Answer by Linda Whittern

The best way of planning a move into business life as an experienced fundraiser is to look at each of the skills you've developed and think how they might be useful in a new context.
 
As fundraiser, your skillsets probably include:-
 
- representing your charity and explaining its benefits / role to key decision-makers (eg senior management in prospective donor organisations) and to the public at large
- selling (to corporates and the general public)
- project management
- PR (eg selling ideas for features to online and print press, giving interviews, etc).
 
You're likely to be suitable for business roles in selling, marketing, PR and campaigns management (you'd have to redesign your CV to explain why your fundraising skills are so relevant to whatever new role you want to take on).  I suggest your best bet will be to aim for a suitable business post that is much on the same level as your present one, but with scope for further promotion.
 
You may also like to explore the possibility of a "poacher turned gamekeeper" role in the "Social Responsibility" department of a large employer (eg one of the banks).  Large organisations often like to support suitable charities, but want to know their chosen "social partner" can deliver for them, in terms of image enhancement, charitable effectiveness, ethics and managerial professionalism.  You'll have the insider knowledge to guide businesses seeking charities to help them fulfil their "Social Responsibility" role.
 
Good luck!   

Linda Whittern is Director of Careers Partnership (UK), a careers consultancy for people at all stages of their careers. Email lw@careers-partnership-uk.com for a private consultation.