NSXNational Skills ExchangeSign in
Back to Framework

Fundraising Managers

SOC 11-2033.00Job Zone 4 · Considerable Preparationv.26.05

Context coveredThis framework covers fundraising management practice across nonprofit, educational, healthcare, and civic sector organizations, from entry-level development support through executive-level strategic leadership of contributed revenue programs.

Sources:O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.SkillsCrosswalkSkillsCrosswalk — O*NET enrichment + adjacency index. Opens in new tab.
Emerging
Entry / Apprentice
  1. Fundraising contribution strategies — research and draft initial recommendations under supervisor guidance within a nonprofit development office.
  2. Fundraising budget components — identify and track line items using spreadsheet software under direct oversight in a department-level budget cycle.
  3. Special event logistics — assist in coordinating tasks such as venue setup and volunteer scheduling for silent auctions or charity walks under senior direction.
  4. Donor contribution policies — review and apply established collection and safeguarding procedures under supervision in a development department.
  5. Grant support materials — compile background data and organizational facts to assist senior staff in preparing submissions to funding organizations.
  6. CRM database records — enter and update donor contact information accurately using customer relationship management software in a development office.
  7. Community outreach messages — draft written communications to increase awareness of organizational causes under editorial review by a manager.
  8. Active listening skills — apply during donor intake conversations and team briefings to capture key information in a nonprofit fundraising environment.
  9. Fundraising participation plans — support the development of cost-conscious activity schedules by gathering participation data under manager guidance.
  10. Corporate representative contact lists — research and organize prospect information to support outreach efforts directed by senior fundraising staff.
Developing
Mid-level / Established
  1. Donor contribution strategies — develop and implement targeted approaches to encourage increased giving within an established mid-size nonprofit program.
  2. Fundraising event budget — manage income and expense tracking for golf tournaments, galas, or auction events with limited oversight from department leadership.
  3. Special fundraising events — plan and coordinate logistics end-to-end, including vendor contracts and volunteer coordination, for recurring annual campaigns.
  4. Fund solicitation goals — establish realistic targets and monitor progress against benchmarks using CRM reporting tools in a development department.
  5. Grant proposal packages — compile and edit complete submissions, including narratives and financial documentation, for foundation or government funding bodies.
  6. Stakeholder relationships — cultivate and maintain ongoing working relationships with community leaders and local officials to surface new fundraising opportunities.
  7. Fundraising activity plans — design participation-maximizing, cost-minimizing campaign calendars aligned with organizational capacity and donor segments.
  8. Persuasive oral presentations — deliver clear fundraising pitches to corporate representatives and community groups in professional outreach settings.
  9. Financial resource management — monitor fundraising revenue and disbursement of contributed funds in compliance with organizational policy and donor intent.
  10. Donor communication materials — write and edit compelling appeals, newsletters, and stewardship reports using desktop publishing and office suite software.
Proficient
Senior / Expert IC
  1. Multi-channel contribution strategies — autonomously design and execute integrated approaches across digital, direct mail, and event channels to grow a diversified donor base.
  2. Annual fundraising budget — oversee full budget lifecycle including forecasting, variance analysis, and reallocation decisions across multiple concurrent campaigns.
  3. Complex fundraising event programs — lead planning and execution of large-scale events such as multi-day conferences or major donor galas, resolving non-routine operational issues independently.
  4. Fund collection and disbursement policies — establish comprehensive governance frameworks covering contribution safeguarding, audit compliance, and disbursement protocols.
  5. Major grant submissions — direct the full development cycle for competitive government and foundation grants, including multi-year narrative strategies and detailed financial plans.
  6. High-value stakeholder relationships — cultivate and leverage long-term partnerships with senior government officials, media representatives, and corporate executives to open significant funding streams.
  7. Corporate outreach campaigns — lead targeted engagement with C-suite representatives to secure sponsorships and cause-related marketing partnerships aligned with organizational mission.
  8. Critical problem solving — diagnose and resolve complex fundraising challenges such as mid-campaign revenue shortfalls by adapting strategy in real time.
  9. Fundraising data analysis — interpret CRM analytics and performance metrics to inform evidence-based decisions on donor segmentation and campaign investment.
  10. Cross-functional team coordination — direct communications, marketing, and program staff toward integrated fundraising goals across the full annual development calendar.
Advanced
Lead / Principal / Executive
  1. Organizational fundraising vision — set multi-year strategic direction for all contributed revenue streams, aligning development priorities with institutional mission and board expectations.
  2. Enterprise fundraising budget — lead organization-wide financial planning for development operations, including capital campaigns, endowment growth, and operating fund targets.
  3. Institutional fundraising policy — establish and continuously refine governance standards for solicitation, stewardship, and fund management across all programs and subsidiaries.
  4. Senior stakeholder ecosystem — build and sustain a high-influence network of government officials, philanthropic leaders, and media figures that generates transformational funding opportunities.
  5. Fundraising team development — mentor, evaluate, and grow a professional development staff, building organizational capacity and succession depth across all fundraising functions.
  6. Campaign innovation strategy — introduce emerging fundraising models such as crowdfunding platforms, impact investing vehicles, or cause marketing alliances to diversify and grow revenue.
  7. Board and executive partnership — advise board members and executive leadership on fundraising positioning, goal setting, and donor engagement at the highest organizational levels.
  8. Major gift and capital campaign leadership — direct transformational giving initiatives including naming opportunities and endowment campaigns in partnership with principal gift officers.
  9. Cross-sector partnership development — negotiate and structure strategic alliances with corporations, government agencies, and peer institutions to co-fund large-scale community impact programs.
  10. Organizational fundraising culture — model and instill a mission-driven culture of philanthropy across all staff and volunteer stakeholders, ensuring long-term sustainability of contributed income.

