I have been in fundraising/development for a few years now. Decades if I count the volunteer work and part-time positions I did.
Recently I have been reading reports and studies that suggest more than have of fundraising/development professionals are seeking employment elsewhere or would leave their current position if the opportunity presented itself.
Seriously?
So this news begs the question, at least from me: What do you think? How do you feel about your job.
I would definitely love feedback around this question. I have been continually reading about it, pulling up articles and having discussion with other development professionals.
I for one am very happy with my job. Things that help create and nurture that happiness are:
I am empowered.
I am not micro managed.
My boss has an open door policy and she means it.
I have all of the tools I need to succeed. Of course I want more tools, and those will come as I continue to become more and more successful with fundraising and relationship building.
I have the right people in the right seats.
I have aboard of directors that is active and shares the same vision as I do.
I work for an agency that serves youth experiencing homelessness and that is a huge fit for me.
I am respected by my peers.
I make a fair salary and have wonderful benefits.
I am allowed a great work - personal life balance.
I think I'll stop there. That covers a good portion of it. I think this list is a great start as to how someone can be totally happy with their position.
What do you think should be added to this list?
Thanks for reading!
Hi Dan - I think a lot of it is knowing that the work you do helps your organization to fulfill its mission. Seeing the work happen is really satisfying - I don't love everything I do on a daily basis but I am proud of the role I play in producing the final product.
ReplyDeleteI also love working with donors - I always try to teach students that prospecting is really about finding like-minded people who share commitment to mission - what could be more satisfying than building multifaceted relationships with people who are going to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with you for the long haul?