Wanted: Nonprofit organization in desperate need of $1 million

If someone were to ask an experienced fundraiser what the best way is to raise a million dollars, what would be the reply? My guess? First, do your research and find people who can make gifts of $1 million. Second, build a network that connects to those people. Third, help those people develop an interest in your mission. Fourth, ask for it! Makes sense, huh?

So how come when you ask that same fundraiser what’s the best way to get a job, the answer is “look at the want ads and mail a resume”?

Wait. No research? No networking? No interest? No ask? How many people advertise a million dollars to give away? (“Wanted: Nonprofit organization in desperate need of $1 million. No previous major gift receiving experience required. Send cover letter and 990 to …”) So why would the best jobs be advertised?

The career step here? The best jobs, like the biggest gifts, are best found through identifying who has what you need, building a network to get to them, developing their interest and then making the ask.