Episode 7: Optimal fundraiser portfolios

It can be really tough to come into a new fundraising shop as the new VP. On this episode of the Talking Shop podcast, Erin and David talk about what to do when you’re the newbie at the top of the shop. Also on the menu during this convo… What to do about imposter syndrome Lively’s Theory of Dys…

David Lively is the Senior Associate Vice President for Alumni Relations and Development and Campaign Manager at Northwestern University. He has led advancement teams at some of the highest-performing fundraising shops in the country. Erin Moran is Director of Product at EverTrue. She's a long-tim…

Why does toxic competition exist in some shops, but not others? How can you tell if you’re working in a toxic fundraising environment or a healthy one? What factors contribute to toxic competition among fundraisers? Does incentive pay contribute to or minimize toxic competition? What role does …

“We all need to be able to speak to why this profession is important and how we all uplift each other.” On Erin’s first day at Grinnell College, part of her orientation included an explicit explanation that, “You are here because of a lot of alumni who made a lot of gifts.” From day one as a stude…