Many job descriptions claim to be looking for a fundraiser who will be “passionate about our mission.”
That’s a good start, but a good fundraiser should be passionate about much more, including:
- Developing the lifelong potential of each and every donor
- Establishing and maintaining donor trust
- Being an honest broker (not accepting or asking for gifts that aren’t readily implementable and central to the organization’s mission)
- Being a valuable and supportive member of the fundraising and advancement team
- Representing the organization in a highly professional manner
- Setting a positive example for others, especially younger practitioners
- Continuous learning and improvement
- Contributing to the field
- Showing people what an honorable field fundraising can be
Passion for mission isn’t enough, and when organizations emphasize it as the sole or most important passion in a fundraiser, it’s telling. It suggests they’re looking for a persuader, not an honest broker or philanthropic facilitator.
Jim Langley is the president of Langley Innovations. Langley Innovations provides a range of services to its clients to help them understand the cultural underpinnings of philanthropy and the psychology of donors and, with that knowledge, to develop the most effective strategies and tactics to build broader and more lasting communities of support. Jim has authored numerous books, including his most recent book, The Future of Fundraising: Adapting to New Philanthropic Realities, published by Academic Impressions in 2020.
