Non-profit and charity organisations depending on public funding and it is here where the roles of a fundraiser, to administrate, oversee and management raising of public funds, are critical. As fundraiser, you are responsible for generating ideas and planning for the raising of funds, and with a myriad of charities out there, your fundraising efforts should be ahead of all others. With the fundraiser is a team of volunteers, working as a team to inspire supporters to fund the organisation. Some management tasks are thus part of the job. Public education and awareness raising of the organisation, explaining why the funds are needed and what will be done with the funding, are the fundraiser's public relations job description. The organisation in need of funding has to ensure a strong and lasting bond with the public supporters their funders and therefore the public should always receive recognition in your work as fundraiser. Strategic planning, research, marketing and written requests for funding are office bound duties, but being part of a dynamic and inspired team, backing the organisation's mission, ensures an exciting and motivational work environment.
A very specific set of skills are required to be a successful fundraiser, these include: excellent relationship management, communication and presentation skills, as well as budgeting skills. The ability to motivate others is critical, as a fundraiser you need to motivate and engage with existing and potential supporters on a daily basis. Also bring your creativity and thinking hat to work new fundraising ideas are needed on a very regular basis.
- Ability to develop strategic marketing and fundraising programmes
- Motivated and target-driven individual
- Excellent communication, negotiation and other people skills