I was recently asked to sit on a nonprofit position interview as an unpaid adviser. I was also asked to serve as an adviser to a nonprofit search committee. Another hiring firm contacted me recently and asked me to recommend them to a prospective nonprofit. There is a great deal of action in the nonprofit hiring world these days...
F. Duke Haddad
Every person who works for a nonprofit or is associated with an organization internally is an ambassador of that organization by virtue of association. As an employee of The Salvation Army, I wear, with pride, a shirt with the logo of The Salvation Army. Volunteers also wear clothing that signifies an association with the organization...
Think about your fundraising career. Did you take classes, learn from mentors, read books or attempt to gain experience on a trial-and-error basis? Specifically, when thinking about the solicitation process, you probably focused a great deal of energy on what to say and do before, during and after the actual ask process. I had to experiment and learn over time. One facet to the solicitation process that is most important is securing the first meeting. In my opinion, not enough emphasis, training and education is provided on this topic...
Many individuals in the field that aspire for leadership positions are basically on their own when understanding how to effectively lead. There is no one-size-fits-all manual for leadership. Leadership is sprinkled throughout every organization, regardless of size or functionality. If you have not studied the concept of leadership, how do you know what it is like in a nonprofit setting?...
After all these years, I know I need to continue to improve my performance when in a face-to-face solicitation situation. I always want a prospect to say "yes." For all of us — including me — what can we do to enhance the probability that the answer we want will come out of a prospect's mouth?...
Do not be satisfied with just an annual gift, major gift or planned gift. Strive to seek multiple gifts from various assets of one donor. The compounding effect of the gift will provide enhanced financial results and a deeper and more meaningful relationship with your donors...
The leader of a nonprofit organization plays many roles with many constituencies. But there's one primary role every executive director should have. It's a role that consists of marketing, public relations, communications, programs, finance and many other interwoven elements...
If you can build trust, plus expand a personal relationship with a donor while also having the knowledge of their gift capacity and areas of interest, a possible layering can occur. In my context of layering, it is securing a major gift or pledge in one area while asking them for a second gift or pledge in another or same area...
Several things are certain in 2021 thus far. The year 2020 is behind us and 2021 is transitioning to a new normal. Let us see how this year plays out for the nonprofit sector. Examine where you are so far this year and where you expect to finish in 2021. Focus on what you can control. Prepare for unpredictable...
Anyone interested in sitting on the leadership team of a nonprofit must be career-oriented.
The Salvation Army Indiana Division had to make several decisions, especially those affecting special events for much-needed revenue.
When you think of management going forward, begin to think in terms of understanding circular management.
All nonprofit professionals should aspire to work with a high-quality, high-impact board of directors.
As a nonprofit pro, if you are serious about taking your board to a higher level, start by looking at best-of-class boards.
In this article, we continue the review of a board’s function.
