Asking for Good: Fundraisers help you launch your Nonprofit Career: Recent Episodes

Asking For Good

A podcast for people who want to make a difference in the world. Hear stories from seasoned nonprofit professionals and volunteers about their work and how to enter the sector. Designed for those looking to make a career change into the nonprofit space and those studying nonprofit management. Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/askingforgood/support

Dreaming of a career change with purpose? You're not alone! In this episode, career development coach Emily Lamia shares practical advice on how to design your ideal not-for-profit job and make it a reality. Discover how to:

Identify your ideal role: Learn to pinpoint what you truly want in your next career move and how to start making small changes today.
Plan ahead: Learn why starting to think about your next move 6 months in advance is key, even when your current job is great.
Take small steps: Find out how to build skills and gain experience without quitting your day job.
Assess potential employers: Uncover hidden insights about organizations through behavioral interviews and IRS Form 990.
Start exploring: Get inspired to take low-stakes actions like following industry leaders and joining professional associations.

Emily's expert advice will inspire you to take control of your career and create a fulfilling path in the nonprofit world. Don't wait any longer – start planning your pivot today!

Ready to turn your passion into a fulfilling career? Hit play and start your journey towards a more meaningful job!

About the guest:

Emily Lamia founded Pivot Journeys in 2016 to provide professionals with the strategies and support they need to find meaningful work and to empower them to be inspired, engaged, and effective on the job.

As a career development coach, she has been helping people grow and develop in their careers for over a decade. She has supported countless people to network more effectively, interview more confidently, and think more strategically about how to get where they want to go. But, before that, she had to navigate my own career journey.

She knows what it’s like to feel stuck and be unsure of how to find the right kind of work for you, and how to land the job you want. She also knows what it’s like to work on a dysfunctional team with bad management. And I know a bad manager can be the reason you leave your job.

Her goal is to make it less painful for you to identify what you love doing and for you to get the opportunity to do it.

As a Gallup-certified Strengths Coach, certified Designing Your Life Coach, and certified administrator of an Enneagram assessment, Emily has completed 100+ hours of training and regularly participate in ongoing education to become the best coach she can be for her clients.

--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/askingforgood/support

Dr. Lisa Orbe-Austin, a licensed psychologist and career coach, joins us to discuss how Imposter Syndrome can hold people back in their careers and how to overcome it specifically in the context of a non-profit job search.

You’ll learn:

Why 70% of people experience Imposter Syndrome, and it’s not just women
How to identify the two cycles of Imposter Syndrome that lead to burnout and self sabotage (and how self-care can help you break free from them)
How to recognize a toxic work environment during the interview process (and what to do if you’re already in one)
Techniques to manage Imposter Syndrome throughout your job search, including:

Imposter Syndrome is a common issue, but it doesn’t have to hold you back. This episode will equip you with the tools you need to launch your non-profit career with confidence.

Resources Referenced:

Own Your Greatness: Overcome Impostor Syndrome, Beat Self-Doubt, and Succeed in Life

Your Unstoppable Greatness: Break Free of Impostor Syndrome, Cultivate Your Agency, and Achieve Your Ultimate Career Goals

Dr. Lisa Orbe-Austin provides career advice on NBC LX

Career Transitions

Instagram

Pomodoro Technique

The Impostor Phenomenon: Psychological Research, Theory, and Interventions

Dr. Valerie Young

--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/askingforgood/support

Feeling stuck in your job search? Emily Christakis, NCRW, tells us how to gain all-access to the hidden job market through networking. This episode is packed with actionable advice to help you build your confidence, expand your network and move forward.

Here are the key takeaways:

Weak Ties Theory

Weak ties refer to infrequent contacts in your network, like old colleagues or acquaintances.
These connections are valuable because they expose you to new job opportunities you might not otherwise find through your close network.
A LinkedIn study confirmed that weak ties lead to a higher likelihood of job mobility compared to strong ties.
Actionable Tip: Expand your network beyond close friends and family. Reach out to old colleagues or acquaintances in person, via text and email, or on LinkedIn and let them know you're looking for new opportunities.

Imposter Syndrome

Imposter syndrome is the feeling of doubt and inadequacy despite your accomplishments.
It can manifest as negative self-talk, perfectionism, and downplaying your achievements.
Actionable Tip: When experiencing imposter syndrome, challenge your automatic negative thoughts (ANTs) and replace them with evidence of your skills and experience.

