Top 10 Interview Questions for Your Next Director of Development Search: Part 2

We continue our series on interview questions for senior fundraisers. Here are 5 more questions you could ask the next time you are interviewing a Director of Development.

6.      How do you balance staff management responsibilities with fundraising activities?

The debate about whether Directors of Development should manage staff or work with donors is not new. Many fundraisers are promoted for their work with donors and do not always get a chance to develop strong management skills. If the role has staff management responsibilities, be sure to ask them about their management style.

7.      What opportunities do you see for our cause to gain major support from philanthropists?

This question allows candidates to share their passion for the cause and a little bit about their strategic thinking. Do not be deterred if the opportunities they see are not necessarily the ones you would choose. Difference of opinion is sometimes a good thing.

8.      How would you coach (inspire) senior leaders/board members to embrace fundraising activities?

The number one reason why good fundraisers leave jobs is because they do not feel understood or supported by senior leadership or the board. This question is important to understand their aptitude to develop relationships with senior leaders and establish a culture of philanthropy.

9.      How do you go about building trust with donors/staff/volunteers/etc?

Establishing trust is critical to the work we do as fundraisers, yet few people can reflect on how they go about doing that. Some rely on frequent exposure or deep conversations, while others rely on delivering on promises and being honest. The most important answer is that they have thought about this and can articulate it.

10.      How would your donors describe you?

An important skill for effective fundraisers is active listening, however it is hard to gauge that in an interview. So, look for a scenario or question to tease out how they interact with donors.

 What’s your favorite interview question to ask for senior fundraisers? 

Join us for a free webinar on Thursday October 8th at 2pm on The Art and Science of Hiring Development Staff during a Pandemic