Are you struggling to land interviews for development officer positions despite your fundraising experience and passion for creating positive social impact? You’re not alone. Many talented development professionals find themselves overlooked simply because their resume doesn’t effectively showcase their ability to build donor relationships, secure funding, and drive organisational growth that Australian non-profits and institutions desperately need.
Whether you’re a recent graduate from a social work or business program looking to enter the development field, transitioning from another non-profit role, or re-entering the workforce after a career break, crafting a compelling development officer resume is your gateway to securing interviews with leading charities, educational institutions, and social enterprises across Australia. This comprehensive guide will walk you through creating a professional resume that highlights your fundraising capabilities, relationship management skills, and grant writing expertise – all tailored specifically for the Australian development sector.
From understanding the preferred resume formats used by Australian non-profit organisations to showcasing your experience with donor management systems, grant applications, and community engagement, we’ll cover everything you need to know. You’ll discover how to present your fundraising achievements, highlight relevant qualifications, and create a professional summary that immediately captures the attention of development managers and executive directors looking for their next development officer.
Development Officer Resume (Text Version)
Michael Chen
Development Officer
Phone: 0434 678 901
Email: [email protected]
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/michaelchen-development
Address: Melbourne, Victoria 3000
PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY
Results-driven Development Officer with 6+ years of experience in fundraising, grant writing, and donor relationship management across health, education, and community services sectors. Expertise in developing comprehensive fundraising strategies, managing donor portfolios worth $2M+, and securing government and foundation grants. Proven track record of exceeding annual fundraising targets by an average of 35% while building lasting partnerships with corporate sponsors, individual donors, and community stakeholders. Passionate about creating sustainable funding solutions for organisations making meaningful social impact.
WORK EXPERIENCE
Senior Development Officer | Melbourne Community Foundation | February 2021 – Present
• Manage comprehensive fundraising program generating $1.8M annually across individual giving, corporate partnerships, and grant funding
• Develop and execute strategic fundraising plans that increased donor retention rates by 42% through targeted stewardship programs
• Secure major gifts ranging from $50K-$250K through relationship cultivation and personalised donor engagement strategies
• Write and submit 25+ grant applications annually, achieving 75% success rate with government and foundation funders
• Lead capital campaign planning and implementation, raising $850K for new community centre development project
• Coordinate fundraising events attracting 300+ attendees, generating average net revenue of $120K per event
Development Officer | Australian Cancer Research Institute | June 2019 – January 2021
• Managed donor database of 2,500+ supporters using Salesforce CRM, implementing segmentation strategies that improved campaign response rates by 28%
• Developed corporate partnership program securing $400K annually from 15+ business sponsors
• Created compelling grant proposals and funding submissions, securing $600K in research funding over 18-month period
• Coordinated direct mail campaigns reaching 10,000+ households, achieving above-industry response rates of 3.2%
• Planned and executed donor appreciation events and volunteer recognition programs
Assistant Development Officer | Save the Children Australia | March 2018 – May 2019
• Supported major gifts program focusing on high-value donor cultivation and stewardship activities
• Assisted with grant research and application processes for international development projects
• Maintained donor records and prepared acknowledgement correspondence for gifts ranging from $25-$50K
• Coordinated community fundraising initiatives and volunteer engagement programs
• Provided administrative support for board meetings and development committee presentations
EDUCATION
Master of Non-Profit and Social Enterprise Management | Queensland University of Technology | 2018
Relevant coursework: Fundraising and resource development, grant writing, non-profit governance, strategic planning, social impact measurement
Bachelor of Social Work | University of Melbourne | 2016
Relevant coursework: Community development, social policy, research methods, advocacy and campaigning
CERTIFICATIONS & TRAINING
• Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) – Association of Fundraising Professionals (Current)
• Grant Writing Certificate – Australian Institute of Grants Management (2020)
• Major Gifts Fundraising Certificate – Fundraising Institute Australia (2019)
• Salesforce Nonprofit Cloud Certification (2021)
KEY SKILLS
• Major gifts fundraising and donor relationship management
• Grant writing and proposal development for government and foundation funding
• Corporate partnership development and sponsorship negotiation
• Donor database management (Salesforce, Blackbaud, DonorPerfect)
• Event planning and campaign management
• Financial reporting and budget management
• Strategic fundraising planning and implementation
PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENTS
• Exceeded annual fundraising targets for 5 consecutive years, raising total of $8.2M across multiple organisations
• Developed innovative digital fundraising strategy that increased online giving by 65% during COVID-19 pandemic
• Recipient of Excellence in Development Award – Fundraising Institute Australia (2022)
What is The Best Format for a Development Officer Resume?
