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November 18, 2008

Why Young People Should Race to Find College Fund-Raising Jobs

Amid the gloomy news about hiring freezes and shrinking job opportunities, John Burkhardt offers a hopeful note on the Future Leaders in Philanthropy blog.

Mr. Burkhardt, a professor of higher education at the University of Michigan, which has just started a new concentration for graduate students in college fund raising, says that jobs raising money for universities are “one of the fastest growing and most satisfying career opportunities in the nonprofit sector.”

While college fund raisers once worked mostly for elite, private institutions, now most public and community colleges are “getting into the game,” and overall the field is becoming more sophisticated, says Mr. Burkhardt.

Among the reasons why he thinks fund-raising jobs at colleges are so appealing:

• College towns are attractive places to live, and they are largely immune from economic downturns.

• University fund raisers have to be well-versed in a variety of academic pursuits, and they are working with professors who are, for the most part, passionate about their work.

• Salaries tend to be good, and the benefits are even better.

What do you think of Mr. Burkhardt’s perspective? Will college development offices do a lot of hiring in the bad times?

— Caroline Preston

Tuesday November 18, 2008 | Permalink

Comments

1. It’s a lot like being a high end call girl — you make your money partying with rich middle aged white guys, and pretending that you find them interesting.

   — Caroline    Nov 18, 10:53 PM    #

2. Haha! I love Caroline’s comment.

   As a professional fundraiser, I agree!

   — Jessica    Nov 19, 12:01 AM    #

3. Hats off John!! Some universities now offer a major in recourse development. In addition, the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) offers a course in a basic course in fundraising. Does any one have specific suggestions on how to land a fund raising career with a university other than through volunteering? Thanks. J

   — jay    Nov 19, 07:46 AM    #

4. Maybe it’s my age, but I don’t get the “call girl” feeling about my profession.
   I became a fundraiser during a midlife career change, when I topped out in my previous profession in the smallish job market where I live. Now, I know that I can go anywhere in this country and get a good fundraising job.
   I enjoy meeting with faculty and staff to uncover the compelling reasons that make a case for support. I love connecting with donors, male and female, at whatever age. I honestly do find them interesting. And I go to work every morning happy that my job is to make education more affordable for the less-than-privileged students at this state university.

   — HJordan    Nov 19, 08:54 AM    #

5. I completely agree with HJordan at 8:54. While it has its challenges, the college fundraising (development, advancement) area is a terrific one that really does not deserve the cynical attitude that the “call girl” note suggests. Indeed, donors and colleagues can tell when you are faking it, and I think they care. It’s a wonderful line of work, filled with meaning and reward, and it deserves to become more professionalized and respected.

   — College Fundraiser    Nov 19, 01:39 PM    #

6. Kind of poor timing on this article…saying college towns are “largely immune from economic downturns.” Perhaps compared with Detroit, but Cornell’s development office had planned to beef up a lot and now there’s a hiring “pause” across all of Cornell because of NY state cuts in the public side of Cornell; and Ithaca College is also having its challenges. True, higher ed fundraising is still a better place to be than some, but it’s all about location, location, location (market, market, market)—be prepared to be mobile.

   — PDavis    Nov 19, 02:28 PM    #

7. I think this advice is odd. In the nonprofit world, particularly in fundraising, I think it is important to work in the area that you find most compelling. Isn’t that why we choose to work for non-profits? Feel passionately about conservation, or feeding the hungry, or the arts—work in those sectors. If you feel strongly about higher education, work there. This did make me wonder about compensation and benefits at universities versus other nonprofits. Frankly, I think that if they are not in line with what fundraisers are making in other areas of the nonprofit sector, then it is a sign of the imbalances that have contributed to our economic crisis. I cringe when I hear of huge gifts to universities, who then proceed to hike tuition costs.

   — Liz    Nov 19, 02:54 PM    #

8. Professional fundraisers must speak up to comments like Caroline’s. Very often such comments are the result of a lack of experience or knowledge about the profession. The professionalization of fundraising and advancement in general is relatively new —within the last twenty years. Fundraisers can help build the reputation of our profession by seeking further credentials, such as the CFRE, and by encouraging your colleagues to do the same. Membership in internationally recognized associations and continuing education for best practices also builds a credible reputation for the profession. One final comment. . . I do not see the point of making such commentary in a nearly anonymous fashion. This anonymity encourages thoughtless and unsubstantiated comments.

   — Marianne Downey    Nov 19, 04:59 PM    #

9. I am no “call girl”, as prostitutes keep the money they raise. I prefer to think of myself as Robin Hood. There is no greater tool in the pursuit of increased humanitarianism and education than money. I help get it from those who have too much of it and give to those with too little.

   — Andrea    Nov 19, 07:56 PM    #

10. I have to be honest, when I read the “call girl” comment I wanted to go through the roof. Whenever I tell someone that I am a professional fundraiser (focus is major gifts), their comment is always, “oh you plan alot of parties and smooz.” While I have attended a Gala or two in my day, I have to reinforce with everyone that that’s not what this job is all about. It’s truly listening and connecting with a donor to discover their passion and how they can make a life changing gift. Whatever the gift amount will be to them. (However, do I really want everyone knowing what an amazing career I have? I like the job security!)

    — Angela, CFRE    Nov 20, 09:52 AM    #

11. I am brand new to development, but have 15 years on the college campus – I am not a “smoozer” nor am I a “call girl” I am thinking that the job is more about discussing the campus I am passionate about and believe can make a difference in many people’s lives. This opportunity, however, is not free and needs the financial support of others – I merely move people toward my passion.

    — Mark    Nov 20, 02:14 PM    #

12. Kudos to Caroline for having a personality. You folks need to lighten up!

    — Susan    Nov 20, 02:50 PM    #

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