INTERIM LEADERSHIP

For organizations undergoing transition and change, interim leadership can address both immediate needs for team leadership and stability, as well as long-term needs for change management and sustainability projects. I support organizations during these times by stepping in as an interim leader for fundraising and external relations teams. Interim leadership ensures teams and programs run smoothly, maintains stability, leads necessary change management projects, and supports the hiring and onboarding of new leaders.

Interim leadership projects start with an assessment to evaluate fundraising activities and create an action plan. Transitions are opportunities to solve problems, build capacity, and make lasting changes in our fundraising efforts. I encourage clients to see this time as a productive liminal space where we can begin new initiatives, phase out outdated ones, and think creatively about engaging our community in our mission. Interim work is more than just a place-holder; the ultimate goal is to prepare the organization and new leader for long-term success.

DEVELOPMENT ASSESSMENTS

Development assessments (or fundraising audits) are comprehensive evaluations of fundraising programs. They provide a clear view of the current state of the development program and offer recommendations to improve function, efficiency, and sustainability to achieve and exceed organizational goals. These assessments use both qualitative and quantitative approaches and align their findings and recommendations with the organization's strategic goals.

I find robust development assessments to be extremely valuable. They not only gauge the current status of fundraising efforts, helping us make informed strategic decisions but also generate ideas for new initiatives and growth opportunities as we strive to achieve ambitious goals.

PLANNING AND INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT

Teams with big goals need preparation and planning to reach their full potential, and no team can do its best work without a plan. A dynamic development plan can be the tool that helps a great team achieve fundraising excellence. A holistic development plan addresses goal setting, budget and activity planning, division of labor, staffing, volunteerism, and leadership support. There is no template for this work—each mission deserves a development plan tailored to strategic goals and the unique needs of each team and organization.

Teams often require new internal infrastructure to accomplish the big goals in their development plan. I work with teams and leaders to develop and implement systems that keep our work on track. Examples include reporting dashboards, data collection and analysis tools, development operations programs, donor relations systems, and staff training and development.

STRATEGIC ADVICE

Teams and leaders often benefit from having expert advice from an outsider who can approach challenges with fresh eyes and extensive experience. I provide strategic advising to clients for short periods when they need help making critical decisions or developing new activities or strategies. Other projects benefit from ongoing advising for teams working on long-term initiatives, such as capital campaigns or new development plans. I often step in as a strategic advisor after assessment and planning processes to support leaders and teams as they implement recommendations or manage changes.

TACTICAL COACHING

What development staff, executive leader, or board leader could not use an experienced coach and mentor to expand their fundraising skill set, coach them on executing their development plan, and advise them on high-level fundraising strategy? For everyone from seasoned executives to early-to-mid career fundraising leaders, I offer a helpful mix of coaching, training, and cheerleading to help you achieve your full potential as a fundraiser and leader.

• Staff management, team structure, division of labor

• Fundraising strategy, major gifts pipeline cultivation and stewardship, ask development

• Board and committee fundraising planning

FACILITATION AND TRAINING

I am a skilled facilitator and teacher, and enjoy bringing meaning, connection and strategy to the time we spend as teams. I tailor each workshop, training, meeting and retreat to the unique needs of the group. 

• Agenda and workflow planning

• Fundraising trainings and workshops for teams, leaders and boards of directors

• Meetings and retreats for boards of directors and teams

• Change management planning

• Strategic planning

• Creative process facilitation (building cool new stuff!)