How to write job descriptions for fundraising positions in sports.

In the fundraising organizational process, individual job descriptions/positions need to be constructed prior to departmentalizing positions. In other words, each internal fundraising position, from a strictly fundraising program viewpoint, needs a detailed and precise job description. In this job description, list:

1. the official title of the fundraising position and summarize its placement in the fundraising program;

2. the functions of the fundraising position in order of the most significant to the least;

3. if feasible, an approximate range of time, in percentage form, of each function (50% of the position is activity/event planning, 25% is program implementation, etc.);

4. the empowerment of the fundraising position (e.g. the sanctioned authority delegated by the program’s fundraising team for the position);

5. the hierarchical accountability of the fundraising position; and

6. the reward system for the fundraising position (if applicable).

The following is a complete job description template. This template can be adapted/adjusted to any current or potential fundraising position (administrators, employees, BOD members, or volunteers). The detail in each job description will be influenced by the complexity of the fundraising operation and the intricacy of the position.

Job Title

The first division of the job description is the formal and specialized name for the fundraising position in the organization. Other information in this section can include:

• job number;

• operational division;

• creation date of job description;

• position in hierarchal scheme—accountability and reporting responsibilities; and

• salary range and compensation package associated with the position.

Occupational Overview

This is the narrative synopsis of the position and its practical importance in the program. While broad in scope, it should give the reader a sense of the details associated with the fundraising position.

Job Specifications

The job specifications portion of a job description is the demarcation of the primary activities involved in the fundraising position. It is advisable to do the following:

• Put all tasks, responsibilities, and functions in priority order.

• Bullet tasks, responsibilities, and functions for clarity.

• If possible, place estimated percentages of time for each task, responsibility, and function as they relate to the overall position.

Knowledge and Ability Requirements for the Position

This segment stipulates the mental and physical aspect mandated to execute the fundraising position. Educational minimums, size and weight requirements, and diverse prior job experience are all components of this part.

Special Notation: A sensible tactic to employ after all job descriptions have been developed is the “table top” review tactic. While the concept is simple to understand, it is essential to complete. The fundraising administrator lays out the complete collection of job descriptions on a table. Every single function, activity, and responsibility for the fundraising program needs to be included into one, if not more, of the job descriptions. If a fundraising program function, activity, or responsibility is overlooked from the job descriptions on the table, it needs to be incorporated before all job descriptions are published for fundraising program use.

For more information on this and other fundraising topics, please go to: http://fitpublishing.com/books/fundraising-sport-and-athletics