The Smart Nonprofit's Intro to Hiring a Fractional Fundraiser As a nonprofit leader, you've probably experienced this scenario: Your organization needs experienced fundraising help, but hiring a senior development director feels financially out of reach. Meanwhile, hiring junior staff often leads to high turnover and requires significant training time you don't have. Sound familia
Fundraising as a profession has gained more recognition, and with that, we’re seeing a growing interest from professionals with transferable skills who are eager to transition into fundraising. I’m encouraged by the enthusiasm of those wanting to enter the field—whether it’s at career fairs or through one-on-one coffee chats. This is especially evident among students, who are inspired by the noti
Since I began recruiting in 2008, I've often been asked about educational pathways for fundraisers and the value of certifications like the CFRE. Reviewing my past emails and blog posts, my perspective remains largely unchanged. Full disclosure: I didn’t have a CFRE when I was a fundraiser. With a young family—one child and another on the way—I had to choose between the CFRE and an MBA. I chose
You likely already know the basics of what to prepare for your job interview: examples of successes, how you handle set-backs and challenging people, and what to say when they ask you about your weaknesses. But as a fundraiser there is some specific preparation you should do that will set you apart from other candidates and help the employer to understand what you could bring to the r
Like so many others, growing up I never had a specific career goal in mind. Even after completing two degrees in my early twenties, I still didn’t know what I wanted to do—and I loved student life. It’s a great place to temporarily avoid reality. I lived in a bubble, floating between lectures, the library, and campus coffee shops. In my youth, there was much I didn’t know or even care to know. B
Here’s some news: You’re in the best position to look for a job when you don’t actually need one. You likely already know this, but it’s worth emphasizing. Job hunting while unemployed or under pressure to find a job quickly can be extremely stressful, putting you at a disadvantage. You may find it harder to be selective and could feel pressured to accept any offer that comes your way, which can
I’ll admit, resumes aren’t my favorite way to get to know someone. I’d much rather meet face-to-face to talk about their career goals, background, and achievements. But in most cases, a resume is your entry ticket to that meeting. Make sure it represents you in the best way possible. Here are eight tips to help your resume stand out: Present Well: I’ve seen many resume formats, from tradition
Turnover has long been a challenge in the fundraising profession. In 1996, a study by Edward G. Thomas at Cleveland State University revealed that over half of development staff left their positions within five years. Since then, the situation has only worsened. A few years ago, frequent job changes on a résumé were red flags to recruiters. Today, in the context of high turnover, three years at a
Over 10 years ago, I wrote a blog post about optimizing LinkedIn profiles by deleting anything that wasn’t quite right for a professional space. Some of that advice still holds up, but LinkedIn has come a long way. Here’s an updated list of things to tidy up on your LinkedIn profile this year to keep it polished, relevant, and effective. Personal or Unprofessional Photos: Back then, it wasn’t
While I haven’t been on many informational interviews myself, I’ve given thousands over the past fifteen years. When I started my fundraising career, I wasn’t aware of informational interviews and simply applied for jobs as they became available. Over time, awareness of informational interviews has grown, and more people are using them as a valuable tool for career development. Fortunately, fundr
You’ve likely heard about the mega-transition of wealth from the Baby Boomers to younger generations. Making sure your charity is comfortable in promoting and talking about gifts in wills is key to developing this kind of revenue! Remember that 30% of people in Canada are interested in leaving a charity in their will and 5% have already added a charity to their will – so let’s get cracking! St
In the competitive job market of 2024, candidates often lean on the years they've spent in a role as a badge of expertise. But are years on the job alone meaningful if they aren’t filled with diverse, progressive experience? Employers are looking for growth and adaptability, not repetition. Consider this example: Candidate A has 20 years of experience in fundraising, consistently meeting goals.
With remote work more common post-COVID, it’s a great time to talk about work-life balance and how flexibility can enhance total compensation. Total compensation includes more than salary and benefits; it’s the whole package, with non-monetary incentives like flexibility playing a key role. In my earlier fundraising days, flexible arrangements like telecommuting or flex days (e.g., the "nine-day
While pay may be a factor in job satisfaction, it often doesn’t top the list for fundraisers. Surveys frequently rank factors like engaging work, advancement opportunities, and a positive work environment as primary motivators. That said, fair and competitive compensation is still essential. Employers must ensure that salaries are equitable and in line with performance and industry standards to a
What truly sets a skilled fundraiser apart? In my career, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside exceptional fundraisers, and over time, I've observed the traits they consistently share. I’ve also considered the top qualities that my clients are looking for in today’s evolving fundraising landscape. Here’s a look at the eight core characteristics that define a standout fundraiser. Listeni
