Sessions by Topic
Search District II Conference Breakout Sessions by keywords, session type, topics, and experience level.
Filter By:
Session Type
Topic
Sector
Experience Level
Disciplines
Competencies
You Have Content Now What? How to Make the Most of What You've Got
You've got great stories to tell. Now you have to decide which outlets are best to get the most eyeballs on them. This session serves as a practical how-to guide for getting the most out of your great stories. During this workshop you'll be working toward creating a checklist that will simplify your team's ability to maximize sharing your good news.
Alissa A. Carr, Associate Vice President and Director of Marketing and External Relations, University of Maryland Eastern Shore
Maximizing Leadership Transitions During a Campaign
Transitioning to a new president, provost, or dean poses unique challenges – yet change can be positive. With change comes opportunity to revisit institutional goals and priorities, to reinforce positive outcomes from outgoing leadership, and to refresh your institution’s mission and vision. How can we leverage leadership changes to further fundraising goals? How do we navigate the challenges that arise when the transition happens in the middle of a campaign? Explore strategies and best practices for maximizing leadership transitions to establish a sustainable future for our institutions.
Thomas Kissane, Principal & Managing Director, CCS Fundraising; Alan Kelly, Chief Development Officer, Vice President for Development and Alumni Affairs, Hofstra University; Richard Guarasci, President Emeritus, Wagner College; and Kathleen Harring, Interim President, Muhlenberg College
Culture: How ARE Things Done Around Here?
How do you explain how things are done when onboarding a new team member? That’s your culture. Some of us are process-oriented, goal-oriented, or people-oriented, but we all need to work together to deliver exceptional service. This honest retrospective of how the UofG started making a substantial organization change--designed to drive us to sustainable $50M annually--covers key learnings from our own experience. Learn how you can be a change champion on your team, no matter your role.
Lisa Hood, Associate Director Annual Fund, Alumni Affairs, and Development; and Martin Straathof, Stewardship and Engagement Manager, OAC, University of Guelph
For High Fliers: Positioning Your Annual Giving Program as a Top Priority
This session is meant to help high fliers position thieir program and role as a top priority for your institution. Learn how to align effectively with the institutional strategic plan and how to understand and have the ability to think strategically. Find out how to earn a seat at the table with other key leaders in your advancement division and how to be accountable and attain your annual goals. Finally, discover how to achieve a highly-rated program with highly impactful results.
Cynthia Woolbright, President, The Woolbright Group; and Martha Krohn, Associate Vice President of Advancement, Annual and School Giving Programs, University of Rochester
THE SHIFT: NYU’s Case Study in Fundraising and Prospect Management Strategy
NYU implemented a strategic shift toward an interest-based approach to prospect assignment and development staff realignment. THE SHIFT allows fundraisers to engage with a greater number of prospects while better aligning donor’s interests with university’s priorities. THE SHIFT required approval from university and development leadership and the collaboration of colleagues in fundraising, prospect development, IT and gift administration teams. The case for making THE SHIFT is strong as many institutions consider how to implement policies and guidelines that are donor-centric and effective in reaching more prospects in impactful ways.
Mohammed Dasser, AVP of Strategic Planning and Analytics; and Jeannine Starr, Associate Vice President, Schools and Institutes, New York University
Encouraging Character: Leadership Today
All leaders emphasize the importance of a “team,” but truly great leaders exemplify it. Explore the qualities of effective leadership by focusing on specific aspects of constructing a team, instilling a sense of character, and maximizing institutional performance.Discuss positioning individual team members for personal growth and career achievement. By providing strong guidance and leadership today, managers can drive fundraising success and help shape future leaders for tomorrow.
John A. Lewis, IV, Head of School, The Gunston School; and Gregory J. Hagin, Partner & Managing Director, CCS Fundraising
Finding, Hiring, and Retaining Diverse Advancement Professionals
There is little argument that diverse communities are more enriching and equitable – and more diverse institutions provide a stronger educational experience. Hear from a small group of diverse professionals who have sought out and succeeded in these organizations and advancement leaders who have helped build a culture of inclusivity. This session provides an opportunity to reflect on your own experiences, share best practices, and learn valuable tactics that have successfully attracted and supported diverse candidates.
Tahsin I. Alam, Associate Vice President for Talent Management and Organizational Development, Rutgers University Foundation; Serena Jagnandan, Talent Manager, University Development and Alumni Relations, New York University; and Charles Wright, Associate Vice President for Development and Alumni Engagement, The College of New Jersey Moderator: Rob Henry, Vice President Education at CASE