NFP salaries soar to keep up with fundraising demands

Not-for-profit salaries have significantly increased to contend with the demand of high-calibre employees who can manage the operations and fundraising of organisations.

Over the last two years, the demand for fundraising skills in the NFP sector has soared and led to a current shortage of fundraising professionals in the space. This is largely driven by NFPs experiencing uncertainty around government funding.

Director at NGO Recruitment, Richard Green, said: “NFPs need to accept that anyone who can raise money is in huge demand. Salaries for niche in-demand roles such as major donor fundraisers have jumped and often these people are being paid more than equivalent grades in other organisational areas such as corporate services.”

Green added that a current mindset is required, adding: “You may only want to pay a certain amount, but if that’s not buying the skills you need, you have to pay what the market is demanding.” In some cases, this is around $40 to $80 an hour.

All salaries and rates are inclusive of superannuation and exclusive of any employee bonuses or benefits. Figures collated from all NGO Recruitment fundraising placements made during the FY17/18 and Q1 FY18/19

The shortage of professionals can be attributed to NFPs looking to diversify revenue streams and grow organically. International aid organisations are also ramping up its fundraising activities in readiness for future climate change and refugee programs.

The top three fundraising roles in demand for high-paying roles are digital marketing fundraisers, major donor fundraisers and individual giving managers.

“Demand for young graduates with five-plus years’ experience in the $70-$90,000 salary bracket is particularly strong as they’re highly educated, articulate, hardworking and inspired to make a real impact on society,” Green said.

With permanent senior fundraising roles often taking months to fill, there is a demand for temporary and contract fundraisers. Spikes in this demand is being driven by short-term high-intensity fundraising campaigns.

NGO Recruitment predicts that a shortage in fundraisers across the board will persist into 2019 with salaries in difficult to source niche areas continuing to spike. As NFPs continue to mature, research expects that smaller organisations will look to fundraise in the major donor area, creating added pressure and demand for professionals.