Favorite Parts of Being an Assistant Director of Development at UC Davis
Ryan's favorite aspect of being an Assistant Director of Development at UC Davis is the daily interaction with people who share the institution's values, allowing for open and passionate discussions on important topics. The role becomes especially rewarding when "able to make that match really align, uh, an alumni's passion" with a specific project, creating a fulfilling sense of shared purpose that goes beyond a typical sales transaction.
Nonprofit, Fundraising, Relationship Building, Values Alignment, Higher Education
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Ryan Advincula
Assistant Director of Development
University of California, Davis
University of California, Berkeley
University of California, Davis: MBA
Entertainment, Music & Arts, Political Science, American Studies
Education, Nonprofit, Foundations & Grantmaking
Sales and Client Management
Scholarship Recipient, Took Out Loans, Worked 20+ Hours in School, LGBTQ, First Generation College Student
Video Highlights
1. Working in the nonprofit space allows daily interaction with people who share your values and the values of the institution.
2. The role involves discussing important and sometimes difficult topics related to current events with like-minded individuals.
3. Matching an alumni's passion with a specific project at the university, such as student support or a faculty program, is a rewarding aspect of the job.
Transcript
What do you enjoy most about being in your role?
My absolute favorite part of this role, and in general, working in the nonprofit space with a core constituency, is the people. It's getting to interact with people on a daily basis who have a cause that's aligned with my values, which are the values of my institution. That is my favorite part.
We talk about difficult topics, and things in current events that might be difficult to hear. But in that way, we are generally aligned in terms of what our core values are. At UC Davis, if we're having a conversation, you value higher education and learning, whether or not you value it at the same capacity as another donor, that might be the question.
But in general, we get to speak on our passions, and we speak freely. When I'm able to make that match, to align an alumnus's passion with a project at school, whether it's student support, registered student clubs, a faculty member, or a program, it just feels so rewarding to close that out. I know sales can be really rewarding, but in this way, I'm almost selling a non-product. It's like I've really bought you into something that we both have a shared passion for, and it's a good feeling.