Charity fundraising jobs involve thinking up new and effective ways to generate funds for charities.
Employers of charity fundraisers tend to be more interested in skills and commitment than formal qualifications, although many charities prefer to take on staff with a track record in fundraising. Experience in sales, marketing and public relations and degree level study in business studies and marketing may also be helpful. Some large charities employ new graduates and provide them with on-the-job training through their graduate trainee schemes.
Charity fundraisers work for national and local charities. Competition for paid employment is strong, particularly with large, well-known charities. Jobs may be advertised through specialist recruitment agencies that deal with charity sector vacancies.
Working Conditions and Salary
Full-time charity fundraising jobs usually involve working 35 to 40 hours a week. Weekend and evening work is commonplace, especially in jobs that involve event organisation. Part-time work is available, particularly in smaller charities that lack the funds to employ full-time fundraisers.
Starting salaries for full-time charity fundraisers may be between £18,000 and £23,000 a year, rising to £30,000 a year for staff with experience. With experience, charity fundraisers can move into management positions. Fundraising managers employed by larger charities may earn as much as £50,000 a year.