Fundraiser Resume Example & Writing Guide
- What should your fundraiser resume look like?
- Why use this fundraiser resume example?
- Which key skills are relevant for a fundraiser resume?
Fundraisers play a crucial role in raising money for a wide variety of activities, and they work across both for-profit and nonprofit sectors. If you’re a fundraiser with some prior experience and you’re looking to take your career to the next level, then check out our fundraiser resume.
What should your fundraiser resume look like?
A fundraiser resume is intended to display your skills and experience in planning, arranging, and promoting events to raise money for a certain cause. A well-written fundraiser resume shows your ability to handle a wide variety of operations that allow an organization to find the funds they require.
Why use this fundraiser resume example?
Our fundraiser resume has been designed to showcase an applicant’s ability to manage a variety of fundraising activities, and it is ideal for professionals with some experience. The resume begins with the applicant’s name and contact details, and it also includes a resume title. This resume title corresponds with the job role to which the applicant is applying.
The first section of the resume includes a power statement and a resume summary. These two paragraphs work together to introduce the applicant and state their value proposition. This section includes an overview of the applicant’s experience, key responsibilities, and job-related skills.
The next section focuses on the applicant’s core competencies (or areas of expertise). This section includes a combination of job-related and soft skills needed to succeed as a fundraiser. Some of these skills include, but are not limited to, media relations, marketing, communication, and event management.
The applicant’s professional experience is presented in a reverse chronological sequence, with the most recent job experience mentioned first. Each job role consists of day-to-day responsibilities and key accomplishments. This section is ideal for adding as many job-related keywords as possible.
The final section of the resume involves the applicant’s educational background. Typically, for senior-level fundraising positions, a college degree is mandatory. However, some entry and mid-level jobs are a bit flexible, where relevant work experience is considered over education. This section can also be used to list the applicant’s certificates, licenses, and other credentials.
Which key skills are relevant for a fundraiser resume?
Fundraising jobs typically require a lot of communication and coordination. As a fundraiser, you’ll be expected to arrange and host large-scale events and help the organization meet its fundraising targets. Some of the key skills for this job include, but are not limited to:
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Interpersonal and people management skills
Ability to multi-task and pay attention to detail
Stress management skills
Customer relationship management skills
Lead generation and cold-calling tactics
Basic computer literacy
Physical stamina and the ability to travel, if needed
Summary example
Excel at forging and maintaining productive relationships with existing and prospective partners, donors, and sponsors. Proven ability to actively manage portfolios and network with potential donors to encourage generous, ongoing financial support. Exceptional record of exceeding major goals by motivating teams and peers to overcome challenges.
Employment history example
Senior Associate Director of Business Development at The University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 2016 - Present
Guide business development efforts and manage relationships with community and industry partners to provide sponsorships and recruit UMN students to jobs.
Recruit, lead, and coach cross-functional team of four, ensuring all metrics are achieved. Serve as key point of contact and subject-matter expert (SME) for healthcare industry companies. Liaise with healthcare company representatives in gathering information and coordinating responses to business operations and hiring needs. Partner with Director to formulate and execute annual business development plan; convey details of plan across the organization. Collaborate with various UMN and Carlson departments to plan / host events, and to develop and streamline processes. Facilitate use of customer relationship management (CRM) technology to track business development. Monitor dashboards to hold team accountable.
Appointed to cross-functional Employee Engagement Committee, reporting directly to Assistant Dean in evaluating engagement levels of 38-member team via research, interviews, and surveys.
Championed planning and coordination of corporate receptions hosting 300-500 people, including students and external partners across multiple industries.
Instrumental in maintaining 90-98% student job-placement rate due to efforts in coordinating on-campus recruiting events and interviews.
Planned and executed 2-day academies, setting up registration, coordinating efforts of volunteers, speakers and instructors, and serving as on-site contact.
Gala/Chairperson/Fundraiser (volunteer) at Smile Network International, Minneapolis, Minnesota 2015 - Present
Plan and coordinate annual gala event, the organization’s primary funding portal with 450 attendees, which raises up to $500K annually.
Solicit individual and corporate sponsors. Establish and cultivate relationships with sponsors and prospective sponsors with potential for major donations. Lead and motivate team of committee chairs to set and reach goals. Collaborate with volunteers in event setup, registration, programming, and tear-down.
Key contributor to donor continuum process, including solicitation, closure, and donations stewardship.
Demonstrated capacity for maximizing value of donor relations by strategically conveying impact of donations and gift-giving.
Executive Director at Enhance Corp, Minneapolis, Minnesota 2014 - 2016
Directed business development and end-to-end operations of start-up non-profit organization.
Created innovative strategies and forged new partnerships / sponsorships to drive brand growth. Built program funding pipeline for academies and facilities. Recruited, trained, and directed volunteers to assist with administrative, outreach, logistical, and communication functions. Liaised among and built relationships with community partners to strengthen the organization’s presence within the community.
Launched comprehensive re-branding / re-naming campaign while developing brand marketing and communication strategy, spanning digital / print messaging, advertising, web content, and social media channels.
Co-developed academy curriculum, sessions, presentations, and interactive learning activities for 2-day academies with average of 40-50 participants; established registration processes, coordinated instructor and facility logistics, and organized volunteers.
Education example
Master of Business Administration (MBA) at the University of Wisconsin.
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) at the University of Colorado.
Skills example
Prospect Identification & Solicitation
Public / Media Relations
Marketing & Business Development
Budget Control & Fiscal Management
Donor / Sponsor Relationship Building
Gala / Fundraiser Event Management
Leadership, Team Building & Coaching
Stakeholder Communication
