Are you building your first Development Team? Here are the roles you need.

Hey, changemakers!

As the CEO of Fundraise Inc., I frequently encounter passionate and driven leaders looking to make their marks on the world. I understand the challenges you face, particularly when your dreams have the ability to impact the communities you love, but your team is small. When you’re working in a small organization, especially in the development sector, the prospect of building a solid and effective team can feel a bit like building a skyscraper with a pocket-sized toolkit.

But here’s the good news: small doesn’t mean ineffective. In fact, some of the most successful fundraising organizations started with just a handful of dedicated individuals. With the right people in the right roles, you can not only steward your donors effectively but also grow your supporter base. So, who do you need in your team to achieve these milestones? 

1. Director of Development: The keystone of any small development shop should be a capable, strategic-minded Director of Development. This role doesn’t just do frontline fundraising. They also shoulder the responsibility of executive support and, perhaps most crucially, driving strategy. This person will be the helmsman of your ship, steering you toward the achievement of your mission. Most importantly, they’re going to take a huge burden off of your shoulders. 
2. Grant Writer: Next up, you’ll need a talented Grant Writer. Fundraising is a craft that requires excellent writing and persuasion skills, so finding the right person for this role is crucial. Your Grant Writer should be comfortable and adept at writing proposals and reports, and conduct prospect research. If your budget doesn’t allow you to find someone with a ton of experience, find someone who loves to write and learn. 

With just these two key players, you already have a formidable team. Each person wears several hats, sharing the workload while also bringing their own unique strengths and perspectives to the table.

As your fundraising efforts begin to pay off and your organization expands, it’s time to add another important role to your team. 

3. Development Manager: This person will focus on cultivating individual gifts and spearheading donor communications and stewardship. Donor relations is all about creating lasting relationships, and this role will ensure your donors feel valued and engaged. They’ll give your donors a reason to continue supporting your cause, turning one-time contributions into lifelong partnerships. 

Remember, even with a small team, you can accomplish great things. All it takes is understanding who you need on your side, and how each role contributes to your overall mission. 

As you grow, remember the power of these fundamental roles. These are the building blocks that can help you transform your small shop into a thriving, impactful organization. And as you take each step, remember that the most successful teams are built on a foundation of passion, dedication, and a shared commitment to creating a better world.

Your journey may start small, but with the right team, your impact can be anything but. Here’s to creating a better world, one step at a time.

Stay inszpired,

Amber Haywood, CEO of Fundraise Inc.