Bridget, Philanthropy Officer at UNICEF USA: Advize Career Interview

A career in philanthropy offers significant impact and fulfillment, as evidenced by a UNICEF USA Philanthropy Officer's journey.

A geology degree unexpectedly led to a Teach for America experience, an MBA, and ultimately, a rewarding fundraising career.

This professional cultivates relationships with high-net-worth donors, strategically securing funds to aid children globally impacted by crises.

The work involves diverse communication methods, internal collaboration, and balancing virtual and in-person engagement. Essential skills include authentic communication, empathy, and ethical boundaries.

The most challenging aspect is connecting donors to international causes, requiring tact and persuasive storytelling.

However, the shared passion within the nonprofit sector and the tangible difference made in children's lives – like establishing child-friendly centers for displaced Ukrainian children – provide immense satisfaction.

Entry-level opportunities exist in telephone fundraising or as development assistants, paving the path to building a personal fundraising portfolio.

A key lesson: following personal interests, even when leading away from the initial academic path, and setting clear boundaries are crucial for success.

Advizer Information

Name

Job Title

Company

Undergrad

Grad Programs

Bridget Maxim

Philanthropy Officer

UNICEF USA

University of Southern California, 2013

University of Missouri St. Louis (Secondary Education); University of Southern California (MBA)

Majors

Industries

Job Functions

Traits

Environmental & Related Sciences

Nonprofit

Sales and Client Management

Honors Student, Scholarship Recipient, Greek Life Member

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Career Path Of A Philanthropy Officer At UNICEF USA

Bridget's career path began with a geology degree and a passion for "emergencies around the world," leading to a fulfilling but ultimately limiting role as a Teach for America science teacher. This experience, coupled with an MBA, propelled their focus towards fundraising, specifically in the non-profit sector, ultimately leading to the current position as a UNICEF fundraiser where they can make "a bigger impact" on children globally.

Career Path Of A Philanthropy Officer At UNICEF USA

Main Responsibilities of a Philanthropy Officer at UNICEF USA

Bridget's primary responsibility as a UNICEF USA Philanthropy Officer is "raising funds" by cultivating relationships with 150 high-net-worth donors across the Western US, tailoring engagement methods ("face-to-face meetings, Zoom, phone calls, emails") to individual preferences while simultaneously advocating for children impacted by global crises like "the war in Ukraine, the earthquakes in Syria and Turkey," ensuring donor contributions effectively reach those "who need it most."

Main Responsibilities of a Philanthropy Officer at UNICEF USA

A Day in the Life of a Philanthropy Officer at UNICEF USA

A Philanthropy Officer's day at UNICEF USA involves strategically prioritizing communication with 150 donors in their portfolio, "moving different gift conversations forward" through thoughtful outreach rather than mass emails. This work blends virtual communication with in-person meetings, event participation, and internal collaboration, creating a dynamic mix of "a day at the computer" and "a day out on the road."

A Day in the Life of a Philanthropy Officer at UNICEF USA

Most Important Skills For A Philanthropy Officer At UNICEF USA

A UNICEF USA Philanthropy Officer's most crucial skill is "being comfortable speaking with people," building relationships authentically while maintaining professional boundaries. This requires genuine passion for the organization's mission, as "it's not about making the most money," but rather a shared commitment to the cause.

Most Important Skills For A Philanthropy Officer At UNICEF USA

Favorite Parts of Being a Philanthropy Officer at UNICEF USA

Bridget, a Philanthropy Officer at UNICEF USA, finds deep fulfillment in connecting "people who have the resources" with those in need, citing the ability to make a tangible difference in children's lives, such as providing "a child-friendly center" for displaced Ukrainian children as a particularly rewarding aspect of the role. This work allows her to channel the sadness from global crises into positive action, bridging the gap between donors and beneficiaries in a way that "moves the needle."

Favorite Parts of Being a Philanthropy Officer at UNICEF USA

Biggest Challenges Faced by a Philanthropy Officer at UNICEF USA

Bridget's biggest challenge as a UNICEF USA Philanthropy Officer is persuading donors to support children in other countries whom they will never meet, unlike organizations that can offer in-person interactions showcasing their work. The difficulty lies in respectfully sharing the needs of these children and their communities in a way that compels support without exploiting or demeaning them, while competing with the appeal of local causes with readily visible impacts.

Biggest Challenges Faced by a Philanthropy Officer at UNICEF USA

Favorite Parts Of Working In The Nonprofit Fundraising Industry As A Philanthropy Officer

Bridget, a Philanthropy Officer at UNICEF USA, finds the nonprofit and fundraising sectors rewarding because "everyone is generally a very good person," driven by genuine passion for their cause and a desire "to make a difference." This shared commitment, she explains, creates a strong bond among colleagues, fostering a collaborative environment focused on positive impact.

Favorite Parts Of Working In The Nonprofit Fundraising Industry As A Philanthropy Officer

What Type Of Person Thrives In The Fundraising Industry, According To A Philanthropy Officer At UNICEF USA

Successful fundraising professionals at UNICEF USA are "very authentic and also very empathetic," demonstrating strong listening skills to understand donor motivations. This involves tailoring communication, "meeting donors where they're at" and focusing on specific issues important to each individual rather than overwhelming them with general information about the organization.

What Type Of Person Thrives In The Fundraising Industry, According To A Philanthropy Officer At UNICEF USA

What A Philanthropy Officer At UNICEF USA Wishes They Had Known Before Entering The Philanthropy Industry

Bridget, a UNICEF USA Philanthropy Officer, wishes someone had emphasized the extended timeframe required for fundraising success; the initial experience involves significant uncertainty ("you don't know if any of these phone numbers are correct...if anyone's reading anything you're sending"), leading to feelings of isolation before eventually seeing results, as exemplified by a contact who responded after a year of outreach.

What A Philanthropy Officer At UNICEF USA Wishes They Had Known Before Entering The Philanthropy Industry

Entry-Level Positions For Aspiring Philanthropy Officers

Bridget, a UNICEF USA Philanthropy Officer, shared that entry-level fundraising roles include "telephone donations" through firms like Ruffalo Cody, providing valuable experience. Other entry points include development coordinator, officer, or assistant roles, handling tasks like gift processing, which can lead to "building your own fundraising portfolio" and advancement within the field.

Entry-Level Positions For Aspiring Philanthropy Officers

Significant Career Lesson From A Philanthropy Officer At UNICEF USA

A significant career lesson for the UNICEF USA Philanthropy Officer is the importance of setting boundaries, learning to say "no" when necessary, even to potentially lucrative opportunities if "something doesn't seem quite right" ethically. This ability to speak up and establish boundaries is a skill that developed over time, and a crucial one for early career professionals to cultivate.

Significant Career Lesson From A Philanthropy Officer At UNICEF USA

College Experiences That Helped A Philanthropy Officer At UNICEF USA Succeed

Bridget's undergraduate experience, while in geology, didn't directly translate to their current role as a Philanthropy Officer at UNICEF USA; instead, the most important factor was "listening to what you are interested in and care about". Following this guiding principle, and not being afraid to change course when necessary, allowed Bridget to find fulfilling roles and ultimately land their "dream role".

College Experiences That Helped A Philanthropy Officer At UNICEF USA Succeed

Advizer Personal Links

https://www.linkedin.com/in/bridgetmaxim/