Why hire and retain fundraising staff right now?

In the midst of a pandemic, financial recession, and uprisings for racial justice, it may seem counterintuitive to hire more staff to support your nonprofit. But there are many revenue opportunities for organizations right now; hiring and retaining staff in your development department can benefit your nonprofit greatly. Sustaining professional fundraisers in this moment is the key to unlocking the future of your organization and your mission. 

Why? Giving is growing among donors of all levels. Major donors plan to increase their giving this year. Smaller donations to Black-led and civil rights organizations spiked in the wake of the death of George Floyd—in many cases, donations to individual organizations numbered in the tens of thousands. Nonprofits have transformed their programs, services, and advocacy to meet the moment, giving them compelling stories to tell to raise funds from eager supporters. Organizations with that retain fundraising staff and have strong development departments are coming out on top.

1. Review your fundraising infrastructure

If your organization needs to add fundraising human resources to your ranks, prepare for growth by taking a look at your fundraising infrastructure. Ensure your donor database is clean and up to date. Revisit your donor acknowledgment system to make certain it is solid. Design a major gifts program to entice individuals and family foundations that can make substantial contributions. Review your online donation portal to ensure it is easy for donors to click and give. Train and engage your board in fundraising, and make your development committee as active as possible.

2. Determine which roles are most important for your fundraising strategies

When you are ready to expand your development staff, or even hire your first development position, envision your ideal org chart—consider which roles are most important for your fundraising strategies. Perhaps you need a major gift officer to steward higher giving, a social media manager to build your digital presence, or someone who will focus on your precious donor data.

3. Practice equitable hiring methods

As you consider candidates, practice equitable hiring methods to attract as diverse a pool as possible. Unfortunately, in the field of fundraising, because of systemic racism and bias, professionals of color have not been hired or have been pushed out of their roles. Create an environment from the very beginning of your hiring process to attract and retain BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and people of color) talent. Emphasizing lived experience over educational requirements, being transparent about salary requirements (never asking for salary history), and encouraging people from historically marginalized groups to apply will signal to all applicants that your workplace is one that will value them for years to come.

4. Invest in fundraising staff

Fundraising staff typically only stay in their roles for an abysmally short period of time—16 months—so you must ensure that once you attract your talented new fundraising staff, they want to stay with your organization. Always embrace a culture of abundance with your staff—pay them well, provide flexible work hours, and offer remote work options. Invest in professional development and mentorship. Give fundraising departments the budget they need for online tools, mailings, in-person and virtual events, and professional resources through consultants or temporary staff. If you fight burnout early and often for your fundraisers, you will keep them on your team and raising money for your mission well into the future.