A Different Career Trajectory

“Where do you see yourself in five years?” It is a common interview question you most likely have been asked at some point in your career. For many fundraisers, the real answer is often moving up the ladder toward the positions of chief development officer (CDO) or chief executive officer (CEO). However, for other fundraisers, that is notthe ultimate goal. The goal is finding their niche in a different role.

Sometimes, if you are one of the fundraisers who aspires to find the right fit for yourself versus climbing to the top, it can be lonely. You wonder if you are the only one out there. It is not a topic discussed at AFP networking events and other gatherings of fundraisers, despite the fact that every nonprofit can have only one chief executive and one chief development officer.

More than 30 percent of AFP members who have been professional fundraisers 10 years or longer are not chief development officers, executive directors or consultants. They are assistant directors, managers, directors of specific fundraising areas (e.g., planned giving or annual fund), major gift officers and grant writers. According to CFRE International’s 2013 annual report, more than one-quarter of Certified Fund Raising Executives (CFREs) in 2013 were in middle management or a functional program area. While some of these individuals may aspire to run their own shops or organizations, others are happy just where they are.

Donna Cleary is one such fundraiser. She started her fundraising career in 1994, and as the annual giving manager for ALS Association Greater Philadelphia Chapter (www.alsphiladelphia.org), she is just where she wants to be right now. Cleary has been a development shop of one and an annual giving officer, and she now relishes her professional role that offers the variety she seeks, from grant writing to workplace giving. “I have wondered what’s wrong with me,” Cleary admits in reference to not seeking out a higher-level development role. This was especially true when she recently debated whether to apply for an open chief development officer role at her organization.

Ultimately, Clearly decided a successful career is about the best fit for an individual. She appreciates the independence she has as an annual giving manager. In addition, she is grateful for the ability to work on different projects and meet one-on-one with donors—all without having to manage staff. Cleary has managed others in her first career in the insurance industry and in prior development roles, but she has learned that it is not a role she enjoys.

What does Cleary seek in her career? “Eventually, I might want to focus on major gifts or be a development director in a small shop again,” she says, thinking about the role from which she could see herself retiring. For the foreseeable future, though, more challenges in her current organization will satisfy Cleary.

Another fundraiser who has found a satisfying career path that does not include advancing to a chief
development officer or chief executive officer role is Anthea Piscarik. A former newspaper reporter, she began her fundraising career in 1999 as a grant writer for Ministry of Caring (www.ministryofcaring.org), a community-based nonprofit in Wilmington, Del., that provides social, health and support services for those living in poverty. Piscarik is now the grant development
supervisor and leads a team of three grant writers.

Piscarik was asked to take over as director of development but turned down the position to focus on what she loves: writing. While her role involves significant time researching and writing, there is more to her job. “I like the human aspect of my work because I still have contact with people. There is still that relationship piece,” she says.

Piscarik feels challenged by her work, particularly now that the Ministry of Caring is conducting a capital campaign. If she were not writing grants, Piscarik could picture herself doing major gifts because she enjoys working with people. Her role also allows her time to pursue other interests. She has written a book that will be published later this year, and she owns a production company that
produces documentary films.

Is there any shame to admitting that one does not aspire to executive leadership? Cleary and Piscarik are not embarrassed, but they have been questioned by fundraising colleagues. “I’ve had people say, ‘You must want a challenge,’ and try to recruit me away from the Ministry of Caring,” Piscarik says, “but I am so committed to the mission, and it appeals to me on so many levels.” 

Piscarik also has frequently been asked if she is tired of writing grants. Her answer is a resounding no. “There is always something new. I’m not doing the same thing every day,” she says. “What more can I ask for than a job I love where I feel valued?”

Ten-year veteran Anne M. Cannon, who serves as the special events manager at the Norton Healthcare
Foundation and Children’s Hospital Foundation (www.nortonhealthcare.com/nortonhealthcarefoundation) in Louisville, Ky., is also content with her role. She was drawn to work in development, specifically special events fundraising in healthcare, after an internship in public relations for a community hospital. “My ultimate goal in my career is to make sure I always feel passionate about my work,” she says. “Every day, I think of the patients and
families that I have had the privilege to be able to serve.”

As Cannon continues in her career, she says she will always have an interest in special events, as well as in the stewardship of donors and volunteers. She can see herself as a director in a midsize nonprofit. Cannon cannot cite an “ah-ha” moment when she realized being a chief development officer or chief executive officer was not for her. “I have always enjoyed leading and helping others succeed,” she says. “However, I feel that there are other career opportunities and roles I can take in which I will
have more time and more of a ‘hands-on’ approach in helping others. I want to be able to play a very supportive role, without having all of the pressure I have seen CDOs and CEOs face.”

Contrary to those fundraisers whose career paths have been questioned when they do not aspire to rise to the top, Cannon has experienced nothing but support. “I am very lucky in that my leadership is very supportive of whatever career path I decide to take,” Cannon says. “Quite the opposite of questioning, they provide encouragement, mentorship and opportunities for my career path. They encourage me to explore opportunities within our foundation, as well as opportunities within the healthcare industry.”

What would Cleary, Piscarik and Cannon advise other fundraisers who are happy where they are or who aspire to something other than being the top dog? “Continue to be a leader in your realm and what you’re doing in fundraising,” Cleary says. “Look for challenges and the best way you can assist your organization.” 

Piscarik offers similar advice. “Find what keeps you excited every day and make the most of it,” she says. “Make it the best possible job you can.”

“I would tell them to follow their heart,” Cannon adds. “I would say that it takes many different players on a team to help a nonprofit be successful. What matters most is being able to lead your area, having passion for your work and giving your best and then some each day.”

This article appeared in the Spring 2015 issue of Advancing Philanthropy magazine.