Six Musts When Leaving Your Fundraising Job

Leaving your fundraising job can be stressful, frustrating and depressing. We form close relationships with our colleagues, and when that ends, it’s like losing family. Here are some basic suggestions that will lessen the angst of moving to your next position.

1) Prepare to resign. Think through the process of leaving. Whom do you need to talk to? What employment documents are you entitled to? (Be sure you’re not taking copyrighted materials that are protected under Intellectual Property Laws such as donor lists or original documents.)

2) Give ample notice of your resignation. Three weeks to a month will suffice.

3) Make it a point to say goodbye to friends and colleagues.

4) Don’t display a short-timer attitude. Stay focused on your duties and responsibilities until the day you walk out the door.

5) Keep your opinions to yourself about your job, boss and the organization. Don’t burn a bridge you might need in the future.

6) Don’t feel guilty. If you have supported the mission of the organization and done the best job you could do, move on with the knowledge that you have made a difference.

Bill J. Harrison, CFRE, is president of Mesa, Ariz.-based Southwest Fundraising Institute, a school that offers classes on fundraising. He can be reached via www.billjharrison.com