AI-at-Work Competency Framework

Sources:Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab.Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab.WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab.
Subscriber feature

Authoritative source data identified for 998 occupations

How a worker at each mastery level uses, directs, and evaluates AI tools in this occupation. Each statement cites its evidence inline; click a citation chip to verify the source.

Emerging
  1. AI-assisted donor research — uses AI tools to generate basic prospect profiles and summarize giving histories, reviewing every output before incorporating findings into solicitation plans Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab..
Developing
  1. Campaign copy drafting — delegates first-draft fundraising appeals, event invitations, and stewardship letters to an AI writing assistant, then revises for voice, donor relationship nuance, and organizational brand Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab. WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab..
  2. Budget scenario generation — directs an AI tool to model multiple fundraising budget scenarios with varying cost and participation assumptions, then applies critical judgment to select the operationally sound plan Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab..
Proficient
  1. Event strategy augmentation — orchestrates AI-generated analyses of historical event performance data to inform decisions on format, pricing, and outreach sequencing for silent auctions, walks, and galas, while retaining full ownership of the strategic direction Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab. WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab..
  2. Donor segmentation pipeline — instructs an AI tool to segment the donor database by giving capacity, recency, and affinity signals, then personally validates segment logic against institutional knowledge before deploying targeted solicitations Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab. Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab..
  3. Goal-setting and policy drafting — uses AI to synthesize sector benchmarks and draft collection and disbursement policy language, applying persuasion expertise and compliance judgment to finalize documents WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab..
Advanced
  1. Full campaign orchestration — directs AI agents across research, copywriting, scheduling, and reporting workflows for multi-channel campaigns, integrating outputs through a master strategy that preserves human accountability for donor relationships and ethical stewardship Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab. Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab. WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab..
  2. AI performance evaluation — assesses the accuracy, bias risk, and strategic alignment of AI-generated prospect scores and appeal recommendations, establishing team-wide protocols for when AI outputs require human override Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab. WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab..
Evidence pack
AEI usage
Task observations: 213
Augment share: 21.3%
Time saved: 71.3%
AI autonomy: 3.54
SAFI positioning
Top skill: Critical Thinking
Score: 57.9 / 100
precision: category_estimate
WEF cluster
Human-Technology Interaction
human_technology_interaction
Sources:Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab.WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab.Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab.