--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/askingforgood/support

Does it feel like you’re sending your resume into a black hole?

Learn the resume secrets that get you noticed!

This episode of Asking for Good is packed with tips from Nationally Certified Resume Writer, Emily Christakis. She reveals the FIVE AND A HALF biggest resume mistakes that sabotage your chances of landing the interview and teaches you how to craft a resume that passes initial screening and is an irresistible magnet for hiring managers.

Listen in to learn this and more:

The secret layout trick that makes your resume visually appealing and easy to read (recruiters only spend SECONDS scanning resumes!)
How to ditch outdated email addresses and phrases that scream "old-fashioned" (and potentially bias recruiters against you!)
The way to use AI tools to your advantage without your resume sounding like a robot wrote it.
Why a "one-size-fits-all" resume won't work and how to target your resume for the specific job you want.
The bonus tip that is essential for resumes in the not-for-profit world.

Stop getting passed over! Tune in to finally write a resume that gets you interviews!

--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/askingforgood/support

Drained by poor response to your generic resumes and uninspired job applications? There's a better way!

Join career coach Emily Christakis and discover the secrets to a targeted job search that gets you noticed.

In this episode, you'll learn:

The power of your North Star: Find your purpose and craft a resume that shines.
Beat the AI: Craft resumes and cover letters that sail through applicant tracking systems.
Modern Job Search Landscape: a review of screening tools, how to learn industry jargon and tips for interviews
Stay Motivated: how to stay productive even after setbacks.

Plus, get answers to burning questions:

How many applications should I submit?
Career break blues? We've got you covered.
Should you hire a career coach?
How to unlock the power of LinkedIn for your job search.

This is just Part 1! Stay tuned for more insights from Emily on launching your successful not-for-profit career.

About the Guest: Connecting people to work they love has been the hallmark of Emily Christakis’ career in human resources and career coaching.

She is a Nationally Certified Résumé Writer, one of only <75 writers to hold this distinction and an “Ask the Experts” contributor to pressing job search questions on behalf of The National Résumé Writers’ Association. She is a LinkedIn “Top Job Search Strategies” voice. Emily brings 15 years of experience spearheading organizational and talent development initiatives in global organizations spanning the mobile solutions, financial services and non-profit sectors.

A first-generation college graduate, she holds a Master in Counseling degree in Education from Fordham University and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from St. John’s University. Her graduate work focused on career counseling theory and putting it into practice, including interpreting career and personality assessments.

When she’s not chasing after her two children at a NYC public playground, you will find Emily tinkering in the kitchen with her husband.

--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/askingforgood/support

Episode 7 is the final episode of the STAKEHOLDERS SERIES and we’re talking about the tangential and necessary third-party players that support not-for-profit work. In this episode, we delve into the fascinating role of government relations and its impact on the nonprofit sector.

Our guest, Larisa Wick, JD, a seasoned government relations professional at The Wright Group. The Wright Group is the only government relations firm whose practice focuses exclusively on not-for-profit clients. Ms. Wick shares her insights on:

How government relations firms support nonprofits: Learn how Larisa and her team help secure public funding, advance legislative policies, and ultimately, deepen the impact of nonprofit organizations.
Different paths to a government relations career: Discover that there's no one-size-fits-all approach! From internships to legal backgrounds, Larisa shares various entry points and highlights the value of hands-on experience.
Why a government relations career is fulfilling: Hear firsthand from Larisa about the unique rewards of working with nonprofits and making a difference in communities.

Whether you're a recent graduate, a career changer, or simply curious about the not-for-profit sector and the government relations field, this episode is packed with valuable information and inspiration.

Tune in and:

Gain insights into a unique career path in the nonprofit sector.
Discover how your skills and passion can contribute to meaningful change.
Get motivated to pursue your dream job in the world of good.

Remember to subscribe and leave a review! We're here to help you find your perfect fit in the not-for-profit world.

--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/askingforgood/support

In Episode 6 of the STAKEHOLDERS SERIES we talk about a career connecting with Donors. Join us in this conversation with Lamont Wray, Jr., a fundraising expert who shifted gears from annual campaigns to building deep, one-on-one relationships with major donors.

