TSB 024: Nonprofit Secrets for Finding a Great Development Person

Read Time: 3 minutes

This week's tip: Every nonprofit needs a talented development person.  Here's how to find the right person for you.

You know how important it is to have a great development person on your nonprofit team. They're the ones who bring in the donations or write the grants that keep your organization running. But how do you find the right person for the job? Here are some secrets to help you in your search.

1. Clearly define the qualities, behaviors, and work style you're looking for in a development person. You'll likely need someone who is a great communicator and can build strong relationships with donors. Look for someone who is passionate about your cause and has experience in fundraising. They should also be organized and able to manage multiple projects at once.
2.  One of the best ways to find a great development person is through your network. Reach out to the development people you know and ask if they know of anyone who might be a good fit. Share your job posting with them and ask if they'll share it with their network.
3. Post your job opening with the Association of Fundraising Professionals and the local chapter nearest you, and any other relevant local organizations.  Notice which organizations potential candidates belong to and post your job there.
4. Pay attention to certifications, and look for the Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) or similar designation.
5. When you're reviewing resumes and interviewing candidates, keep an eye out for certain skills and experiences. Look for someone who has experience with major gifts, planned giving, and grant writing. They should also be comfortable with donor management software and have experience with events and campaigns.
6. Assess a candidate's communication skills. They should be able to articulate your organization's mission and impact to potential donors. Ask them to submit a writing sample and demonstrate how they would pitch your nonprofit to a donor.
7. Consider if the candidate is a good cultural fit for your organization. They should be aligned with your values and passionate about your mission. Look for someone who is collaborative and can work well with other team members.

In order to attract top talent, it's important to offer competitive compensation and benefits. This includes a salary that is commensurate with experience, health insurance, and retirement benefits. You should also consider offering professional development opportunities and a flexible work schedule.

When you've found the right person for the job, make sure to provide them with the resources they need to be successful. This includes a planned onboarding process, access to donor data, a budget for events and campaigns, and support from other team members. It's also important to set clear goals and expectations and provide regular feedback and coaching.

Finding a great development person for your nonprofit can be a challenge, but by defining your needs, leveraging your network, and assessing candidates' skills and cultural fit, you can identify the right person for the job.

With the right development person on your team, you can take your fundraising efforts to the next level and make a greater impact in your community.

That's all for today. I'll see you again next Saturday! 

Whenever you're ready, there are three ways we can help you:

1. Register for one of our upcoming workshops here. 
2. Book me to speak at your upcoming event here.
3. Explore our consulting services here.