Development Directors; 19 Months and Gone!

The Nonprofit Show

The pressing issue within the nonprofit sector: why Development Directors often leave their positions after an average of just 19 months. The conversation, with cohosts Julia Patrick and Tony Beall, is both eye opening and spirited, deliberating about the various factors contributing to this high turnover rate and offering practical solutions to improve retention.
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Tony Beall, known for his expertise and passion in nonprofit consultancy, shares that one of the main reasons for this rapid turnover is the lack of adequate resources and support provided to Development Directors. He emphasizes that organizations often bring in fundraising professionals without equipping them with the necessary tools, such as up-to-date technology and sufficient budgets for travel and networking. This lack of support can lead to frustration and burnout, pushing talented individuals to seek opportunities elsewhere.
Julia echoes Tony's concerns and highlights an often-overlooked aspect: the time it takes for a new employee to fully integrate into a role. She recalls an HR expert's insight that it typically takes about 12 months for someone to acclimate to a new job, learning the organization's culture, processes, and expectations. If Development Directors are leaving shortly after this period, it means they barely have enough time to make a significant impact before moving on, which can be detrimental to the organization's stability and growth.
Tony also addresses the unrealistic expectations placed on Development Directors. He explains that many organizations fail to understand the complexities of fundraising and the time required to build relationships and secure donations. This disconnect often leads to undue pressure on fundraising professionals, causing them to feel undervalued and unsupported.
A pointed quote from Tony encapsulates the core of the issue: "There is a runway that we should expect new employees, and development folks specifically, to travel on before we start seeing the kind of results that you might like to see from that sort of professional." This statement drives home the value of patience and realistic expectations in retaining talented Development Directors.
In addition to discussing the challenges, Tony and Julia explore potential solutions. They advocate for creating a culture of philanthropy within organizations, where everyone understands and participates in the fundraising process. Celebrating small successes along the way and ensuring that development professionals feel supported and valued can make a significant difference. Moreover, they touch on the importance of flexible incentives beyond financial compensation, e.g. tailoring rewards to individual preferences, such as additional time off or the ability to work remotely, can boost morale and loyalty among staff.

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