Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Fundraising Manager

🎯 Role Definition

This role requires a dynamic and mission-driven Fundraising Manager to spearhead our development efforts and fuel our organization's growth. In this pivotal role, you will be the architect of our fundraising strategy, responsible for building and nurturing relationships with our valued donors, and ultimately, securing the vital funding that powers our programs. You will be a storyteller, a strategist, and a community builder, connecting the passion of our supporters with the impact of our work. This is a unique opportunity for a results-oriented professional to make a tangible difference, lead innovative campaigns, and grow with a passionate team dedicated to changing lives.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Fundraising Coordinator / Development Associate
Grants Writer / Manager
Major Gifts Officer

Advancement To:

Director of Development / Head of Fundraising
Chief Development Officer (CDO)
Vice President of Philanthropy

Lateral Moves:

Corporate Partnerships Manager
Director of Community Engagement
Non-Profit Consultant

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Develop, implement, and evaluate a comprehensive and diversified fundraising strategy to meet and exceed annual revenue goals.
Actively manage and grow a portfolio of major gift prospects, guiding them through the full cycle of identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
Lead the planning, execution, and follow-up for all fundraising events, from large-scale galas and auctions to intimate donor cultivation gatherings.
Oversee the entire grant lifecycle, including researching new institutional funding opportunities, writing compelling proposals, and ensuring timely, accurate reporting.
Design and manage multi-channel annual giving campaigns, including direct mail, email marketing, social media appeals, and giving days to grow our base of support.
Build and maintain strong, long-term relationships with individual donors, foundations, and corporate partners, ensuring they feel connected to our mission and impact.
Collaborate with the Executive Director and Board of Directors to engage them in fundraising activities and leverage their networks for philanthropic support.
Create and manage a robust pipeline of prospective donors, employing research and data to identify new potential sources of funding.
Prepare and present regular, insightful reports on fundraising activities, progress towards goals, and key performance indicators for leadership and the board.
Develop and manage the departmental budget, carefully tracking revenues and expenses to maximize return on investment for all fundraising initiatives.
Craft compelling, donor-centric communications and marketing materials, including case statements, funding proposals, annual reports, and digital content.
Lead the strategy and execution of planned giving programs, educating supporters on legacy giving options to secure future revenue.
Represent the organization at community events, conferences, and networking functions to build awareness and cultivate new relationships.
Stay abreast of emerging trends, best practices, and new opportunities in philanthropy and the non-profit sector to ensure our strategy remains innovative and effective.

Secondary Functions

Supervise and mentor development staff, interns, or volunteers, fostering a culture of excellence, collaboration, and professional growth within the team.
Ensure the integrity and accuracy of donor data by overseeing the management of the CRM database (e.g., Raiser's Edge, Salesforce, Bloomerang).
Coordinate with the finance department to ensure accurate gift processing, acknowledgments, and financial reconciliation.
Develop and oversee donor recognition programs and stewardship plans to foster donor loyalty and encourage upgraded giving.
Analyze fundraising data to identify trends, segment donor audiences, and refine strategies for improved campaign performance.
Work cross-departmentally with program and marketing teams to gather stories and data that powerfully illustrate our impact to donors.
Support ad-hoc data requests and exploratory data analysis to uncover new fundraising opportunities.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

CRM Database Management: High proficiency in using and managing fundraising CRMs like Raiser's Edge, Salesforce for Nonprofits, Bloomerang, or similar platforms.
Grant Writing and Prospect Research: Demonstrated ability to write successful grant proposals and use research tools (e.g., Foundation Directory Online) to identify funding opportunities.
Budget Management & Financial Acumen: Experience developing and managing departmental budgets, forecasting revenue, and analyzing financial reports.
Digital Fundraising Tools: Proficiency with online giving platforms (e.g., Classy, Givebutter), email marketing software, and social media for fundraising campaigns.
Major Gift Solicitation: Proven experience in face-to-face solicitation and securing five- and six-figure gifts from individuals, foundations, or corporations.
Event Management & Logistics: Expertise in planning and executing successful fundraising events of varying scales, from concept to completion.

Soft Skills

Exceptional Interpersonal & Communication Skills: Ability to articulate a compelling case for support and communicate effectively and persuasively with diverse audiences, both in writing and verbally.
Relationship Building & Donor Stewardship: A natural ability to build rapport, trust, and lasting relationships with donors, board members, and key stakeholders.
Strategic Thinking & Problem-Solving: Capacity to think critically and creatively to develop long-term plans, overcome challenges, and capitalize on opportunities.
Resilience, Optimism & Adaptability: A positive, persistent, and flexible approach to navigating the challenges of fundraising with a "can-do" attitude.
Emotional Intelligence: High degree of self-awareness, empathy, and tact in managing sensitive donor relationships and navigating internal dynamics.
Project Management & Organization: Meticulous attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple complex projects, priorities, and deadlines simultaneously.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

Bachelor's Degree

Preferred Education:

Master's Degree in a relevant field or a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) credential.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Non-Profit Management
Business Administration
Communications
Public Administration
Marketing

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 3-7 years of progressive experience in non-profit fundraising or development.

Preferred: A proven track record of securing major gifts, managing successful multi-channel fundraising campaigns, and consistently meeting or exceeding ambitious revenue targets. Experience working with a board of directors and mentoring staff is highly desirable.