Pathsmith Durable Skills Framework

Sources:Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Subscriber feature

Ten durable-skill domains mapped to four proficiency/role levels for each occupation. Each statement is aligned to the Pathsmith taxonomy, derived from trusted grounding data and mapped to occupation-specific O*NET tasks and skills.

1Communication15 statements
Emerging
  1. Donor correspondence — drafts basic thank-you letters and acknowledgment emails using organizational templates to maintain donor relationships Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Case statement basics — articulates the organization's mission and funding needs in simple terms during introductory donor conversations O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Meeting preparation — listens attentively during staff briefings and stakeholder calls to capture key fundraising priorities Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Grant narrative writing — composes clear and organized grant proposals by translating programmatic work into funder-aligned language O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Donor pitch delivery — presents fundraising cases verbally to mid-level donors and community groups with growing confidence and clarity Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Stakeholder updates — prepares written progress reports on campaign activity and contribution totals for internal leadership review O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  4. Active listening in cultivation — adjusts conversation in real time based on donor cues and stated interests during relationship-building meetings Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Multi-channel campaign messaging — develops consistent, audience-specific messaging across direct mail, digital, and event channels to maximize donor engagement O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Major gift solicitation — delivers compelling, personalized funding asks to major donors and corporate representatives using evidence-based narratives and outcome data Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Media and public communication — communicates organizational impact and fundraising goals to media representatives and community leaders with clarity and strategic intent O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  4. Cross-functional briefing — translates fundraising performance data into actionable insights for board members, program staff, and executive leadership Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Executive-level donor communication — authors high-stakes proposals and presentations for foundation officers, government officials, and principal gift prospects that secure transformational funding Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Organizational voice leadership — establishes and maintains the organization's fundraising narrative and brand voice across all donor-facing communications and public-facing campaigns O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Communication strategy mentorship — coaches development staff on persuasive writing, donor storytelling, and active listening techniques to elevate team-wide communication quality Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  4. Crisis communication — crafts responsive, trust-preserving messaging to donors and stakeholders during organizational challenges or campaign shortfalls Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
2Leadership13 statements
Emerging
  1. Event coordination support — assists in planning logistics for fundraising events such as auctions or charity walks under the direction of senior development staff O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Initiative ownership — takes responsibility for assigned donor stewardship tasks and completes them without requiring repeated follow-up Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Campaign team coordination — organizes volunteers and junior staff around specific fundraising drives, assigning tasks and monitoring progress toward contribution goals Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Policy implementation — applies organizational collection and disbursement policies consistently and guides new staff through proper procedures O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Goal-setting participation — contributes to setting solicitation targets and participates in developing fundraising activity plans with department leadership O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Fundraising department direction — manages the full development cycle from prospecting through stewardship, directing staff effort toward annual and campaign-level contribution goals Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Budget leadership — owns the fundraising budget, making resource allocation decisions that maximize net contributions while controlling event and operational costs O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Relationship portfolio leadership — leads cultivation and solicitation of a major donor portfolio, making autonomous decisions about timing, approach, and ask amounts Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  4. Cross-departmental influence — aligns program, finance, and communications teams around fundraising priorities without direct authority Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Organizational fundraising vision — sets multi-year development strategy, establishes institutional giving goals, and creates the infrastructure to sustain long-term revenue growth Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Staff development leadership — mentors development officers and campaign managers, building team capacity through coaching, performance feedback, and professional development investment Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  3. Board and volunteer engagement — activates board members and community leaders as fundraising ambassadors, directing their efforts toward high-value donor relationships and institutional visibility O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  4. Sector leadership — represents the organization externally in professional associations and thought leadership forums, influencing fundraising best practices across the field Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
3Metacognition10 statements
Emerging
