While women hold the majority of professional staff roles in higher education advancement, their voices are largely absent from the literature describing talent management practices and individual career journeys of professionals in the field. This presentation will describe the findings of a research study that explored the lived experiences of women in fundraising and alumni engagement roles. By centering women’s stories, this research highlights the relationship between gender and advancement work, the factors influencing job-related decisions, and challenges to gender equality in the field. Following a discussion of this study’s findings, participants will have the opportunity to engage in a dialogue about actionable strategies to create a more inclusive and supportive work environment in the field.

Identify with clear examples and donor success stories, how Princeton Universities has leveraged several initiatives within their current campaign to maximize the philanthropic intent with a focus on identifying future leaders. Of them, giving societies, innovative gift opportunities, targeted volunteer engagement opportunities, and leveraging the influence and expertise of alumni leaders and University professionals.

Leading a division through a major project requires implementation of change management. Learn how Johns Hopkins recently moved their entire division to a new CRM - a big undertaking. It was successful through stakeholder management, tailored messaging and equipping leaders and users with the necessary skills to adapt to the change. Learn how they became emotionally ready through storytelling, and becoming partners in driving the change. And...they also will highlight the importance of embracing the unknown and learning from failures. Karen Latora and Caroline Chang will serve as moderators in this session with Teresa and Liz leading the discussion and providing the content.

Join us for an enlightening seminar on the revolutionary impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in donor relations. Discover how AI technologies are transforming the way development professionals engage with donors, streamline fundraising efforts, and enhance donor experiences. This session will delve into: * Personalized Donor Engagement: Learn how AI can create tailored communication strategies that resonate with individual donors, boosting engagement and loyalty. * Predictive Analytics: Explore the power of AI in predicting donor behavior, identifying potential major donors, and optimizing fundraising campaigns for maximum impact. * Automated Administrative Tasks: See how AI can handle routine administrative tasks, freeing up valuable time for development professionals to focus on relationship-building. * Data-Driven Decision Making: Understand how AI-driven insights can inform strategic decisions, ensuring your donor relations efforts are both efficient and effective. * Ethical Considerations: Discuss the ethical implications of using AI in donor relations, ensuring your practices align with organizational values and donor expectations. This seminar is designed for development professionals eager to harness the latest AI technologies to elevate their donor relations strategies. Whether you're a seasoned expert or new to the field, you'll leave with actionable insights and innovative ideas to implement in your organization. Don't miss this opportunity to stay ahead of the curve and revolutionize your donor engagement practices!