For development officer positions in Australia, the reverse chronological format is strongly recommended as it clearly demonstrates your fundraising career progression and increasing responsibility levels. This format allows hiring managers to quickly assess your most recent development achievements and understand how your experience has built toward more senior fundraising roles, which is crucial in a field where relationship-building and proven track records are paramount.
Font and Typography Guidelines:
• Heading Font: Use 18-22pt for your name and 14-16pt for section headings
• Body Font: Stick to 10-12pt for all body text to ensure readability
• Font Style: Professional fonts like Times New Roman, Arial, or Calibri convey trustworthiness essential in non-profit sector
• Margins: Maintain 1-inch margins on all sides to provide adequate white space
• File Type: Always submit as PDF unless specifically requested otherwise, as this preserves formatting across different systems
Essential Resume Sections:
Header: Include your full name, phone number, professional email address, LinkedIn profile, and city/state. As a development professional, ensure your contact information projects professionalism and accessibility for potential donors and partners.
Summary: Provide a compelling 3-4 line overview highlighting your fundraising experience, key development achievements, areas of expertise, and passion for social impact. This section should immediately establish your credibility as a development professional.
Experience: List your work history in reverse chronological order, emphasising fundraising responsibilities, donor management activities, grant writing success, and quantifiable development outcomes.
Education: Include your relevant qualifications, particularly those in non-profit management, social work, business, or related fields that support development work.
Other Sections: Consider adding professional certifications (CFRE, FIA credentials), memberships in organisations like Fundraising Institute Australia, volunteer experience, and relevant awards or recognition.
What Experience Should Be on Your Development Officer Resume?
Your experience section should emphasise your ability to build relationships, secure funding, and achieve measurable fundraising outcomes that support organisational mission and growth. Focus on quantifiable achievements that demonstrate your impact on revenue generation, donor engagement, and program sustainability. Australian non-profit employers value experience with local funding landscapes, government grant systems, and cultural understanding of Australian philanthropic practices.
Highlight specific fundraising methods you’ve used (major gifts, direct mail, events, grants), donor segments you’ve worked with, campaign types you’ve managed, and any experience with Australian charity regulations and compliance requirements. Include metrics around funds raised, donor retention rates, and campaign success rates that showcase your effectiveness as a development professional.
Correct Example:
Development Officer | Brisbane Children’s Hospital Foundation | March 2020 – Present
• Generate $1.2M annually through diversified fundraising portfolio including major gifts ($500K), corporate partnerships ($400K), and foundation grants ($300K)
• Manage relationships with 150+ high-value donors, achieving 85% retention rate through personalised stewardship and engagement strategies
• Write and submit 20+ grant applications annually to government and philanthropic foundations, maintaining 70% success rate
• Plan and execute signature fundraising gala attracting 400+ guests, generating net revenue of $180K annually
• Implement Salesforce donor management system, improving data quality and campaign targeting that increased response rates by 32%
Incorrect Example:
Fundraiser | Hospital Foundation | 2020 – Present
• Raised money for the organisation
• Worked with donors
• Wrote grant applications
• Organised events
• Used computer systems
Entry-Level Development Officer Resume Samples [Experience]
For entry-level positions, focus on relevant education, internship experiences, volunteer fundraising activities, and transferable skills from other customer service, sales, or community engagement roles. Emphasise any experience with donor databases, event coordination, or community outreach that demonstrates your potential for development work.
