Target Audience: New Professionals, career transitions

Are you new to the world of Advancement? Whether you are a young professional just starting out or have lots of career experience but recently moved to the advancement profession, we can’t wait to have you join us for this pre-conference. Join your peers as we dive into the importance of alumni engagement and how you play a vital role in the success of your institution.

Attendees will benefit from interacting with seasoned professionals who will share their wisdom as it relates to navigating the world of Advancement and the opportunities for growth in the career. Discussions around goal setting, supervising and/or being part of a team, and getting the most out of the conference will have you walking away with fresh ideas and an expanded network of others in the field. 

Target Audience: Mid-level management, those interested in stepping into top leadership roles

Are you looking to grow your career? Have your eyes set on a corner office and doing big things in support of education? Then this pre-conference is for you! Join other emerging leaders as we learn more about how to move beyond mid-level management.

This track emphasizes the importance of being able to move up in your career and acquiring the necessary tools to do so. Engage with industry leaders and partners on ways to maximize talent to reach your goals, priorities, and career aspirations.

First Session:

Thriving and Succeeding in Leadership: Are You (Really) Ready for the Next Level?
Develop your pathway to a senior management role. This VP-led session guides you in successfully navigating the next strategic steps in your career progression.

Brigette A. Bryant, Vice President for Development and Alumni Relations, Arcadia University; Rob Henry, Vice President, Education, CASE (formerly Director of Individual Giving at Yale University); and Darrell Bell, Vice President, Institutional Advancement, Roberts Wesleyan University
Moderator: Shawna Rodgers, Director of Development for Rutgers University

Second Session:

Winning the War for Talent with a Fundraising-Positive Mindset
Many of today’s new fundraisers are questioning whether what they’re inheriting is best practice or simply what made the most sense at the time. Combine their skepticism of the boss’ approach to fundraising with the advantages of timing and perception and you have a new generation of fundraising professionals who will have distinctly different careers than those who preceded them. Today’s young professionals are looking for places where they can think more critically about what it is they are doing; pursue mastery rather performance-based goals; and, most importantly, be recognized and admired for meaningful work.