The Power of Embracing Change in Fundraising, Nonprofit Leadership, and Life

In nonprofit leadership, fundraising, and even in everyday life, the one constant is change.

Whether you’re thinking about a bigger role at your nonprofit, transitioning to a different organization, or simply reflecting on your growth, knowing when it’s time to move up or move on is important for personal and professional wellbeing.

I’d like to illustrate this point by opening up to you about some big changes in my life.

Thinking About Big Changes in My Own Life

This year is bringing some big changes to my life…

• I’m turning 50 in March — a pretty significant milestone.
• My daughter will graduate from high school in June and begin college in the fall. Then I won’t have any children living at home starting in September. Wow!
• My flagship training program — Mastering Major Gifts — is closing (more on that next week). As my commitments to Capital Campaign Pro (my other business venture) evolve and expand, I have less time to devote to building this program in the way it deserves. So if you’ve been on the fence about joining MMG, you’ll have your final chance in the weeks ahead, before the program closes forever.

So, yeah… those are some huge transitions!

All this impending change has inspired me to think hard about what I want to do and who I want to be in this next stage of my life.

Big Change vs. Smaller Goals

You probably know that I strongly promote setting goals each year. But what I’m talking about here is much bigger than that.

This is about looking out several years — beyond your current job or position — toward what you really want in your career. This is BIG change; the kind that makes you uneasy, but brings you that much closer to getting what you really want out of life.

Recognizing When It’s Time to Make a Change

Whether you’re at the beginning of your professional journey, in the middle, or closer to the end, it’s important to carefully consider each age and stage.

You can be thoughtful and strategic, or let the years slip by unintentionally. And once those years are gone, you’ll never get them back.

When I get to the end, I want to know I’ve lived with purpose and intention. That’s why it’s important to consider big changes carefully — but also have the courage to take risks and embrace change rather than fear it.

3 Signs it Might Be Time for a Change

Here are a few signs that it might be time for a change in your career:

1. Burnout and fatigue — If you’re feeling burned out at your current job or position, it might be time to move on. But proceed with caution because the next move may not prove any better. Start by identifying possible changes in your current situation. How might you make things better?
2. Ambition and goals — If you have big career ambitions, think strategically about your next move. Are there opportunities at your current organization, or can you create one? Or would you be better served moving to another, larger organization?
3. Growth Plateau — Like above, if there are no growth opportunities at your current organization (and no chance of creating one), it may be time to move on and up to another organization. This could mean joining a bigger team or becoming the CEO / Executive Director.

One of the most rewarding aspects of career growth is identifying what you want to get out of your career, rather than moving blindly from one job to the next. Be intentional.

Moving On with Purpose and Clarity

Deciding it’s time for a change is only the first step. A lateral move is not the goal. Therefore, it’s important to carefully consider what comes next and what you want.

1. Reflect on Your Current Position

Think about where you are right now in your life and your career. What have you learned? What skills did you develop? What do you love about the position and what isn’t working well for you?

Also take a moment to reflect upon what it took to get you to where you are today. Take pride in everything you’ve learned and accomplished along the way.

2. