Fundraisers

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While a talent for public speaking and strong problem solving skills are critical for public relations and fundraising managers, excellent writing skills are also essential… to precisely define a client’s goals, engage an audience, and sway them in the intended direction. Public relations—or PR—managers direct the creation of material aimed at enhancing the public image of their client. They review press releases, sponsor corporate events, and monitor trends that might affect their client’s organization. They also oversee company publications, draft speeches, and handle other contact with the public to help the organization’s top executives. Fundraising managers bring in the donations necessary to keep their organization running. They contact past donors and reach out to new donors, raise funds for new buildings, and solicit wealthy donors for major gifts. Public relations and fundraising managers work for PR firms, civic and non-profit organizations, school districts, and other organizations. Generally they work in offices during regular business hours, but may need to travel to events and attend evening meetings. They sometimes work longer hours to meet project and event deadlines, and may manage multiple events at the same time. Public relations and fundraising managers generally need a bachelor’s degree in public relations, communications, English, fundraising, or journalism, and many years of related experience. Some positions also require a master’s degree.