Lamont's journey is inspiring and includes working for multiple worthwhile missions and advocating for his own career growth to leading a team of fundraisers at the Food Bank of New York City. In this episode, you'll gain valuable insights on:

Unlocking the secrets of securing major gifts: Discover the process, the preparation, and the key strategies to turn passionate supporters into impactful changemakers.
Gearing up for relationship-based fundraising: Tips for job seekers and career changers who want to dive into the rewarding world of building meaningful connections with donors.
Evaluating not-for-profit job opportunities like a pro: Learn how to assess an organization's mission, culture, and impact before and during the job search process.

Bonus takeaways:

No experience, no problem? Dive into Lamont's advice on gaining valuable donor interaction through volunteering and peer-to-peer fundraising.
The power of self-advocacy: Discover how to take charge of your career path and navigate conversations with confidence.
Building meaningful relationships is key: Learn how organization, persistence, and genuine care are instrumental in fostering long-lasting connections with donors.

Whether you're a seasoned fundraiser, a curious job seeker, or simply someone who wants to make a difference, this episode is packed with actionable advice and inspiring stories. Tune in and join us on a journey where donors are key stakeholders, and together, we create a ripple effect of positive change.

--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/askingforgood/support

Step into the world of non-profit, where success is measured by the positive impact on lives and communities, not just profit margins. Today, we're joined by Brianne Kilpatrick, a seasoned non-profit professional who'll guide you through navigating this fulfilling career path.

In this insightful conversation, Brianne shares her journey from the corporate world to a non-profit career driven by purpose. She'll delve into the concept of beneficiaries, the heart of the non-profit sector, and how their lives are transformed by these organizations.

Learn how to identify beneficiaries and understand their unique needs, the driving force behind non-profit work. Brianne will also shed light on how everyone has benefited from a non-profit, whether directly or indirectly.

For job seekers transitioning into the non-profit sector, Brianne provides invaluable tips on crafting a compelling response to the interview question: "Why this charity? Why now?" She'll also reveal the must-ask interview question to assess an organization's commitment to beneficiaries: "How does this charity include beneficiaries in organizational decision making?"

Embrace self-advocacy and learn how to request follow-up conversations to gain clarity after an interview. Additionally, Brianne guides you in aligning your career aspirations with the organization's mission and intervention point, ensuring your values and goals resonate with their work.

Whether you're seeking a meaningful career transition or want to enhance beneficiary engagement in your non-profit leadership role, this episode is packed with actionable advice and thought-provoking insights.

Join us and discover how you can contribute to a better world through the power of non-profit work.

About the guest: Brianne Kilpatrick is a dedicated Planned Giving Officer at Environmental Defense Fund. She has more than a decade of experience in direct fundraising, fundraising operations, and digital communications and she has collaborated with numerous nonprofit leaders to identify fundraising gaps and develop comprehensive strategies in support of their missions. Brianne started her career in for profit corporations, working at AB Data, LTD and interning at Time Warner Cable, before moving on to the nonprofit sector. Brianne holds a master’s degree in Nonprofit Administration from North Park University and a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from Alverno College in Milwaukee, WI.

--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/askingforgood/support

Ellisa Brown, Founder of Civic Essentials Education Fund, shares her insights on how to land your dream nonprofit job.

Ellisa knows a thing or two about starting and running a successful nonprofit. She founded Civic Essentials Education Fund in 2020 with the mission of providing civic education to young people. In this episode, Ellisa shares her must-do's before starting a nonprofit and can be applied to landing a job at a nonprofit, including:

Do your research. Learn about the issue that matters most to you and discover which organizations are offering solutions and how they provide them.
Find your niche. What are your unique skills and perspectives? What will you offer?
Take a crash course in nonprofit governance. Nonprofit regulations and relationships are different from other organizations, learn the basics before beginning.
Find two good people. No one can do it all alone. When you're starting out, it's important to find two good people who share your passion and can help you achieve your goals. You can’t do it alone, even if you want to.

Further she encourages all changemakers to keep trying. Tell people about your ideas, and eventually you'll find the right people who will meet your passion with passion. She shares what a founder is thinking when looking to hire. She empowers anyone looking to be hired at a nonprofit to ask a ridiculous amount of questions to understand the vision of the leadership and provides a critical insight: the job a nonprofit is hiring for has likely never been done before, it doesn’t exist and that’s why they are hiring. This is where understanding your own niche and what you can offer will set you apart from other job seekers.

