18.3 Entry, Midlevel & Senior Roles

A career in nonprofit fundraising offers a structured progression from entry-level roles to senior leadership positions. Each stage presents opportunities to develop key skills, build relationships, and contribute to an organization’s financial sustainability.  

Entry-Level Fundraising Positions 

Entry-level fundraising roles focus on administrative support, donor outreach, and event coordination. These positions serve as a foundation for gaining experience in nonprofit development and understanding donor engagement strategies.  

• Development Assistant – Provides administrative support for fundraising activities, such as processing donations, maintaining donor records, and coordinating mailings. Development assistants also help with event logistics and assist fundraisers in preparing materials for grant applications and donor outreach.
• Fundraising Associate – Engages with donors through phone calls, emails, and thank-you letters. This role often involves assisting with donor research, data entry, and supporting annual giving campaigns. Fundraising associates help identify potential donors and cultivate relationships that can lead to larger contributions.

• Event Assistant – Works alongside event coordinators to plan and execute fundraising events, such as charity runs, auctions, and benefit dinners. Event assistants handle logistics, secure sponsorships, and ensure events run smoothly.

• Annual Giving Coordinator – Supports small-scale fundraising efforts, including direct mail campaigns, online giving initiatives, and workplace giving programs. This role often serves as a stepping stone to larger donor engagement responsibilities.

These entry-level roles provide exposure to different aspects of nonprofit fundraising, allowing professionals to build the skills necessary for more advanced positions.  

Midlevel Fundraising Positions 

As fundraisers gain experience, they transition into midlevel roles that involve donor stewardship, strategic planning, and greater responsibility in securing funding. These positions require strong relationship-building and project management skills.  

• Grant Writer – Develops detailed proposals to secure funding from foundations, corporations, and government agencies. Grant writers research funding opportunities, draft compelling narratives, and ensure compliance with reporting requirements.

• Major Gifts Officer – Manages relationships with high-net-worth donors, cultivating and soliciting major gifts that significantly impact the organization. Major gifts officers focus on long-term engagement strategies, working closely with leadership to align donor interests with organizational priorities.

• Corporate and Foundation Relations Manager – Oversees partnerships with businesses and foundations, securing sponsorships, grants, and matching gifts. This role requires strong networking skills and the ability to demonstrate the nonprofit’s impact to potential funders.

• Donor Relations Manager – Focuses on maintaining and strengthening relationships with donors at all levels. Responsibilities include organizing donor appreciation events, overseeing stewardship programs, and ensuring that supporters feel valued.

• Event Manager – Plans and executes large-scale fundraising events, coordinating logistics, marketing, sponsorship acquisition, and post-event follow-up. Event managers are responsible for ensuring fundraising goals are met while creating meaningful donor experiences.

Midlevel fundraising roles offer opportunities for specialization, allowing professionals to deepen their expertise and take on leadership responsibilities in securing funding.  

Senior-Level Fundraising Positions 

Senior fundraisers lead nonprofit development efforts, setting overall fundraising strategies and managing teams. These roles require extensive experience, strategic vision, and the ability to cultivate relationships with major donors, corporate partners, and board members.  

• Director of Development – Oversees all fundraising activities, from donor engagement to grant writing and events. This role involves managing a fundraising team, setting annual revenue goals, and developing long-term strategies for financial growth.

• Vice President of Development – Leads a nonprofit’s fundraising and communications efforts, ensuring alignment with the organization’s mission and financial goals. The VP of Development collaborates with executive leadership, board members, and major donors to secure high-level funding.

• Chief Development Officer (CDO) – The highest-level fundraising executive, responsible for setting fundraising priorities, overseeing donor relations, and managing multimillion-dollar fundraising campaigns. The CDO plays a key role in shaping the organization’s financial sustainability and long-term growth.

Senior fundraising professionals are critical to an organization’s success, providing strategic leadership and securing major financial commitments that sustain nonprofit missions.  

Advancing in a Fundraising Career 

A successful career in nonprofit fundraising requires continuous learning, networking, and professional development. Many fundraisers pursue certifications such as the Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) to enhance their credentials and demonstrate expertise. Others gain experience by working across different areas of development, from grant writing to donor stewardship.  

Whether starting as a development assistant or leading as a chief development officer, fundraisers play a vital role in ensuring nonprofits have the resources to make a lasting impact. With strong communication skills, a commitment to relationship-building, and a passion for mission-driven work, fundraising professionals can create meaningful change in their communities and beyond.

Salaries and Benefits