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Charity fundraiser : Salary and conditions

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Case studies

  • The range of starting salaries may be anywhere between £10,000 and £24,000. A typical starting salary in London is between £22,000 and £26,000.
  • With 5-10 years experience typical salaries rise to between £25,000 and £32,000. Typical salaries at senior level (fundraising manager, head of fundraising in a small charity or middle manager in a larger charity) are around £28,000 - 40,000, possibly rising to £50,000. A director of fundraising or head of a fundraising department in a larger charity may expect to earn in excess of £45,000 and up to around £65,000.
  • Salaries vary significantly depending on the size and location of the organisation and the type of fundraising involved. Salaries at some levels and for particular jobs may be good, but pay in the charitable sector does not always reflect pay for equivalent jobs in the private sector.
  • Performance-related pay is uncommon and both The Charity Commission for England and Wales  and the Institute of Fundraising  discourage it. Company cars are often provided for fundraisers.
  • Working hours are generally 35 hours per week, but depend on the charity. Larger charities may offer flexible working. Flexibility to work out of hours is often required, e.g. to attend events and meetings in the evening or at weekends. Time off in lieu is usually offered.
  • Fundraisers are increasingly based at home with regional hub offices which may be some distance away. They are expected to be out meeting supporters for a significant portion of their time. 
  • Part-time work, job-sharing and career breaks are all possible.
  • Self-employment or freelance work as a consultant is possible, usually after a few years' experience.
  • Generally, staff are well looked after and supported in their pursuit of a healthy work/life balance.
  • Over 60% of people working in the profession are women. This percentage is maintained at senior level (National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) 20th Annual Voluntary Sector Salary Survey, 2009).
  • Vacancies are scattered throughout the UK, although the majority of opportunities occur in regional cities and London. Some types of fundraising, such as corporate and major giving, are more commonly based in London than regionally.
  • Employers sometimes favour short-term contracts, especially in event fundraising, as future funding may be uncertain. Lack of funding for sufficient support staff may be an issue, particularly in smaller charities, and this may affect fundraisers' duties in practice.
  • Travel within the working day may be frequent, with occasional absence from home overnight. Fundraisers often spend a significant part of their time driving. Overseas work or travel is uncommon, unless the employing charity is involved in activities outside the UK.
 
AGCAS
Written by Kirsten Roche, University of Newcastle
Date: 
November 2009
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