Will you help us reach more people? Our mission is to help people like you successfully launch their nonprofit careers. And we need you to help us reach more people through your ratings and reviews.

If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to rate and review us wherever you're listening. Thank you for your support!

STAKEHOLDERS SERIES EPISODE 4:

Ellisa Brown is a Texas native and founder of Civic Essentials Education Fund. Ellisa is committed to innovating traditional civic education by building a practical, engaging, and experience-based civics education curriculum.

With her bachelor’s degree from Johns Hopkins University in Political Science and her master’s degree from Institut d'Etudes Politiques de Paris in Politics and Public Policy, it should be no surprise that Ellisa also occasionally dabbles in the political scene.

Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/askingforgood/support

Episode 3 of our STAKEHOLDERS SERIES discusses nonprofit boards which are responsible for overseeing the organization's operations and ensuring that it is fulfilling its mission. Board members play a critical role in shaping the organization's strategic vision and ensuring that it is successful.

In this episode, we hear from Brandon Monteith, a tech executive who serves on two nonprofit boards. Brandon shares his experiences serving on boards and discusses the benefits of board membership. He also talks about the differences between "roll-up your sleeves" boards and advisory boards, and helps you consider which one you would prefer to work under in your ideal organization.

Brandon speaks to his passions for mentoring, the arts, as well as his community and how serving on boards helps him make an impact in these areas. As a job seeker you may find yourself drawn to multiple causes. This episode will help you consider how board membership, in addition to your primary career, can allow you to serve these missions simultaneously.

Brandon’s experience finding the right board and service opportunity can be applied directly to a nonprofit job search:

Consider your skills and interests. What are you passionate about? What is your model of Servant Leadership? What skills and experiences do you have that could be valuable to a nonprofit organization?
Do your research. Find a nonprofit organization that aligns with your values and interests.
Network. Talk to people who are already serving on nonprofit boards. Get their advice and insights.
Be prepared to commit. Serving on a nonprofit board is a commitment. Be prepared to donate your time, energy, and expertise.
Once you’re part of the organization, LISTEN first before trying to add value.

Don't miss this episode! It's packed with valuable information that can help you make a difference in the world and advance your career.

P.S. If you are a job seeker, we begin the episode with interview tips and remind you that season 1, episode 6 “Selectively apply, Ace your interview” is a deeper dive into interview preparation.

Brandon Monteith is the Senior Vice President of Strategy at Tempus Ex Machina, a data technology company that partners with major sports leagues and conferences to provide proprietary solutions. Previously, Brandon held roles in management consulting at McKinsey & Company, diversity and inclusion at the Atlanta Hawks, and finance at PepsiCo. Brandon serves on the Board of Directors for Live2Create Foundation Network and the Board of Advisors for CHRIS180. He is passionate about mentoring young men and women of color. Brandon earned a BA in Communication and an MS in Management from Wake Forest University, as well as an MBA from Harvard Business School.

Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/askingforgood/support

Episode 2 in our STAKEHOLDERS SERIES features 3 executive and administrative nonprofit professionals. These roles are those who keep the North Star in view, allow us to fund the mission, ensure we are legally compliant and retaining the public trust. The administrative team includes employees like C-suite executives, fundraisers, human resource officers, accountants, and more. These experts are team builders, problem-solvers, and strategy creators. Katie Pooser (co-host and planned giving fundraising expert) shares perspectives as a fundraiser while Lillian Samuel (CEO, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Bay Area) and Jenny Pagel Guile (Executive Director, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation-Gateway Chapter) offer their career advice as organizational leaders.

Listen in to hear about the magic that can happen when a job seeker shares their aspirations. Hear why and how to build a personal board of directors, what it is like to transition in and out of the sector, and the traits hiring managers are looking for when they interview a job seeker.

GUESTS (in order of appearance):

KATIE POOSER has provided thought and strategic leadership at a diverse set of nonprofit organizations, including youth development, health care and environmental stewardship, from start-up to mature, from local to global in scale. Balancing empathy and results is a hallmark of her 15-year fundraising practice. Her next post is Director of Planned Giving. She is a Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy with an Economics, B.S. and a Master of Public Administration degree. She served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in West Africa. She is the incoming treasurer of the Philanthropic Planned Giving Group of Greater New York, is a board member of Jana’s Campaign, an education nonprofit preventing domestic violence, and host of the podcast Asking for Good.

