Fundraising managers develop and execute strategies to secure financial support for organizations. You build relationships with donors, manage campaigns, and oversee fundraising operations. It requires a bachelor's degree and strong communication skills. Here is what the work involves, what it takes, and how to get in.
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Fundraising managers plan and direct fundraising campaigns to generate revenue for nonprofits, educational institutions, and other organizations. You establish and maintain relationships with donors and prospects, communicate with leadership about funding goals, and organize campaigns to meet targets. The work involves researching funding opportunities, analyzing donor data, updating your knowledge of fundraising trends, and using computers to manage donor databases and track campaign performance. You also monitor results and adjust strategies based on outcomes.
Core work activities
Career video courtesy of CareerOneStop.
Fundraising Managers earn a median of $125,470 a year, based on 2025 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and location.
The outlook is steady. Employment is projected to grow 4 percent from 2024 to 2034, about as fast as average for all occupations, with about 3,600 openings a year.
Top skills
Knowledge areas
Most fundraising manager positions require a bachelor's degree. Your preparation should include coursework in administration, management, customer service, sales and marketing, and accounting. Develop strong critical thinking, speaking, and active listening skills, as these are essential for donor relations. You will also need solid writing and reading comprehension abilities to craft compelling fundraising materials and proposals. Many people gain entry-level experience in development or donor relations roles before advancing to management positions.
Most fundraising managers start with a bachelor's degree and entry-level development experience. The path forward depends on your background and career goals, so if you are mapping out your next steps, Pathly can map the fundraising manager path that fits you and turn it into a plan with your counselor.
You do not need a license to work as a fundraising manager, but professional certifications can strengthen your resume.
Common certifications
You are enterprising, comfortable with strategy and persuasion, and energized by building relationships and closing deals. You thrive in goal-driven environments where your efforts directly impact an organization's mission and financial health.
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Last updated July 1, 2026.
Data sources. Career details from the O*NET 30.3 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under CC BY 4.0. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Salary and outlook figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2025 wages; 2024–2034 projections), delivered via the CareerOneStop API. Certification, licensing, wage, and outlook data from CareerOneStop, sponsored by USDOL/ETA and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED).