Smart ideas delivered every other Tuesday from Hartsook Companies, Inc.

October 31, 2006

Throughout my career, I have served on many committees helping organizations find just the right development officer. I observed several reoccurring factors that helped move candidates to the top of the list.

To get in the door ...
• A great resume - one that exhibits fundraising success through progressive increases in dollars raised and fundraising positions that demonstrate advancement in management and leadership skills

Once in the door ...
• Being prepared - candidates who have done their homework and ask insightful questions
• Professionalism - those who put Board members and volunteers at ease while commanding immediate respect and rapport

After an interview ...
• Immediate follow up - reinforces enthusiasm for the position

Several individuals in senior-level positions with area nonprofits and universities had this to say about finding the right development professional.

"Be sure they are genuine, ethical and passionate!" Becky Bumgardner, Executive Director, University Development, North Carolina State University (Raleigh)

"A great development officer is one who focuses on relationships and helps people find the right avenue to give back in support of others." John Mitterling, CFRE, Senior Vice President for Financial Development, YMCA of the Triangle Area (Raleigh)

"An organization benefits when a development officer has longevity with an institution, proven relationship building skills and understands the delicate balance of working with donors." Priscilla Bratcher, CFRE, Director of Development, Carolina Performing Arts, University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill (Chapel Hill)

"What I look for in a great development officer is someone who is excited about setting and exceeding goals. They are self-starters who want to be measured for their results and appreciate any coaching that helps them get there. These development officers almost always succeed, which ultimately means success for the students and faculty whom we serve." David Anderson, President, The Medical Foundation of North Carolina, Inc., Associate Dean, University of North Carolina School of Medicine (Chapel Hill)

- Emily Aldrich Barbour, Senior Vice President (Raleigh, N.C.) emily@hartsookcompanies.com

Another smart idea...From the Hartsook Best Practices Collection^SM

"Think like a businessperson when running your organization." - Mary Iming, Nebraska Children's and Families Foundation (Lincoln, Neb.)

If you are interested in Best Practices, check out these additional resources from Hartsook Companies:

• "Reality Fundraising: Proven, Practical Ideas for the Enlightened Fundraiser" by Bob Hartsook (2005, ASR Philanthropic Publishing). The book features great ideas, insights and lessons learned through hundreds of best practices from nonprofit professionals nationwide. To order the book, follow this link http://www.ASRpublishing.com

• "Best Practices Coast to Coast^SM," a compilation of best practices from every state in the union

• "Hartsook Best Practices Collection^SM," our original collection of 250 best practices and great ideas

For a free copy of any or all of the "Best Practices" collections, please email Erika Turner, erika@hartsookcompanies.com, or visit our web site at http://www.hartsookcompanies.com/bestpractices2.shtml. We also invite you to contribute your own best practice by emailing Tami Druzba, tami@hartsookcompanies.com

The Hartsook School of Consulting

Bob Hartsook, an icon and expert in the fundraising profession, has been dedicated to the education and advancement of fundraising for decades. He has offered seminars in more than 30 cities across the country; been a guest speaker for countless conferences, symposiums and classrooms; and authored six books and mountains of articles.

In 2007, Bob will take training to a new level - The Hartsook School of Consulting, a fundraising executive boot camp.

Keep watching various industry publications for more information. Or, if you want to be one of the first to hear more, send an email to hsc@hartsookcompanies.com with your contact information.


Interested in Speakers?

Hartsook consultants are available to speak to your organization on a variety of topics. To read more, visit http://www.hartsookcompanies.com/speak.shtml or email Tami Druzba at tami@hartsookcompanies.com to discuss the possibilities.

Visit the Hartsook Companies web site for:

• Educational opportunities
• Books/reference articles
• Conference/workshop speakers

Strategies for Success explores smart ideas, connecting with more than 1,500 fundraising professionals bi-weekly. We welcome your contributions or comments. If you'd like a free subscription to Strategies for Success - or its monthly companion, eHartsook on Philanthropy - contact Erika Turner, erika@hartsookcompanies.com. You also can reach her at 316.630.9992.

Our web site is located at http://www.hartsookcompanies.com.