  1. Self-assessment of donor interactions — reflects on the outcomes of donor calls and meetings to identify what communication approaches worked and what needs adjustment Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Learning from templates — recognizes gaps in personal grant-writing knowledge and uses organizational models to guide skill development Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Campaign debrief practice — evaluates personal contributions to completed fundraising events and campaigns, identifying specific behaviors that advanced or limited results Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Strategy self-monitoring — tracks whether personal solicitation approaches are aligned with assigned donor segments and adjusts tactics when results fall short of expectations Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Data-informed self-evaluation — reviews personal and team fundraising metrics to assess the effectiveness of cultivation strategies and recalibrate outreach priorities accordingly Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Learning strategy management — selects targeted professional development activities—conferences, peer networks, or literature review—based on identified gaps in fundraising knowledge or skill Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  3. Planning and reflection cycles — builds structured pre-campaign planning and post-campaign reflection into the fundraising calendar to continuously improve departmental execution Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Organizational learning systems — establishes team-wide after-action review processes for campaigns and major gift solicitations, creating institutional feedback loops that improve collective fundraising performance Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Adaptive strategy leadership — monitors shifts in donor behavior, economic conditions, and sector trends, adjusts the development strategy in real time, and communicates reasoning transparently to stakeholders Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Metacognitive modeling — explicitly demonstrates to junior staff how to evaluate thinking processes, recognize cognitive biases in donor assessment, and refine solicitation strategies based on evidence Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
4Critical Thinking12 statements
Emerging
  1. Donor research analysis — reviews basic prospect information to assess giving capacity and interest alignment before initial outreach O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Budget review — examines event or campaign cost estimates to identify obvious inefficiencies or discrepancies against prior-year actuals O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Grant opportunity evaluation — analyzes funder guidelines, priorities, and past giving history to determine organizational fit before committing staff time to proposal development Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Cost-benefit analysis — assesses the return on investment of proposed fundraising events and activities by weighing projected revenue against full costs including staff time O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Donor data interpretation — draws conclusions from contribution histories and engagement patterns to prioritize cultivation and upgrade strategies for specific segments O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Portfolio strategy analysis — evaluates the composition of the major donor pipeline using evidence about conversion rates, ask amounts, and relationship stage to allocate solicitation resources effectively Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Policy and compliance judgment — identifies inconsistencies or risks in gift acceptance policies and disbursement procedures, recommending adjustments that protect organizational integrity O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Proposal logic review — critically evaluates the strength of program outcome data and financial projections included in grant submissions before final submission Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  4. Competitive landscape assessment — analyzes peer organization fundraising strategies and donor market conditions to identify differentiated positioning opportunities O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Strategic investment decisions — applies multi-variable analysis to determine which donor segments, funding streams, and campaign models warrant sustained investment given organizational capacity and market conditions Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Assumption challenging — identifies and interrogates institutional assumptions embedded in long-standing fundraising strategies, proposing evidence-based alternatives when data suggests diminishing returns Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  3. Cross-sector synthesis — integrates knowledge from economics, nonprofit sector trends, and donor psychology to construct fundraising strategies that are both innovative and financially sound Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
5Collaboration12 statements
Emerging
  1. Team event support — contributes assigned tasks to fundraising event logistics teams, communicating proactively with colleagues about progress and obstacles Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Internal relationship building — establishes working rapport with program and finance staff to gather accurate information for donor communications and grant proposals O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Cross-functional campaign coordination — partners with marketing, communications, and program teams to align messaging and timing across fundraising campaigns Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Volunteer management collaboration — works alongside event chairs and volunteer coordinators to execute fundraising events, respecting the contributions of non-staff participants O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Government and community partnerships — collaborates with government officials and community leaders to increase awareness of organizational causes and identify new funding opportunities O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Institutional partnership development — establishes and maintains effective working relationships with corporate representatives, foundation officers, and government contacts to expand the funding base Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Board collaboration — partners with board members on donor cultivation, preparing them with briefings, talking points, and relationship intelligence before stakeholder meetings O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Interdepartmental goal alignment — facilitates collaborative planning sessions with program, finance, and executive staff to ensure fundraising targets reflect organizational capacity and programmatic need Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  4. Media relationship stewardship — collaborates with communications colleagues and media representatives to generate earned coverage that amplifies fundraising campaigns O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Strategic alliance leadership — builds and sustains multi-organization partnerships and coalitions that unlock collaborative funding opportunities and shared donor networks Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Culture of collaboration — creates team norms, shared tools, and cross-functional workflows that embed collaborative practice into the fundraising department's daily operations Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  3. Peer mentorship in partnership — models effective stakeholder relationship management for junior development staff, sharing strategies for navigating complex organizational dynamics Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
