Looking to expand beyond individual giving? A niche CV might limit your options for broader fundraising roles. To stand out, highlight transferable skills and position yourself as a well-rounded fundraiser. Here’s how to do it effectively:

Highlight Transferable Skills

Your individual giving experience likely involves donor engagement, data analysis, relationship management, and campaign strategy—skills that are valuable across multiple fundraising disciplines. Instead of focusing solely on individual giving, frame your experience in a way that appeals to a wider fundraising audience.

Use broader language such as:

• Donor stewardship and relationship management instead of just “individual giving donor engagement.”
• Fundraising strategy and income generation rather than solely “individual giving campaigns.”
• Data-driven decision-making and audience segmentation instead of emphasizing CRM tools specific to individual giving.

Diversify Your Achievements

Rather than focusing exclusively on individual giving campaigns, highlight achievements that demonstrate adaptability. For example:

• Show how you collaborated with major gifts, corporate partnerships, or community fundraising teams.
• Emphasize experience in cross-functional projects, digital fundraising, or donor journeys.
• Mention involvement in strategic planning or innovation beyond individual giving.

Adjust Your Personal Statement

Your CV and personal statement should reflect broader fundraising experience. Instead of describing yourself as an “individual giving specialist,” position yourself as an “experienced fundraiser with expertise across donor engagement, multi-channel campaigns, and income growth.” This ensures recruiters and hiring managers see you as a strong candidate for various fundraising roles.

Use a Flexible CV Structure

Consider a skills-based CV rather than a chronological format that emphasizes only one type of experience. This approach allows you to showcase key fundraising competencies first, making it easier for recruiters to see your versatility.

Invest in Training

Expanding your expertise through training and professional development can strengthen your CV and make you a more attractive candidate for general fundraising roles. Look for courses in areas such as major gifts, legacy fundraising, corporate partnerships, and digital fundraising to diversify your skill set. Organizations like the Chartered Institute of Fundraising offer relevant training programs that can help you bridge the gap between specialist and generalist fundraising roles.

Ready to take the next step in your non-profit career?

Explore our Career Advice and Development services. From helping you spruce up your CV and/or LinkedIn to perfecting your interview technique, we are here to help with bespoke one-to-one support from our dedicated consultants. Additionally, we can support individuals who would like to make the crossover into the non-profit sector.