22%$80,810
-
Massachusetts +12%$74,370
-
Pennsylvania -6%$62,360
-
Florida -6%$62,570
-
Texas -12%$58,320
-
Illinois -5%$63,360
-
Ohio -6%$62,190
-
North Carolina -5%$62,990
-
Virginia 1%$67,010
BLS OEWS state wage data
Top Metropolitan Areas
New York-Newark-Jersey City
Employment: High
Growth: +3.2%
Los Angeles-Long Beach
Employment: High
Growth: +2.8%
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin
Employment: Medium
Growth: +1.5%
Dallas-Fort Worth
Employment: Medium
Growth: +4.1%
San Francisco-Oakland
Employment: High
Growth: +2.3%
Based on BLS metropolitan area data
Industries with Highest Concentrations
Educational services; state, local, and private
85%
Religious, grantmaking, civic, professional, and similar organizations
70%
Professional, scientific, and technical services
55%
Regional Job Market Outlook
Strong
West Coast
Stable
Northeast
Growing
South