6Character12 statements
Emerging
  1. Gift handling integrity — follows established procedures for receiving, recording, and safeguarding donor contributions without exception Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Confidentiality awareness — treats donor financial information and personal data with appropriate discretion in all interactions Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Ethical solicitation practice — represents the organization's funding needs accurately to donors and funders, avoiding exaggeration or misrepresentation of program outcomes Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Accountability in reporting — delivers accurate fundraising data to leadership and board even when results fall short of stated goals Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  3. Professional conduct with donors — maintains consistent, respectful, and trustworthy behavior with donors across all stages of the relationship Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Policy integrity leadership — develops and enforces gift acceptance and disbursement policies that reflect legal compliance and ethical standards, holding team members accountable to them Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Transparent donor stewardship — communicates openly with donors about how their contributions are used, reinforcing institutional credibility and long-term trust Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Conflict of interest management — identifies and appropriately discloses potential conflicts of interest in donor relationships or grant applications, protecting organizational reputation Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  4. Professional accountability — takes ownership of campaign shortfalls and errors without deflecting blame, presenting honest analysis and corrective plans to leadership Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Ethical culture building — establishes department-wide standards for ethical fundraising conduct, creates accountability mechanisms, and models integrity in all high-stakes donor and funder interactions Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Institutional reputation guardianship — makes principled decisions in ambiguous situations—declining ethically misaligned gifts, navigating political sensitivities—that protect long-term organizational credibility Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Sector ethics advocacy — contributes to professional standards conversations within the fundraising field, sharing frameworks for ethical practice with peer organizations and industry associations Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
7Creativity12 statements
Emerging
  1. Event concept contribution — generates initial ideas for fundraising event formats or donor engagement activities during team brainstorming sessions Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Donor outreach experimentation — tests a new approach to donor acknowledgment or stewardship and observes its effect on engagement Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Campaign concept development — proposes fresh fundraising campaign themes and participation mechanisms that distinguish the organization from sector peers Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Grant narrative innovation — crafts grant proposals that present organizational impact through compelling storytelling and creative use of data visualization or case studies O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Engagement strategy variation — designs differentiated cultivation experiences for distinct donor segments, moving beyond one-size-fits-all programming Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Strategic fundraising innovation — designs new revenue streams—peer-to-peer fundraising, cause marketing partnerships, legacy giving programs—that diversify the organization's funding base Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Event experience design — directs the full creative vision for signature fundraising events, integrating storytelling, donor recognition, and brand elements to maximize emotional engagement and contribution outcomes O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Creative problem-solving under constraint — develops cost-effective fundraising solutions when budgets or timelines are restricted, identifying unconventional approaches that maintain donor experience quality Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  4. Digital engagement innovation — pilots emerging digital fundraising tools and platforms, evaluating their potential to expand donor reach and increase campaign participation O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Transformational campaign architecture — conceives and executes multi-year capital or endowment campaigns that redefine the organization's fundraising ambition and donor engagement model Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Sector-influencing practice — introduces fundraising methodologies or engagement models that are adopted by peer organizations or recognized in professional development contexts Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  3. Creative team cultivation — builds an organizational culture where development staff are empowered to experiment, prototype new approaches, and learn from both successes and failures Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
8Growth Mindset12 statements
Emerging
  1. Feedback receptivity — accepts constructive feedback on donor proposals and solicitation approaches from supervisors and incorporates it into subsequent attempts Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Sector learning orientation — seeks out basic fundraising education through webinars, industry publications, or peer conversations to build foundational competence Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Campaign setback response — treats missed fundraising targets as diagnostic information, analyzing contributing factors and adjusting strategy rather than repeating the same approach Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Skill stretch acceptance — volunteers for stretch assignments such as leading a major gift solicitation or managing a new event format to accelerate professional growth Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  3. Donor rejection processing — maintains motivation and engagement after prospect declinations, viewing them as relationship data rather than personal failures Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Continuous improvement practice — systematically applies lessons from completed campaigns to improve planning, messaging, and execution in subsequent fundraising cycles Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Market shift adaptation — responds to changes in donor giving patterns, economic conditions, or sector funding priorities by revising