Correct Example:
Graduate Development Officer | Australian Red Cross Victoria | January 2024 – Present
• Support annual giving program managing 800+ regular donors, maintaining detailed records and acknowledgement processes
• Assist with grant research and application development for emergency relief and community programs
• Coordinate monthly donor newsletters and stewardship communications, contributing to 15% increase in donor engagement
• Support event planning for volunteer appreciation functions and small-scale fundraising activities
• Apply knowledge gained from non-profit management studies to contribute to strategic fundraising planning discussions
Incorrect Example:
New Development Person | Charity Organisation | 2024
• Just started working in fundraising
• Learning about donor management
• Haven’t raised much money yet
• Still figuring out grant writing
• Hope to get better with experience
How to Write the Education Section for your Development Officer Resume
The education section is particularly important for development officers, as many Australian non-profit organisations prefer candidates with relevant tertiary qualifications in social work, business, communications, or non-profit management. Your educational background demonstrates your understanding of social issues, business principles, and communication skills essential for effective development work.
Include your degree, institution name, graduation date, and relevant coursework that applies to development responsibilities. If you’ve completed additional professional development in fundraising, grant writing, or non-profit management, highlight these to show your commitment to the field. Many Australian organisations value ongoing professional development through institutions like the Fundraising Institute Australia or university continuing education programs.
Development Officer Resume Example [Education]
Master of Social Entrepreneurship | University of New South Wales | 2021
Relevant coursework: Fundraising strategies and donor psychology, social impact measurement, non-profit financial management, stakeholder engagement, ethical fundraising practices
Bachelor of Communications (Public Relations) | Griffith University | 2019
Relevant coursework: Strategic communication, relationship management, campaign development, media relations, community engagement
Currently Pursuing: Certificate IV in Training and Assessment | Expected Completion: August 2024
Professional Development:
• Advanced Major Gifts Program – Fundraising Institute Australia (2023)
• Grant Writing Masterclass – Australian Centre for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Studies (2022)
• Digital Fundraising Strategies Workshop – Philanthropy Australia (2022)
How to Write the Skills Section for your Development Officer Resume
The skills section of your development officer resume should strategically balance relationship-building capabilities with technical fundraising competencies that Australian non-profit organisations prioritise. Aim for 10-14 carefully selected skills that demonstrate your comprehensive ability as a development professional who can build lasting donor relationships while achieving measurable fundraising outcomes. Focus on skills that reflect current industry best practices and technology used in the Australian non-profit sector.
This section should complement your experience by highlighting specific technical skills, software proficiencies, and interpersonal abilities that contribute to successful fundraising campaigns and donor stewardship programs.
Development Officer Resume Skills (Hard Skills)
• Grant writing and proposal development for government and foundation funding
• Donor database management (Salesforce, Blackbaud, DonorPerfect, Raisely)
• Major gifts fundraising strategies and donor cultivation techniques
• Corporate partnership development and sponsorship negotiation
• Event planning and campaign management for fundraising initiatives
• Financial reporting and fundraising analytics using CRM systems
• Direct mail campaign development and digital marketing for donations
• Prospect research and donor prospect identification
• Budget development and financial management for development programs
• Compliance management for Australian charity regulations (ACNC requirements)
• Social media fundraising and online giving platform management
• Strategic fundraising planning and goal setting
Development Officer Resume Skills (Soft Skills)
• Relationship building and donor stewardship across diverse stakeholder groups
• Persuasive communication and compelling storytelling for fundraising
• Active listening and empathetic donor engagement
• Cultural sensitivity and inclusive fundraising practices
• Time management and prioritisation in deadline-driven fundraising environments
• Public speaking and presentation skills for donor cultivation events
• Collaborative teamwork and cross-departmental coordination
• Problem-solving and creative thinking for fundraising challenges
• Emotional resilience and persistence in face of fundraising rejection
• Ethical decision-making and integrity in donor relationships
• Adaptability and flexibility in changing funding landscapes
• Leadership and mentoring capabilities for development team growth
How to pick the best Development Officer skills:
1. Analyse the job description carefully and identify specific skills mentioned by the employer, particularly those related to fundraising methods, donor segments, or technology platforms they use.
