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.

 Social

The Social person's interests focus on interacting with the people in their environment. In all cases, the Social person enjoys the personal contact with other people in preference to the impersonal dealings with things, data and ideas found in other groups.

Many will seek out positions where there is direct contact with the public in some advisory role, whether a receptionist or a counsellor. Social people are motivated by an interest in different types of people and like diversity in their work environments. Many are drawn towards careers in the caring professions and social welfare area, whilst others prefer teaching and other 'informing' roles.

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:

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:

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:

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:

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:

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.

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 (2023).

Employment growth for this occupation was slightly below average, with employment declining slightly between 2021 and 2022. The share of non-Irish citizens at 29% is higher than the national average. A small number of new employment permits were issued in 2022 for social workers. Approximately 1,300 awards were made in 2021 at level 8 or higher in the broad social work field.

A report in 2022 by the Irish Association of Social Workers identified retention of social workers to be a key issue, particularly in areas of child protection and adult safeguarding. Despite issues with recruitment and retention of suitably qualified social workers remaining, the data does not currently point to a shortage.

• The Wheel - Support and Representative Body for Community & Voluntary Sector Organisations

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

• Activelink

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