LILLIAN SAMUEL is a trailblazer in her role as CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Bay Area, as the first African American to hold the position in the agency's history. With a passion for making a difference in her community, Lillian has spent over 15 years working in leadership roles within the nonprofit philanthropic sector. She has a proven track record of success, having led teams to raise over $50M in revenue for large institutions including the University of California, San Fran Francisco, Girl Scouts of Northern California and community health centers throughout the Bay Area. Her vision is to support creating a more just and equitable community through mentorship, ensuring young people have every opportunity to reach their full potential. Under her leadership, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Bay Area serves all nine counties of the region. In 2023, Lillian was recognized by the Marcus Foster Education Institute as a Visionary for Diversity . Lillian is a proud alumna of the University of Pennsylvania, where she earned her BA, and the University of San Francisco, where she earned her MA in Nonprofit Management.

JENNY PAGEL GUILE has been in the nonprofit sector for nearly 20 years. Beginning with Girl Scouts running the summer day camp programs and troop recruitment. Following her Master’s completion she stayed in higher education and Greek affairs before transitioning to community outreach and volunteer management with a local animal shelter. Jenny has worked with national health charities, National MS Society and the March of Dimes Foundation. She led fundraising efforts, managed staff and volunteer advisory boards. Progressing to larger organizations and leadership positions such as ALSAC & the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. She holds a Masters in Education: Leadership and Policy Studies from the University of Memphis and earned her certification in volunteer administration (CVA) in 2018. Jenny manages a multi-million dollar chapter revenue budget, fundraising staff, volunteers and leads community outreach and high wealth donor relationships.

--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/askingforgood/support

Wondering how you can use your skills to realize the mission of a nonprofit? A role on the programmatic side of a nonprofit may be right for you. In this episode, Tenicia tells us the importance of planning and valuing stakeholders to achieve the mission in a project manager role. Nick shares how he uses the lessons learned from the programmatic side of his role as local diversity, equity and inclusion director to a national context. Listen in to hear: how critical it is to be of influence, to have mastered the content and context of programmatic work and what's most rewarding about working on the programmatic side of a nonprofit.

Nick Sailor* (he/him/his), of Bloomfield, CT, presently serves as National Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for Boys & Girls Clubs of America. As National Director, Sailor strives to improve upon and build scalable best practices for organizations across the nation to embed diversity, equity, and inclusion as central to their operations. Prior to joining the BGCA Team, Sailor served as the inaugural Senior Director of DEI at Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston (BGCB). Prior to his tenure BGCB, Sailor served as the inaugural Director of Training and Education for Institutional Diversity at Providence College. Before his stint in higher education, Sailor spent two years as a middle school special education math teacher in Baltimore City Public Schools. Education: BA Sociology and Women & Gender Studies, Providence College

Tenicia Winston is a Project Manager at a nonprofit that focuses on improving educational outcomes in metro Atlanta through collective impact. Prior to this role she was in a rotational project, strategy, and operations management program. Tenicia also served as a Teach for America Corp Member in Atlanta Public Schools. Tenicia was a dual-sport athlete in college, graduating from Clark Atlanta University with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. She earned her master’s in Nonprofit Management at Columbia University.

--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/askingforgood/support

This 15-minute episode takes you through the best of what our guests shared about the practice and skill of fundraising. Hiring managers shared what they look for in candidates, academics shared the importance of the professionalization of the sector, practitioners shared how they knew a career in the nonprofit sector was right for them and how they navigate their career. Guests represented different types of fundraising (annual, major, and planned), organizations (by size and mission), roles in the nonprofit sector, as well as places in their career life cycle.

Interviewing #Mentors #CareerManagement #Schooling #Education #KnowYourStrengths #FindYourPassion #CoverLetter #JobApplication #InformationalInterviews #DEI #Diversity #Equity #Inclusion

--- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/askingforgood/support

This episode explores the bigger questions of the nonprofit sector and digs into the specific methods used for securing a job in this market.

Four young professionals discuss their latest job search after completing the MS of Nonprofit Management at Columbia University. They share what led them to grad school and which classes stay with them in practice. Aside from identifying their interests relative to types of mission they also asked: Can I see myself working with the people interviewing me? Which skills do I want to develop or use in this role?