2. Match your skills to organisation type – hospitals and universities often value major gifts experience, while community organisations may prioritise grassroots fundraising and volunteer coordination skills.
3. Emphasise current technology and methodology skills such as modern CRM systems and digital fundraising strategies, as Australian non-profits increasingly adopt sophisticated donor management approaches.
4. Include compliance and regulatory knowledge that demonstrates your understanding of Australian charity laws, tax deductibility requirements, and ethical fundraising standards.
5. Balance technical and relationship skills to show you’re both systematically organised and capable of building meaningful connections with donors and stakeholders across diverse communities.
Development Officer Resume Examples [Skills]
Fundraising Skills:
• Major gifts cultivation – Developed relationships with high-net-worth donors resulting in $800K in major gifts over 2-year period
• Grant writing expertise – Secured $1.2M in government and foundation grants with 78% success rate across 45+ applications
• Corporate partnerships – Built strategic alliances with 12 corporate sponsors, generating $350K annually in partnership revenue
Technical Skills:
• Salesforce Nonprofit Cloud proficiency – Managed donor database of 3,500+ records, improving data quality and campaign targeting
• Event management – Coordinated signature fundraising events generating average net revenue of $150K per event
Communication Skills:
• Donor stewardship – Achieved 88% donor retention rate through personalised communication and relationship management strategies
• Public speaking – Delivered presentations to corporate boards and community groups, securing commitments totaling $200K
Should I Add Bonus Sections to My Development Officer Resume?
Additional sections can significantly strengthen your development officer resume by demonstrating professional commitment, sector expertise, and well-rounded qualifications that distinguish you from other candidates. These sections are particularly valuable in the Australian non-profit sector, where professional development, community involvement, and ethical practices are highly regarded by employers.
Certifications & Professional Development: Industry certifications like CFRE (Certified Fund Raising Executive) or credentials from Fundraising Institute Australia demonstrate professional commitment and specialised expertise in development practices.
Professional Associations: Membership in organisations like Fundraising Institute Australia, Association of Fundraising Professionals, or Philanthropy Australia shows industry engagement and networking commitment.
Volunteer Experience: Non-profit volunteer work, board service, or community leadership roles demonstrate your personal commitment to social causes and provide additional fundraising experience.
Awards and Recognition: Fundraising awards, professional recognition, or community honours provide concrete evidence of exceptional performance and industry standing.
Languages: Multilingual capabilities are valuable in Australia’s diverse communities and can expand donor outreach opportunities for many organisations.
Speaking Engagements: Conference presentations, workshop facilitation, or thought leadership activities demonstrate expertise and industry recognition.
Development Officer Resume Examples [Other Sections]
Correct Example:
CERTIFICATIONS & CREDENTIALS
• Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) – Association of Fundraising Professionals (Current)
• Advanced Certificate in Fundraising – Fundraising Institute Australia (2022)
• Certificate in Grant Writing – Australian Institute of Grants Management (2021)
• Salesforce Nonprofit Cloud Administrator Certification (2023)
PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS
• Member, Fundraising Institute Australia (2019 – Present)
• Member, Association of Fundraising Professionals (2020 – Present)
• Member, Philanthropy Australia (2021 – Present)
VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE
• Board Treasurer, Local Youth Services Network (2020 – Present)
• Volunteer Fundraising Coordinator, Community Housing Initiative (2018 – 2020)
• Pro Bono Grant Writing for Small Community Organisations (Ongoing)
AWARDS & RECOGNITION
• Outstanding Achievement in Fundraising – Fundraising Institute Australia (2023)
• Employee of the Year – Melbourne Community Foundation (2022)
• Young Professional Leadership Award – United Way Australia (2020)
Incorrect Example:
OTHER STUFF
• Have some certificates
• Member of fundraising groups
• Do volunteer work
• Won some awards
• Speak other languages
• Live in Melbourne
Tip: Include relevant interests that demonstrate qualities valuable to development work, such as community event organising that shows planning skills, cultural activities that demonstrate community engagement, or endurance sports that reflect the persistence required in fundraising.
