3 Myths About Hiring Directors of Development

Hiring a director of development can feel like a powerful move toward productivity and financial stability. But all too often I’ve heard executive directors report, “I hired my first full time Director of Development. We’re?six months in and it’s clear that she’s only comfortable with the communication and event piece of the job description. She doesn’t have the expertise or even the desire to do the most important work that needs to be done with donors.”

After you interviewed several candidates, hired within budget, and spent time catching your new development director up to speed with your organization this realization feels gut wrenching. Questioning whether you hired the right person when they seem to flop six months in is reasonable. However, with the right support and guidance your new development director may become the exact right person for the job.?

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Sometimes the wrong director of development was hired, but more often than not many executive directors have accepted three myths about directors of development.??

Myth #1: If I hire a director of development they will know how to handle all aspects of fundraising.?

The work of fundraising is multi-faceted and multi-disciplinary. CFRE certified fundraisers are recognized as the most qualified and well-rounded fundraisers. The required understanding and experience to qualify for CFRE certification includes case writing, volunteer management, boards, appeals, relationship building, donor visits, grant writing — and that’s just a quick highlight of required knowledge to certify. These directors of development usually command?salaries of $100k+. Most directors of development won’t come with nearly this breadth of knowledge and experience. When they do, they may still need support.??

Myth #2: Hiring one director of development will ensure fundraising success.?

One person rarely comes qualified to do all that a successful fundraising program requires.?As covered in the previous section, only the highest level fundraisers will be qualified in all areas of fundraising.?

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Most directors of development will bring select strengths and experiences for a portion of the role, but they will need coaching, support and perhaps additional teammates. Megan Amundson, CFRE, said that as an Executive Director hiring coaches for her fundraising staff was a high ROI choice. Three years after investing in coaching for her team, their?return on investment was 10Xs?what they had invested in coaching.?

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Just because your fundraising staff hasn’t achieved your fundraising goal, doesn’t mean they aren’t capable. With the right coaching and support they may be the perfect hire. Our last three?coaching clients?not only hit their fundraising goals, but surpassed them and were able to lead their organizations in new fundraising initiatives that allowed their organizations to grow their impact and reach.???

Myth #3: Hiring a qualified director of development should fit into our budget.?

If an executive director is lucky enough to find a high-level well-rounded director of development, they will need to be prepared to pay for it. Depending on the region, a CFRE-certified fundraiser of this level earns an?average yearly salary of $122,580. While this salary can feel like a staggering investment the results are worth it when the return can be 5X or even 10X. While the results are worth it, adding a team member of this level isn’t financially feasible for most nonprofits.?

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The good news is, nonprofits that can’t employ a director of development with a salary of $100k+ can still build a qualified team of fundraising professionals. Learn how HERE!