Aspiring directors of fund-raising can get experience by volunteering with charitable groups. Offering to assist with a fund-raising event will help you to obtain leadership experience. Take classes in grant writing, English, and speech to develop your communication skills. The most effective directors are those who know how to write and speak persuasively. Internships are valuable methods of getting experience and making important contacts. Your college's career services office can help you find an internship. Talk to directors of fund-raising about their careers. Most will be happy to discuss their educational training, job duties, and what they like and dislike about their jobs. Perhaps you could even job-shadow a director as he or she meets with potential donors or performs other work tasks.
- Active and Contemplative Religious Sisters and Brothers
- Directors of Corporate Sponsorship
- Directors of Volunteers
- Environmental Education Program Directors
- Environmental Lobbyists
- Fund-Raisers
- Grant Coordinators and Writers
- Historic Preservationists
- Land Acquisition Professionals
- Land Trust or Preserve Managers
- Librarians
- Lobbyists
- Museum Attendants
- Museum Directors and Curators
- Museum Technicians
- National Park Service Employees
- Nonprofit Social Service Directors
- Park Rangers
- Proposal Managers
- Public Interest Lawyers
- Public Opinion Researchers
- Public Relations Specialists
- Rabbis
- Roman Catholic Priests
- Social Workers
- Zoo and Aquarium Curators and Directors