Interim Chief Development Officer

My objective as an interim chief advancement officer is to “keep the trains running” and, as necessary, to revise plans, processes, and policies so that the incoming permanent fundraising leader can hit the ground running. The measure of my success is how well you do after I leave. 

I can help your nonprofit organization thrive through a variety of leadership transitions (chief fundraiser, president, CEO, Executive Director). I can establish or strengthen fundraising best practices and build momentum even if you don’t have any paid fundraisers on your staff or a formal fundraising program. 

Clients who engage me as resident counsel can expect me to:

1) Act as a steward and — as necessary — a change agent for your 501(c)(3) organization

• • Manage your development team and provide oversight and leadership during periods of transition; motivate the team to do their best work, as well as oversee staff transitions as needed
  • Manage or assist with the executive search process to attract and retain permanent fundraising staff
  • Conduct an informal assessment of your current fundraising program, make recommendations, and implement them as appropriate and necessary
  • Intersect with the board, fundraising and other volunteer committees
  • Partner with other senior-level executives (e.g. finance/accounting, marketing/communications, alumni affairs, external relations, sales, program leadership)

2) Serve as a thought partner and sounding board for the entire nonprofit enterprise, serving as a confidential advisor to you, your team, and your nonprofit board leadership. Because of the temporary nature of my assignment, I can offer objective observations and neutral/unbiased recommendations for a strategic refocus and amelioration of your advancement programs.

As a result of this work, our partnership could result in:

• • Creation of a new or updated strategic development plan and renewed focus on best practices
  • Increased communications and collaboration between your organization’s business functions, as they relate to fundraising
  • Greater board-level engagement, ownership, and consensus regarding your fundraising strategy and goals
  • An Exit Memo from me including a record of my activity, observations, and prioritized recommendations

Nonprofit Executive Search Services

See my Nonprofit Executive Search Services  page to learn how I can support your Human Resources team in attracting and retaining your next Chief Development officer.