strategy rather than defending prior approaches Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Professional development investment — pursues ongoing credentialing, peer learning networks, and sector research to sustain growth in fundraising expertise Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  4. Failure normalization — openly discusses campaign experiments that did not succeed with the development team, creating a learning environment where iteration is expected Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Growth culture institutionalization — builds team structures, review processes, and professional development investments that embed continuous learning as a core operating principle of the development department Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Adaptive leadership modeling — visibly demonstrates learning agility in response to major organizational or sector disruptions, showing staff how to reframe adversity as developmental opportunity Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  3. Mentoring through challenge — guides junior fundraising staff through high-stakes setbacks, helping them extract actionable insight and maintain professional confidence Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
9Mindfulness12 statements
Emerging
  1. Donor interaction presence — maintains focused attention during donor calls and meetings, avoiding distraction and noticing relational cues such as hesitation or enthusiasm Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Emotional awareness in solicitation — recognizes personal anxiety or eagerness before major asks and applies basic self-regulation strategies to maintain composed delivery Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Campaign stress management — identifies early signs of overextension during high-volume fundraising periods and adjusts workload or pace to sustain performance quality Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Intentional listening practice — applies deliberate active listening techniques in donor cultivation conversations, reflecting back content accurately and suspending premature responses Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Reactive communication check — pauses before responding to difficult donor or stakeholder communications to craft measured, professional replies rather than reactive ones Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. High-stakes emotional regulation — maintains calm, strategic demeanor during major gift negotiations, board presentations, or crisis communications regardless of internal pressure Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Purposeful relationship pacing — makes deliberate, donor-centered decisions about the timing and intensity of cultivation steps, resisting the urge to rush solicitation before relationships are ready Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Team attentiveness — notices shifts in team morale, energy, or conflict during high-pressure campaign periods and responds with timely, supportive interventions Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  4. Decision intentionality — applies structured reflection before committing organizational resources to new fundraising strategies, weighing evidence and implications rather than acting on impulse Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Organizational culture of intentionality — models and promotes mindful decision-making, deliberate communication, and reflective practice as organizational values within the development function Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Stakeholder empathy mastery — reads complex interpersonal and institutional dynamics in major donor relationships with precision, calibrating engagement strategies based on deep situational awareness Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Leadership presence under adversity — demonstrates consistent composure and strategic clarity during organizational crises, funding shortfalls, or leadership transitions, providing stability for staff and stakeholders Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
10Fortitude12 statements
Emerging
  1. Rejection persistence — continues donor outreach activity after initial declinations, maintaining professionalism and long-term relationship orientation Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Campaign pressure endurance — sustains consistent effort during intensive fundraising drives such as year-end campaigns or event pushes without disengaging from quality standards Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Goal shortfall resilience — responds to missed contribution milestones by recalibrating tactics and sustaining forward momentum rather than withdrawing from effort Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Difficult stakeholder navigation — persists through complex or unresponsive donor relationships, maintaining professional consistency across extended cultivation timelines Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Uncertainty tolerance — continues planning and executing fundraising activity during organizational uncertainty such as leadership transitions or funding shortfalls Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Multi-year campaign endurance — sustains energy, focus, and strategic coherence across capital or endowment campaigns spanning multiple years and requiring sustained donor cultivation Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Adversarial environment performance — maintains fundraising effectiveness during periods of public criticism, economic downturn, or sector-wide donor fatigue Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  3. High-stakes ask courage — initiates major and planned gift solicitations with confidence despite the vulnerability and organizational risk embedded in transformational funding asks Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  4. Organizational advocacy persistence — continues making the case for adequate fundraising resources, staff capacity, and investment even when facing institutional resistance or budget constraints Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Crisis leadership resilience — leads the development function through severe disruptions—funding collapses, organizational controversies, global crises—without abandoning strategic discipline or team support Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Long-term institutional builder — sustains commitment to building enduring fundraising infrastructure over years or decades, resisting short-term pressure that would compromise long-term organizational financial health Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  3. Fortitude mentorship — prepares development staff to face rejection, adversity, and sustained pressure with professional resilience, teaching recovery strategies and reframing techniques through direct coaching Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Sources:Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Show O*NET source anchors63 anchors · skillscrosswalk.com