Savannah Cathers and Tenicia Winston show us the importance of knowing yourself and your values. Tenicia shared that for her job search she knew which mission area and salary range she wanted. She knew which skills she would be bringing along with which skills she wanted to obtain or improve. Savannah reminds listeners that starting a career may mean a job seeker changes organizations and locations while discovering their right fit. She emphasizes that aligning personal values with the organization's values is key to finding a good fit. She sees there is a place for any skill set in the sector from coding to construction and fundraising to accounting. Michela Masotti stressed the importance of informational interviews and kindness. Guided by what she learned in informational interviews, she applied to many types of organizations and ultimately decided to accept the offer from the organization where she felt the best connection with the existing staff. Caroline Schiavo echoes that kindness matters, especially in the nonprofit sector where practitioners have large networks. She knows that once a passion is found it will sticks with a job seeker, their career can grow to nurture their passion.

Listen in to dive deeper and hear advice they wish they would have heard five years ago.

--- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/askingforgood/support

In this episode, Cindy M. Lott, Esq. brings wisdom from a remarkable career that includes building two post-graduate nonprofit academic programs. She encourages you to first identify and be guided by your own North Star, then use the framework she shares to evaluate your nonprofit career opportunities. As you apply and interview, demonstrate how you can be value-add today to the nonprofit. Because as she puts it: “passion alone won’t get you there, you have to have skill.” Hear about how the first Professional Doctorate in Philanthropic Leadership will advance the sector through applied research and discover the case for professionalization of the industry.

Cindy's full biography and show notes available at www.askingforgood.com

Cindy M. Lott, Esq., is Clinical Professor of Philanthropic Studies, Director of the Professional Doctorate in Philanthropic Leadership (PhilD) and Stead Policy Fellow at Indiana University's Lilly Family School of Philanthropy. Her teaching, research, writing and consulting span nonprofit management, ethics, governance, law, regulation and policy. Since 2006, she has developed and moderated a series of national convenings on state and federal regulation of the charitable sector and is engaged in research regarding regulatory capacity and enforcement at the state level. Lott is a frequent speaker at national conferences in the areas of philanthropic and nonprofit state regulation, compliance, ethics, management and governance.

Lott also serves as a fellow at the Center on Nonprofits and Philanthropy at the Urban Institute, a think tank in Washington, D.C., and was an inaugural Policy Fellow at Independent Sector, the world’s largest membership organization devoted to the nonprofit sector. She was a member of the U.S. IRS Advisory Committee on Tax Exempt Entities (ACT, 2015-2018), currently serves on the public policy committee of Independent Sector, is the Chair of the Public Policy, Politics and Law section of ARNOVA, is a member of the Global Philanthropy Environment Index Advisory Council, an international research project by the Indiana University Lilly School of Philanthropy, and is co-chair of the state sub-committee on state issues for exempt organizations within the American Bar Association. She has worked with major foundation leaders on behalf of the Council on Foundations and was a board member of the national charity monitor Wise Giving Alliance.

Prior to joining the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy, she was Associate Professor of Professional Practice and Academic Director for Nonprofit Management Programs at Columbia University’s School of Professional Studies, where she developed the program and curriculum for the M.S. Nonprofit Management. Lott served as Executive Director and Senior Counsel to the National State Attorneys General Program at Columbia Law School, where she worked with state attorneys generals on a diverse range of issues, even as she created and served as lead counsel to the Charities Regulation and Oversight Project, funded by the Ford Foundation and the C.S. Mott Foundation. As Lecturer in Law at Columbia Law School, she co-taught an Advanced Research Seminar on State Attorneys General.

Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/askingforgood/support

The grit and negotiating skills Jake Strang developed making his first fundraising ask in college as a paid student caller have stayed with him as he honed his craft throughout his professional career. A series of promotions and career moves have allowed Jake to grow as a professional fundraiser within annual giving, and he’s thrilled to be part of the annual giving revolution that is underway where data and technology are making stronger human connections possible.

