Why You Might Need an Architect for Your Next Hire

When was the last time you hired for a position that was plug-and-play? Responsibilities clear, high-performing team in place, strong portfolio ready to go, initiatives all set up, etc.?

In our coaching practice, we often hear “we need a builder, someone who can come in and build our shop/culture/team.” Building is important, and we recognize that as our industry continues to evolve, our fundraising programs are in a state of perpetual building. And every program has its own nuances, challenges and opportunities from which to build.

While we believe that builders can bring critical skills, perhaps your next hire should be an architect. No, not an actual architect. But an advancement professional who aligns on those skills.

One architecture firm (XUL Architecture) identifies key skills of an architect as being able to problem solve, think outside the box and meet challenges with customized solutions and inventive ideas.

This sure sounds like what we should be looking for in advancement: Someone who will look for the strong foundation or bones in our culture, identify its needs and develop a strategic path forward that reflects the greatest opportunities.

So how do we hire someone who can adapt their skills to our environment? Interview questions are key. Consider the conversation you could have with the following:

• How does your fundraising style adapt to the institution you work for?
• Tell me about a time you had to switch from your usual approach to a job responsibility to a different style in order to be successful in the environment?
• Tell me about a time you built or strengthened an element of a fundraising program. How did your approach reflect the institution’s unique needs and opportunities?
• Starting in a new position is an excellent opportunity to assess the landscape and develop a path forward. Can you share about a prior experience doing this: What process did you use to assess the needs and opportunities? How did they inform the plan you created?

All our fundraising programs have room to build. But what we need is often not a builder – it’s an architect. How do you hire for team members who can assess, problem solve and implement based on your institution’s unique factors?