Here's how you can advance your fundraising career through temporary and contract work.

2 Expand Skills

Contract and temporary work can significantly broaden your skill set. You might find yourself writing grant proposals for a non-profit one month and organizing a major donor event the next. Each assignment will challenge you to learn and apply new skills rapidly. This continuous learning keeps your skill set fresh and relevant, making you more marketable as a fundraising professional. It also shows potential employers your commitment to personal development and your ability to tackle a range of tasks effectively.

3 Build Networks

Networking is vital in fundraising, and temporary or contract work provides ample opportunities to connect with a wide array of professionals. Each new role introduces you to a different set of colleagues, donors, and stakeholders. These connections can lead to future job offers, partnerships, or valuable mentorships. Remember, the relationships you build during these short-term stints can have long-lasting impacts on your career, so always leave a positive impression.

4 Flexibility Benefits

One of the most appealing aspects of temporary and contract work is the flexibility it offers. You can choose assignments that fit your schedule and career objectives. This flexibility allows you to balance personal commitments with professional development. Moreover, it empowers you to take control of your career trajectory by selectively pursuing roles that align with your long-term goals or that offer a stepping stone to the positions you aspire to secure in the future.

5 Financial Stability

While the uncertainty of temporary work may seem daunting, it can actually provide financial stability for your career in fundraising. Short-term contracts often come with competitive pay rates due to the specialized skills required for fundraising roles. Moreover, the variety of assignments ensures a continuous stream of income while you search for the perfect permanent position or if you prefer the variety that contract work offers.

6 Career Advancement

Lastly, temporary and contract work can lead to more permanent positions. Employers often view these short-term roles as a trial period or an extended interview. Excelling in these positions can result in job offers for long-term roles within the same organization. Additionally, the diverse experiences and achievements gained from contract work can make your resume stand out when applying for other roles, propelling your career advancement in the fundraising field.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?