Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Assign, supervise, and review the activities of fundraising staff.
• Compile or develop materials to submit to granting or other funding organisations.
• Conduct research to identify the goals, net worth, charitable donation history, or other data related to potential donors, potential investors, or general donor markets.
• Contact corporate representatives, government officials, or community leaders to increase awareness of organisational causes, activities, or needs.
• Design and edit promotional publications, such as brochures.
• Develop fundraising activity plans that maximise participation or contributions and minimise costs.
• Develop strategies to encourage new or increased contributions.
• Direct activities of external agencies, establishments, or departments that develop and implement fundraising strategies and programmes.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with clients, government officials, and media representatives and use these relationships to develop new fundraising opportunities.
• Establish goals for soliciting funds, develop policies for collection and safeguarding of contributions, and coordinate disbursement of funds.

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

 Enterprising

Enterprising people like situations that involve using resources for personal or corporate economic gain. Such people may have an opportunistic frame of mind, and are drawn to commerce, trade and making deals. Some pursue sales and marketing occupations. Many will eventually end up owning their own business, or in management roles in larger organisations. They tend to be very goal-oriented and work best when focused on a target. Some have an entrepreneurial inclination.

 Administrative

Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.

They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.

 Investigative

The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.

Sample Education and Training Pathways
A number of courses are available throughout the country that focus on learning and skills that may be useful for this career. The examples and links below may guide you in your research. 

Further Education (FET)
Further Education & Training (FET) Courses are delivered by local ETBs, ranging in duration from several weeks up to 20 months. Courses are designed to meet the labour market needs and often include a large element of work experience.

Example search terms include: Supervisory Management.  

Search for FET Courses

PLC Courses (FET)
PLC courses are full-time courses, one or two years duration, with awards at Level 5 and 6 on the NFQ. They are offered nationally in Schools and Colleges of Further Education.

Example search terms include: Sales, Marketing, Social Studies, Youth & Community Work. 

Search for PLC Courses

Apprenticeships: 
Apprenticeships are structured work-based training programs that combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction. They run from 2 – 4 years and are open to individuals of all ages, including school leavers, those seeking a career change, and existing employees who wish to upskill.

Examples: Sales, Retail Supervision.  

Search for Apprenticeships

Higher Education CAO (Undergraduate) 
Higher Education courses at Levels 6 to 8 on the NFQ, delivered in Universities and Technological Universities & Institutes. Courses run from 2 – 5 years and places are allocated on a points-based system, processed by the Central Application Office.

Example search terms include: Sales, Marketing, Commerce, Social Studies, Youth & Community Work.

Search for CAO Courses

Higher Education (Postgraduate)
Postgraduate courses are courses at Levels 9 and 10 on the NFQ and usually last 1 – 2 years full time, or longer if a PhD or part time. Entrants typically require an undergraduate award (Level 8).

Example search terms include: Sales, Marketing, Commerce, Social Studies, Youth & Community Work, Supervisory management in community. 

Search for Postgraduate Courses

Professional Development 

Professional development (CPD) courses are specialised training, formal education, or advanced professional learning that improves skills, professional knowledge, competency, and overall effectiveness in the professional world.

Check the Useful Contacts tab on this page to see if there are any professional bodies listed who may provide training related to this career.

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €40k - €81k

Salries vary by employer, location, role, duties, and experience. 

Data Source(s):
The Wheel 2023/ Indeed/ CCI

Last Updated: July, 2024

Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: Social workers, Probation officers, Clergy, Welfare professionals n.e.c.

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2024).

The strong employment growth rate for this occupation masks a fall in employment levels in 2021 and 2022; employment grew in 2023, returning to 2021 levels. A small number of employment permits were issued for social workers in 2023. Issues with recruitment and retention of social workers have been identified, particularly in key areas such as child protection and adult safeguarding but the data does not currently point to a shortage. The embargo on recruitment in the HSE until mid-2024 is likely to have subdued recruitment of these occupations.

There were over 1,400 awards made in 2022 at level 8 or higher in the broad social work field and it is expected that in the medium term two new pathways to careers in social work, launched in summer 2024 (new apprenticeship leading to a level 9 qualification and a tertiary degree (Bachelor of Social Work)) will alleviate some of the current difficulties in recruiting social workers.

• Activelink

  • Activelink, 2-4 Merville Road, Stillorgan, Co. Dublin, A94 E3F8, Ireland.
  • 01-6677326
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• Charities Institute Ireland

  • Click Here

• The Wheel

  • 48 Fleet Street (entrance Parliament Row) Dublin 2
  • (01) 454 8727
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here