When nonprofit organizations rely on donations and grants to help pay for everything from the work involved in advancing their mission to office expenses and staff salaries, fundraising is a critical function. Fundraising managers create strategies and campaigns to secure funds for their organization, playing a crucial role in its success.
For those interested in the fundraising manager role, enrolling in a Master of Public Administration degree program based in ethical leadership and the development of resilient communities is an ideal way to gain the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in the profession.
Fundraising managers work in public administration with the primary role of creating, executing and overseeing campaigns designed to raise money for their organization or cause.
The specific tasks fundraising managers perform on a day-to-day basis include the following:
About 38,200 fundraising managers were employed nationwide in 2023, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Their largest employers were religious and grantmaking organizations, educational services organizations, social assistance organizations, arts and entertainment organizations, and hospitals. Some fundraising managers work for firms that are hired by organizations for specific fundraising needs.
Fundraising managers usually work full-time hours or more, and they may operate within a specific area of their organization’s fundraising department. Though they spend time working in an office, they also travel to meet with potential donors and plan off-site events.
Becoming a fundraising manager involves pursuing a relevant education, developing the skills required to lead fundraising teams, gaining practical experience and, if desired, earning a credential.
A bachelor’s degree in business, public relations or communications is typically required to work as a fundraising manager, but earning a master’s degree such as a Master of Public Administration (MPA) can help candidates stand out from their peers.
Candidates who wish to work with larger, more prominent organizations tend to face more competition for management roles, and the additional education and skills gained in an MPA program can provide them with a significant advantage.
Fundraising managers need to have skills in key areas that include the following:
To qualify for a fundraising manager position, individuals need to have relevant experience gained either through paid or volunteer work. Fortunately, numerous volunteer positions are available in fundraising campaigns, providing aspiring fundraising managers with ample opportunity to gain experience while supporting the causes important to them. Volunteers may work in campaign development teams or as assistant grant writers.
Credentials are not necessarily required to work as a fundraising manager, but many professionals who aspire to work for prestigious and well-known organizations opt to earn the certified fund raising executive (CFRE) credential offered by CFRE International. According to the CFRE International website, professionals who are certified earn 5 percent to 16 percent more on average than their noncertified counterparts.
The Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) offers the advanced certified fundraising executive (ACFRE) designation. Considered by many to be the top credential in the profession, it demonstrates advanced knowledge and a commitment to leadership and ethical practice.
The median annual fundraising manager salary was $119,200 as of May 2023, according to the BLS. Those working for hospitals and for religious or grantmaking services organizations had median annual salaries of $134,110 and $125,520, respectively.
The BLS projects that positions for fundraising managers will grow by 6 percent between 2023 and 2033, as more organizations focus on community outreach, grant writing and events to help fund their mission.
Fundraising managers use their advanced leadership skills to help organizations and causes they are passionate about acquire both short- and long-term funding. Earning a Master of Public Administration degree from Augusta University Online is an excellent way for working professionals eager to excel as fundraising managers to take the next step in their career at their own pace.
Our 36-credit-hour online MPA program is guided by five core values: integrity, public service, democratic values, professionalism, and equity and diversity. With courses on topics such as constitutional and administrative law, public policy analysis, grant writing and administration, and community development, the program provides a well-rounded education that uniquely positions graduates as leaders in the fundraising space.
Find out how you can reach your true potential with AU Online.
Recommended Readings
Public Sector vs. Private Sector: MPA Career Comparison
5 Public Administration Careers for MPA Graduates
MPA vs. MBA: Differences and Outcomes
Sources:
Association of Fundraising Professionals, The Advanced Certified Fundraising Executive (ACFRE) Program
CFRE International, Initial Certification
Indeed, “Fundraising Careers: Types and Duties (Plus Salaries)”
Interview Guy, Fundraising Manager Job Description
Nonprofit Point, “7 Reasons Why Fundraising for Nonprofits Is So Important”
Teal, “What Is a Fundraising Manager?”
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Public Relations and Fundraising Managers
