Fundraising Manager Career Profile

Picture this: You’re orchestrating a major capital campaign that will help build a new children’s hospital wing, coordinating with donors, board members, and stakeholders to bring a vision to life through strategic fundraising efforts.

Think about the last time you were moved to support a cause you believed in. Fundraising Managers are the professionals who channel that emotional connection into sustainable support for organizations, creating lasting impact through strategic relationship building and resource development.

Total Employment: 31,810 (2023)

Common Names for Fundraising Managers

• Account Supervisor
• Annual Giving Director
• Development Director
• Grant Manager

What Fundraising Managers Do

Here’s a fundamental list of core responsibilities for fundraising managers, aligned with BLS standards and common job descriptions:

• Strategic Planning: Develop comprehensive fundraising strategies and annual plans that align with organizational goals and financial targets to ensure sustainable revenue growth.
• Donor Relations: Cultivate and maintain relationships with major donors, foundations, and corporate partners through regular communication, meetings, and stewardship activities to secure ongoing financial support.
• Campaign Management: Plan, implement, and oversee fundraising campaigns, including annual appeals, capital campaigns, and special events to meet specific funding objectives and organizational needs.
• Team Leadership: Direct and mentor fundraising staff, volunteers, and committee members while coordinating their activities to maximize fundraising effectiveness and maintain consistent messaging.
• Budget Administration: Manage fundraising budgets, track expenses, and analyze cost-effectiveness of various fundraising initiatives to ensure optimal return on investment.
• Compliance Oversight: Ensure all fundraising activities comply with legal requirements, ethical standards, and organizational policies to maintain integrity and donor trust.
• Performance Analysis: Monitor and evaluate fundraising programs using key metrics and data analysis to measure success, identify trends, and make data-driven improvements.
• Grant Management: Oversee grant proposal processes, including research, writing, and reporting requirements to secure and maintain institutional funding sources.
• Donor Database Management: Maintain accurate donor records and gift processing systems to track relationships, giving history, and ensure proper acknowledgment of contributions.
• Stakeholder Communication: Develop and deliver compelling presentations, reports, and updates to board members, executive leadership, and key stakeholders about fundraising progress and outcomes.