The Traditional Career Path for Fundraisers Takes a New Turn

Priscilla Cortez (left) served as an Austin nonprofit’s one-woman development office before joining the University of Texas system’s massive fundraising team. Greg Cole (right) took the opposite career path, leaving Habitat for Humanity for a small Atlanta charity.

A Chronicle cover story explores how the professionalization of fundraising is changing careers — and philanthropy itself. Plus: Four fundraisers who made big career changes share their stories, and additional resources to help you get the most out of your career.

News

Big vs. Little Charity: Rethinking Fundraisers’ Traditional Career Path

By Drew Lindsay

The factors that go into the important decision of whether to work at a large institution or a small charity are changing, with significant consequences for philanthropy.
News

Fundraisers Explain Their Big Move to a Small Nonprofit

By Drew Lindsay

Two seasoned professionals reflect on the satisfaction they found after swimming against the career tide.
News

Small-Group Fundraisers Explain Why They Moved to a Big Charity

By Drew Lindsay

Leaving a cozy, family-style operation wasn’t easy for these two development professionals, but their new jobs offered support and resources they could only dream of before.
Advice

Big or Small Charity? What to Consider When Looking for the Right Fundraising Job

By Eden Stiffman

Development officers and consultants share things to keep in mind when considering whether to work at a small or large nonprofit.
Tool Kit

Advice for New Fundraisers

A selection of resources to guide people new to the fundraising profession.
Tool Kit

A Guide to Hiring Fundraisers

What to consider when expanding your team, filling a vacancy, or even hiring your first full-time fundraiser.