You're in a fundraising role and want to increase your salary. What's the best way to negotiate?

1 Know your worth

Before you start the negotiation, you need to have a clear idea of how much you're worth in the market. You can use various sources to research the salary range for your role, such as online databases, industry reports, peer networks, and mentors. You should also consider your level of expertise, achievements, impact, and responsibilities in your current and potential role. Having a realistic and evidence-based salary expectation will help you avoid asking for too little or too much.

2 Pick the right time

Timing is crucial when it comes to negotiating your salary. You don't want to bring up the topic too early or too late in the hiring or performance review process. Ideally, you should wait until you have a clear indication that the employer is interested in hiring or retaining you, and that they have the authority and budget to make a decision. You should also avoid negotiating when the organization is facing a crisis, a budget cut, or a major change.

3 Prepare your case

Once you have a target salary in mind, you need to prepare your case for why you deserve it. You should highlight your accomplishments, skills, and contributions that align with the organization's goals, mission, and values. You should also quantify your impact whenever possible, using metrics, data, and testimonials. You should also anticipate and address any potential objections or questions that the employer might have, such as your qualifications, availability, or flexibility.

4 Communicate confidently

When you're ready to negotiate, you should communicate your salary request confidently and respectfully. You should avoid using words that undermine your position, such as "sorry", "just", or "maybe". You should also avoid making ultimatums, threats, or comparisons with other employees. Instead, you should focus on the value you bring to the organization, the benefits of working together, and the mutual interests you share. You should also be prepared to listen, ask questions, and compromise if necessary.

6 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?