Charities have never been more in need of dedicated and dynamic professional fundraisers. While the government continues to pursue a programme of crippling spending cuts in the public sector, the third sector has found itself striving to fill the gap.
But times are tough. Figures from the Office of National Statistics show that charitable donations fell by 20% during 2011/12, it was reported this week.
The dip in donations underlines the importance for charities to recruit strong fundraising teams. And the job isn't all about tin-shaking – fundraisers are constantly looking for new and innovative ways to raise cash. From negotiating corporate partnerships to event organisation and harnessing the power of the digital world, working in the third sector can make a diverse and exciting career.
But with such varied skills needed and so many charities to choose from, knowing how to start a career as a fundraiser – or even get ahead – can be daunting. What is the best route in? What can you expect from the job? And what are the professional opportunities like once you've started your career?
If you need help and advice on careers in fundraising, join our live Q&A on Thursday 22 November between 1pm and 3pm. Topics to be discussed include:
• Career options in charity fundraising
• The skills and experience required
• The best routes into a career in fundraising
• The qualifications and professional development options available
Taking part in our Q&As is easier than ever. You can create a free Guardian account, or log in using your Twitter or Facebook profiles. Alternatively, you can tweet us on @GuardianCareers or email your questions to Kate Hodge.
Our experts
Rob Alcroft is a senior fundraising manager at the NSPCC. He is responsible for fundraising strategy planning and performance and works to promote the organisation's fundraising within integrated campaigns.
Katy Pickering joined Make-A-Wish Foundation UK in March 2012 to run the charity's first donor acquisition and retention programme. She previously spent six years at JDRF, the type one diabetes charity, as head of direct marketing. Katy has also worked at Marie Curie Cancer Care and the Charities Advisory Trust.
Matthew Sherrington is strategy director at The Good Agency. Before joining in 2010, he spent twenty years in the charity sector, in a range of communications and fundraising roles including 14 years with Oxfam and four in the USA as fundraising director for Greenpeace.
Zoe Jones is the marketing manager for the RSPB south east England region. She leads on the strategic direction and delivery of income and wider support from organisations and individuals (grants, trusts, corporates, community fundraising and membership) for the region. Zoe has been leading fundraising teams for just under 13 years.
Anna Cowell has three years' recruitment experience in the not-for-profit sector and extensive experience fundraising for charities, having worked on fundraising projects for the British Red Cross, Independent Age and Alzheimer's Society. Anna then joined Charity People and specialises in the recruitment of corporate, major donor, trusts, foundations, events and community fundraisers.
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