The donor connections that stay with him are when he and his team create content that compels a donor to give today and direct their support to where the funds are most needed. He confidently shares that diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging are central to his work and is a priority echoed throughout the university. For those starting and managing their career, Jake reminds us that you must believe in what you’re selling - the mission of the organization - and know that you cannot put a price on good leadership. Listen in to catch his must-read list and hear what he’s looking for as a hiring manager. Show notes at www.askingforgood.com

Jake has 15 years of experience in higher education development and is currently the Assistant Vice Chancellor for Alumni Annual Giving at the University of Pittsburgh. In this role, he leads a comprehensive annual giving program that engages alumni constituents and secures sustainable funds for Pitt’s highest priorities. Jake is a resource and convener for the annual giving staff at Pitt’s regional campuses and Pitt Athletics, and has primary responsibility for the operations and staff of Panthers Forward, a signature student debt relief initiative.

Prior to Pitt, Jake held leadership roles at the Tepper School of Business at Carnegie Mellon University, Columbia University in the City of New York, and the University of South Carolina with Ruffalo Noel Levitz. He has experience leading annual giving, direct marketing campaigns, reunions, volunteers, class gift campaigns, giving days, frontline fundraising, digital strategies, engagement centers, and leadership societies. In addition, he has also led alumni engagement efforts including newsletters, social media, events, webinars, and alumni magazines.

Jake holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of South Carolina in Marketing and Management and a master’s degree from Columbia University in nonprofit management.

Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/askingforgood/support

Meg George began her career as a frontline fundraiser and defined her career path by developing her strengths, not jumping through traditional hoops. Recognizing that major gift donors are the backbone of American philanthropy – and that transformational investments in nonprofit work are becoming the new norm – she rightfully claims, “it is a new day in philanthropy.” Meg invites you to join the sector by sharing her insights on creating a successful career: define your strengths, understand your personality, work smarter not harder to secure principal investment in the nonprofit, and whatever you do don’t send another cookie cutter cover letter.

Meg is co-founder of the boutique consultancy George Philanthropy Group, which is focused on high-impact major giving. She is a philanthropic strategist who operates on both sides of the equation: as a fundraiser and a philanthropic advisor for donors making charitable gifts. She advises nonprofits across different sectors on a relationship-centered approach to raising funds, and works with individuals & families on their personal philanthropy, often helping them build their own mission statements. When working with Meg charitable giving is strategic and intentional, which maximizes its philanthropic impact. Ultimately her clients find fulfillment by investing in meaningful causes that generate tangible outcomes.

Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/askingforgood/support

Ellen Archer parlayed her success in the publishing industry and skills as a communicator and creative problem solver to raise the profile of a nonprofit. She currently serves as board president of Girls Write Now where she helped grow the board and the pipeline for board members. She initiated a partnership committee that raised five times their goal through engagement with a variety of industries. Getting to know the nonprofit sector through her volunteerism has shown her the real opportunities for those looking to change industries. She is active on several boards and is exploring different roles in nonprofit that might be a good fit for her where she can use her corporate skills in a different sector. Nonprofit job seekers, please read: Your skills are transferable, your passion and curiosity will drive you to learn the additional skills needed for success in the nonprofit sector.

Ellen Archer is a business leader and media executive known for growing and transforming content businesses. She has led significant media and publishing divisions at Houghton Mifflin Harcourt (HMH), The Walt Disney Company, Penguin Random House, and Simon & Schuster. Most recently, Ms. Archer was President of HMH Books & Media, with responsibility for driving the strategic growth and expansion of the company’s $200M consumer publishing business. Ellen has been behind bestselling authors such as John Grisham, Mitch Albom and Kwame Alexander. In 2015, Ms. Archer joined the board of Girls Write Now, a nonprofit that creates mentorship programs for underserved high school students, helping the girls who participate find their voices through the power of writing and community. In 2019 she assumed the role of board chair, working closely with the executive director on board recruitment, fundraising, and partnership programs. She is also on the board of trustees for the Katonah Museum of Art and is a member of the The Women’s Forum of New York and Chief, private clubs for women in executive leadership roles. Ms. Archer previously served on the A&E board of directors, The Foundation board of New York Women in Communications, the board of Poets & Writer’s, and NYU’s Masters in Publishing Program advisory board. She is a former managing director of Golden Seeds, an early-stage investment firm supporting women entrepreneurs. Among several awards, Ms. Archer was named by City & State as one of “The Responsible 100” honorees.