How to write a Development Officer Resume Objective or Resume Summary
Your professional summary is crucial for development officers as it must immediately establish your fundraising track record, relationship-building capabilities, and passion for social impact. This 3-4 line section should highlight your development experience, key fundraising achievements, specialised skills, and the unique value you bring to advancing organisational mission through strategic resource development.
For experienced development officers, focus on quantifiable fundraising accomplishments, donor relationship management success, and leadership experience in development programs. Recent graduates should emphasise their relevant education, any fundraising or volunteer experience, transferable relationship-building skills, and genuine enthusiasm for non-profit development work. Always tailor your summary to reflect the specific cause area and fundraising focus mentioned in the job advertisement.
Key elements to include:
• Years of development experience and types of fundraising programs managed
• Specific fundraising achievements and dollar amounts raised
• Notable donor relationship management success or retention rates
• Grant writing experience and success rates
• Passion for social impact and commitment to organisational mission
Development Officer Resume Summary Examples
Correct Example:
Passionate Development Officer with 7+ years of experience building sustainable fundraising programs for health and education organisations. Expert in major gifts cultivation, corporate partnership development, and grant writing, with proven track record of raising $12M+ across diverse funding streams. Skilled in donor relationship management and stewardship strategies that consistently achieve 80%+ retention rates while expanding donor base by 45% annually. Committed to creating lasting partnerships that advance social impact and organisational sustainability.
Incorrect Example:
Development officer looking for a new opportunity in fundraising. I have experience working with donors and writing grants. I’m good at building relationships and raising money for good causes. I want to work for an organisation that makes a positive difference in the community.
For entry-level candidates, focus on your relevant education, any fundraising-related experience (including internships, volunteer work, or academic projects), transferable relationship-building skills, and genuine passion for development work and social impact.
Entry-Level Development Officer Resume Summary Examples
Correct Example:
Recent Master of Non-Profit Management graduate with 12 months of development internship experience and strong foundation in fundraising principles and donor relationship management. Demonstrated success in supporting annual giving campaigns and grant application processes during placement with regional community foundation. Combines academic knowledge in development theory with practical experience in donor database management and event coordination. Passionate about leveraging strategic fundraising to create sustainable social impact and advance organisational mission.
Incorrect Example:
New graduate who studied non-profit management and wants to work in development. I don’t have much professional fundraising experience yet but I’m willing to learn. I think I’d be good at this work because I care about helping people and I’m good at talking to others.
How to Update Your LinkedIn Profile When Updating Your Development Officer Resume
Maintaining alignment between your resume and LinkedIn profile is crucial in the Australian non-profit sector, where professional networks, cause advocacy, and relationship-building significantly influence career opportunities. Your LinkedIn profile should complement your resume while leveraging the platform’s unique features to showcase your development expertise, social impact achievements, and connections within the philanthropic community.
Unlike your resume, LinkedIn allows for a more personal and mission-driven approach that can include impact stories, donor testimonials (where appropriate), and engagement with cause-related content. This is particularly valuable for development officers, as the non-profit sector values authentic passion and demonstrated commitment to social causes.
LinkedIn Headline Optimisation for Development Officers
Your LinkedIn headline should immediately communicate your fundraising expertise and passion for social impact, appealing to both non-profit employers and potential donors or partners who may view your profile.
