For a driven leader and convincing marketer who is interested in generating support for a worthy cause, the fundraising manager role can be an appealing career choice. If you’re curious about what to expect in this role, and how a background in marketing can help you thrive in the nonprofit sector, read on to learn more about what a fundraising manager does and how you can become one.
A fundraising manager is someone who holds a leadership position in the fundraising or development department at a nonprofit organization.
Fundraising and development are related but differ slightly. Fundraising is raising money, whereas development (also called fund development) is a more holistic approach that emphasizes creating and nurturing long-term relationships with donors who support the organization’s mission.
As TSNE, a management consulting firm that works with nonprofit organizations, defines it, “Fund development is the ongoing strategic positioning of an organization to sustain and grow its resources by building relationships with those who understand and care about the organization’s relevance to the community. Building these relationships requires creating a shared vision, clear articulation of mission, creative strategies, and a solid communication plan.”
TSNE adds that a solid development plan requires an investment in donor relationships as well as a sturdy internal infrastructure that allows the organization to fulfill its mission. The fundraising manager plays a central role in ensuring that both of these needs are met.