Opinion: Looking for a Career in Development in 2011? Good Choice and Good Luck!
The cons of the profession include:
- Many institutions do not totally support the missions they are supposed to support.
- Success is hard to measure and can be frustrating at times.
- The pay is typically at least 25 percent less than in the corporate world.
- More individuals than ever from the corporate sector are seeking nonprofit jobs.
- The nonprofit career path is typically not defined, and turnover is a problem.
- The culture of a nonprofit and how it is supposed to operate can be confusing.
I have been in the development field since day one of my career. It has given me opportunities to use educational experiences and a variety of skills. What drives me, and should drive you in this field, is the belief that you can make a difference. I want my children and grandchildren to see kind acts of philanthropy and the importance of helping those in need. It is never about you; it is about the institution you proudly represent.
- Companies:
- Association of Fundraising Professionals
Duke Haddad, Ed.D., CFRE, is currently associate director of development, director of capital campaigns and director of corporate development for The Salvation Army Indiana Division in Indianapolis. He also serves as president of Duke Haddad and Associates LLC and is a freelance instructor for Nonprofit Web Advisor.
He has been a contributing author to NonProfit PRO since 2008.
He received his doctorate degree from West Virginia University with an emphasis on education administration plus a dissertation on donor characteristics. He received a master’s degree from Marshall University with an emphasis on public administration plus a thesis on annual fund analysis. He secured a bachelor’s degree (cum laude) with an emphasis on marketing/management. He has done post graduate work at the University of Louisville.      Â
Duke has received the Fundraising Executive of the Year Award, from the Association of Fundraising Professionals Indiana Chapter. He also was given the Outstanding West Virginian Award, Kentucky Colonel Award and Sagamore of the Wabash Award from the governors of West Virginia, Kentucky and Indiana, respectively, for his many career contributions in the field of philanthropy. He has maintained a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) designation for three decades.