Effective Headlines:
• “Development Officer | 6+ Years Fundraising Excellence | Major Gifts & Corporate Partnerships | Advancing Health Equity”
• “CFRE Certified Development Professional | Grant Writer | Building Sustainable Funding for Education Initiatives | Melbourne”
• “Senior Development Officer | $10M+ Raised | Passionate About Creating Social Impact Through Strategic Partnerships”
Ineffective Headlines:
• “Development Officer”
• “Fundraiser seeking opportunities”
• “Non-profit professional”
LinkedIn Summary vs Resume Summary: Key Differences
While your resume summary focuses on measurable fundraising achievements and technical capabilities, your LinkedIn summary can tell the story of your passion for social impact and development philosophy. This narrative approach resonates well in the Australian non-profit sector, where mission alignment and personal commitment are crucial factors in hiring decisions.
Your LinkedIn summary should expand on what drives your development work, highlight meaningful donor relationships you’ve built (maintaining confidentiality), and demonstrate your understanding of the broader social issues your organisations address. Include keywords that Australian non-profit employers commonly search for, while maintaining an authentic voice that reflects your values and professional approach.
Showcasing Development Officer Experience on LinkedIn
LinkedIn’s format allows you to provide detailed impact stories and context that bring your fundraising achievements to life. Use this expanded space to describe the social outcomes your fundraising has enabled, the innovative approaches you’ve taken to donor engagement, and the collaborative partnerships you’ve developed.
Consider sharing success stories (with appropriate confidentiality), campaign case studies, or volunteer appreciation posts that demonstrate your comprehensive approach to development work. These narrative elements help differentiate your profile and provide concrete evidence of your impact on both organisations and communities.
LinkedIn Skills and Endorsements for Development Officers
Select 15-20 skills that represent the full spectrum of development competencies, balancing fundraising expertise with relationship management and social impact knowledge. Prioritise skills frequently mentioned in Australian non-profit job postings, such as “Fundraising,” “Grant Writing,” “Donor Relations,” “Major Gifts,” and “Nonprofit Management.”
Actively seek endorsements from colleagues, board members, volunteers, and professional contacts within the non-profit sector. These endorsements serve as social proof of your development capabilities and are particularly valuable in a field where trust and relationship-building are paramount to success.
LinkedIn Profile Tips for Australian Development Officers
Network Strategically: Connect with non-profit leaders, board members, foundation program officers, and corporate social responsibility professionals across Australia. Join LinkedIn groups such as “Philanthropy Australia Network,” “Australian Fundraising Professionals,” or cause-specific professional communities.
Share Impact-Focused Content: Regularly share updates about social issues, fundraising insights, or organisational achievements that demonstrate your ongoing engagement with the non-profit sector and thought leadership in development practices.
Highlight Australian Sector Knowledge: Include understanding of local funding landscapes, government grant programs, and cultural nuances of Australian philanthropy. This local expertise is particularly valuable to organisations seeking development officers who understand the regional donor community and regulatory environment.
Your LinkedIn profile serves as a dynamic showcase of your development expertise and social impact commitment, allowing you to build relationships within Australia’s philanthropic community while demonstrating your effectiveness in advancing organisational mission through strategic fundraising.
Creating an exceptional development officer resume requires careful attention to both your fundraising achievements and your commitment to social impact. By following these guidelines and tailoring your content to highlight your relationship-building skills, fundraising expertise, and passion for advancing organisational mission, you’ll be well-positioned to secure interviews with leading non-profit organisations, foundations, and social enterprises across Australia.
Remember to complement your strong resume with an equally compelling cover letter that demonstrates your understanding of the specific organisation’s mission, funding challenges, and development needs. For additional guidance on crafting the perfect application package, explore our related resources on development officer cover letters and analysis of current non-profit sector job advertisements to ensure your application materials work together effectively to showcase your qualifications and enthusiasm for advancing your development career.
