Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) Practice Test

In an expanding fundraising office, which position is typically added last?

1. Major gifts officer

2. Communications manager

3. Annual giving coordinator

4. Planned giving officer

The correct answer is: Planned giving officer

In an expanding fundraising office, the position typically added last is a planned giving officer. This role focuses on securing donations through bequests and other long-term giving arrangements that require a more sophisticated understanding of financial strategies and the needs of donors. As organizations grow, they usually first address immediate fundraising needs and donor engagement strategies. Major gifts officers, communications managers, and annual giving coordinators typically play essential roles in building a solid foundation for immediate fundraising success. These positions are critical in establishing donor relationships, maintaining ongoing communication, and coordinating annual giving campaigns. On the other hand, planned giving involves a more complex and lengthy process that develops over time. It requires a level of donor trust and engagement that often comes from a well-established organization with a solid base of support. As such, adding this position later allows the organization to mature in its fundraising strategies and to ensure that there is a strong infrastructure in place before embarking on the more intricate nature of planned gifts.