Entry-Level Positions For Aspiring Directors Of Development
Karen, a Director of Development, wishes they had known earlier about the viability of fundraising and communications as a career path, describing it as "incredibly rewarding and a super viable career path" with opportunities for "good development people" in various settings, offering both flexibility and potentially high salaries. This realization led them to encourage others to consider this option, highlighting the unexpected nature of their own journey into the field.
Nonprofit, Fundraising, Communications, Career Paths, Development
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Karen Fee
Director of Development
Lighthouse Community Public Schools
University of Southern California, '91
University of Utah, '96, MEd in Eduation
International Relations & Affairs
Education
Education
Scholarship Recipient, Took Out Loans
Video Highlights
1. Fundraising and communications for nonprofits is a viable career path with flexibility and potential for high earning.
2. The career path is always in demand, with many organizations constantly seeking skilled development professionals.
3. It is possible to transition into this role from various educational backgrounds; it's not limited to a specific field of study
Transcript
What have you learned about this world that you wish someone had told you before you entered the industry?
I didn't even really know that it was a role. I very much kind of backed into it, and I've really encouraged people who are earlier in their careers to consider it. It's a role that is always being posted; people are always looking for good development people.
There is often some flexibility if you go into different directions. For example, if you go into a big nonprofit like the United Way or the American Red Cross, or a university, you can get paid really well. So, if you feel like you need to go in that direction, you can go into a bigger organization and make some money.
I wish I had known that it was an option. Having had the education background, I didn't realize that I would be able to move into this role. Had I known that, I think I would have approached it a little differently.
So, I just want young people to know that fundraising and communications for nonprofits is incredibly rewarding and can be a super viable career path.