On a recent phone call with my colleague and friend Chad Brown, he used these four words to describe a great development officer, especially a great major gifts officer. And Chad would know, he’s been doing major gifts work for years and is currently a Donor Consultant, Major Gifts Officer with the Greater Twin Cities United Way in Minneapolis, MN.
Priest. Someone who listens with discretion. It’s important when talking with people about money that information learned be held close to the vest due to all the important and private things that may be shared.
CEO. The person with the vision who creates an amazing plan. In this case it’s the annual development plan. This is the take-charge attitude. Development officers exhibiting CEO-type behavior motivate others to help them reach the agency fundraising goals.
Entrepreneur. Great development officers are self motivated with a drive for results. They don’t need someone looking over their shoulder to meet their goals and often exceed by using new, outside the box strategies.
Ringmaster. This one is really important. They get in the limelight when it’s important to do so. And then they take themselves out of the limelight to shine the light on others: donors, staff & volunteers.
As Chad explained to me, awesome development officers are all of these at some point in their day. And sometimes they are all of these in the same meeting. Which are you today?
Comment by Chad Brown — March 10, 2010
Some of my colleagues here at United Way read the post. One of them suggested the word “confidante” in lieu of priest. I think that is a more culturally-neutral word that is fitting.
Comment by Lori Jacobwith — March 10, 2010
Great suggestion, Chad! Thanks for idea for the post & your update to the list. Wise colleagues you have.
Comment by char pfeiffer — April 8, 2010
We love Chad Brown, great wisdom
Comment by Lori Jacobwith — April 8, 2010
I’d agree. That is a “wise” guy, that Chad Brown.