O*NET enrichment · skillscrosswalk.com

Suggest an O*NET correction

Source anchors that ground each statement

Related titles
Account Manager · Account Supervisor · Advancement Director · Annual Giving Director · Campaign Manager · Canvass Director · Community Manager · Development Director · Donor Engagement Director · Donor Relations Manager · Foundation Director · Funding Coordinator
RAPIDS apprenticeships
—
O*NET skills
Critical ThinkingSpeakingPersuasionActive ListeningSocial PerceptivenessWritingReading ComprehensionJudgment and Decision MakingCoordinationComplex Problem SolvingTime ManagementService OrientationNegotiationActive LearningManagement of Financial ResourcesMonitoringSystems AnalysisManagement of Personnel ResourcesSystems EvaluationMathematics
Knowledge domains
Administration and ManagementCustomer and Personal ServiceAdministrativeEnglish LanguageSales and MarketingEconomics and AccountingCommunications and MediaPersonnel and Human ResourcesMathematics
Abilities
Oral ExpressionOral ComprehensionWritten ExpressionDeductive ReasoningSpeech ClarityWritten ComprehensionSpeech RecognitionFluency of IdeasOriginalityInformation Ordering
Work styles
Achievement OrientationSocial OrientationIntegrityDependabilityLeadership OrientationCooperation
Technology
Document management softwareVideo creation and editing softwareGraphics or photo imaging softwareDesktop publishing softwareWeb page creation and editing softwareData base user interface and query softwareCustomer relationship management CRM softwareOffice suite softwareWeb platform development softwareAccounting software
Tasks · seed anchors for statements
  1. Develop strategies to encourage new or increased contributions.
  2. Manage fundraising budgets.
  3. Develop fundraising activity plans that maximize participation or contributions and minimize costs.
  4. Plan and direct special events for fundraising, such as silent auctions, dances, golf events, or walks.
  5. Establish goals for soliciting funds, develop policies for collection and safeguarding of contributions, and coordinate disbursement of funds.
  6. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with clients, government officials, and media representatives and use these relationships to develop new fundraising opportunities.
  7. Compile or develop materials to submit to granting or other funding organizations.
  8. Contact corporate representatives, government officials, or community leaders to increase awareness of organizational causes, activities, or needs.
CIP education codes
09.010009.090009.090209.090952.020652.021352.050252.1401

Sources: O*NET v30.2 (CC BY 4.0), SkillsCrosswalk.com, LER.me, Anthropic Economic Index, SAFI (Jadhav & Danve, 2026), WEF Skills Taxonomy 2021, Pathsmith Durable Skills Framework. © 2026 EBSCOed.