Ellen holds a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature from Hamilton College. She lives in New York City with her husband Jeff Gracer. In her spare time, Ellen reads voraciously, practices yoga, and travels the world (mostly by road bike), preferably on off-the-beaten paths. An avid hiker, she and her husband submitted Mount Kilimanjaro in December 2017.

Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/askingforgood/support

Instead of mass applying to every job that looked semi-interesting, Katherine Cross took stock of the hiring organization and the job description. In this episode, she shares her process for identifying worthwhile opportunities and lessons learned from multiple virtual interviews. She shares how she prepared for interviews and the most common questions she was asked. The up-front investment of time during the application and interview process was worth it. Nearly a year into her new role, Katherine describes her work as fulfilling, challenging, engaging, and interesting.

Katherine has worked in the nonprofit sector for over 10 years. In her current role at Memorial Sloan Kettering, she enjoys focusing on stewardship, taking on projects that showcase mission impact, and promote renewed and increased giving. She has always been drawn to the donor engagement and relationship-building side of things, previously holding a variety of fundraising and development roles at the Environmental Defense Fund, Catalyst, and Carnegie Hall.

Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/askingforgood/support

After college Blake thought he’d stick around the town of his alma mater and looked for a meaningful first job. He found a local chapter of a national nonprofit organization, where he was introduced to fundraising. He found his calling. Of which he says, people have a need to do good. That’s why they give. It’s the fundraiser who helps shepherd the donor’s story into the world.

His career path includes public service, law school as well as political and nonprofit fundraising. He confidently made transitions because early on he identified his passion, each move (9 states in total) fostered his values and worldview.

In this episode Blake shares what it took to secure and accept a gift of cryptocurrency. He tells us how references can make a difference in your job search. He highlights the importance of demonstrating your commitment to the nonprofit sector by volunteering.

Should you go to law school? Blake doesn’t know but does give you some great things to think about as make your decision, even as specific as which schools are right for you.

Finally, when it comes to nonprofit leadership and how we ensure the work is improving the entire community, Blake recalls a favorite call to action derived from policy making and adopted by the disability rights community, “nothing about us without us.”

Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/askingforgood/support

Ramona Ramadar, MBA spotted a billboard for a job fair at the local hospital on her way home from her laboratory research job. That moment changed her career trajectory, at the job fair she had her first interview to work in fundraising. After a series of fundraising roles, she found a niche in gift planning. Ramona shares how to grow your career within an organization and key indicators that it is time to move on. As a planned giving fundraiser, she spoke to a donor on his death bed and wants you to know that talking about charitable gifts in a will or trust is not talking about death, it’s talking about life. When she’s hiring, she wants to see a candidate’s curiosity and know they have the confidence to share a good idea even if it challenges her thinking. Finally, Ramona tells us what being a woman of color means to her in her career. She leads the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion work at the Philanthropic Planning Group of Greater New York and is proud to report on the strides the organization has made in a short time.

Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/askingforgood/support

E. Ramone Segree, Ed.D., a Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE), is a nonprofit executive, fundraiser, brand manager and strategist. He serves as U.S. Executive Director/Vice President, Marketing, Development and Communications for Women for Women International. He is a lecturer at Columbia University, School of Professional Studies in nonprofit management.

In this episode, Ramone shares the story of a gift ask during a capital campaign. The long-term relationship with the donor led to the first research endowment at an institution and many other special gifts. Ramone shares the importance of stewardship and real examples of how he provides stewardship. He tells you how major gift fundraising parallels your career development and helps you build “Your Case for Support.” Ramone answers: Should I start my own nonprofit? and shares his perspective on the state of diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/askingforgood/support

David Sherman learned he wanted to be closer to the mission and work in a local office after working at the national and global levels of nonprofits organizations. You can use his wayfinding tips to determine the right organizations to apply to on your job search. In this episode, David tells us all about a major gift that he facilitated as a national staff person which impacted ten local nonprofits. Listen as he shares his perspective as an Executive Director and hiring manager at a local Big Brothers Big Sisters. Then, hear why they use Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion when considering diversity, equity and inclusion in their work. More at www.askingforgood.com

Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/askingforgood/support

Bruce Morrow brings over 25 years of fundraising and nonprofit experience. Bruce is an accomplished writer with his works having appeared in the New York Times. Bruce shares how he got into the nonprofit sector, all about a 7-figure ask he made, and the importance of mentorship to career development. More at www.askingforgood.com

Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/askingforgood/support