Hiring guide · Community, Social & Government Services
How to Hire a Fundraiser
Pay benchmarks, qualifications, sourcing, screening and interview questions for hiring fundraisers, plus a plan to get them productive fast.
Write a clear job description, offer competitive pay (the national median is $72,550), recruit through social work, counseling and human services programs, verify Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) where applicable, run a structured interview with a practical skills check, and onboard with a 30-60-90 day plan.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
The hiring market for fundraisers
There are about 140,900 fundraisers employed in the U.S., with roughly 10,000 openings each year. Employment is projected to change +5.5% from 2025–35 (faster than average). Expect competition for qualified candidates: speed and a strong offer matter.
Pay benchmarks for offers
| Candidate level | Annual | Hourly* |
|---|---|---|
| Entry level (10th–25th percentile) | $46,630–$57,480 | $22.42–$27.63 |
| Typical / mid-career (median) | $72,550 | $34.88 |
| Experienced (75th percentile) | $92,180 | $44.32 |
| Top of market (90th percentile) | $115,820 | $55.68 |
*Annual ÷ 2,080 hours except median. National BLS data; adjust for your state and metro area. Many states and cities now require pay ranges in job postings.
What to look for
Must-haves
- Bachelor's degree (typical entry level)
- Donor research
- Relationship building
Nice-to-haves
- Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE)
- Grant Professional Certified (GPC)
- Certificate in Fundraising Management
- Experience with donor CRMs (Raiser’s Edge, Salesforce)
Where to find fundraisers
- Social work, counseling and human services programs
- Field placements and internships
- Community members and peers with lived experience
- Government job boards and civil service lists
- Job postings that use common alternate titles: Development Officer, Major Gifts Officer, Development Director, Annual Fund Manager
Screening checklist
- State license verification (LCSW, LPC, LMFT) where required
- Background checks and abuse registry clearances
- Valid driver’s license for home visits and outreach
- A scenario-based interview on ethics and boundaries
Follow federal, state and local rules on background checks, drug testing and fair-chance hiring, and apply screening consistently to all candidates for the role.
Interview questions to ask
Ask every candidate the same questions and score answers on a structured scorecard.
1. “How much have you raised?”
What a strong answer includes: Share results.
2. “How do you build donor relationships?”
What a strong answer includes: Give examples.
3. “Describe a gift you closed.”
What a strong answer includes: Tell the story.
4. “What CRM have you used?”
What a strong answer includes: Name it.
5. “How do you handle rejection?”
What a strong answer includes: Show resilience.
Practical skills checks
A short demonstration beats a perfect resume. Ask candidates to talk you through, or perform under supervision, tasks such as:
- Make a Major Gift Ask (see the steps)
- Write a Year-End Appeal (see the steps)
- Thank a Donor Well (see the steps)
Red flags
- Can’t describe basic safety practices for the role
- Vague or inconsistent work history with no explanation
- Unfamiliar with core terms such as Major gift, Annual fund, Planned giving
- Negative talk about every past employer or coworker
Onboard for retention
The first 90 days decide whether a new hire stays. Use our Fundraiser 30-60-90 day onboarding plan and give every new hire the same foundation with Fundraiser training. Show them the path forward: Development Assistant → Development Officer → Major Gifts Officer → Development Director.
Hiring fundraisers: FAQ
How much should I pay a fundraiser?
The U.S. median wage for fundraisers is $72,550 per year ($34.88/hour), according to BLS May 2025 data. Entry-level offers often fall near the 25th percentile ($57,480), while experienced hires command closer to the 75th percentile ($92,180). Adjust for your local market.
What qualifications should a fundraiser have?
BLS lists “bachelor's degree” as the typical entry-level education. Look for Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) and Grant Professional Certified (GPC) where relevant, plus skills such as donor research, solicitation, and grant writing.
How long does it take to train a new fundraiser?
Becoming qualified typically takes 4 years. After hire, plan for a structured 30-60-90 day onboarding period; BLS classifies on-the-job training for this occupation as “none.”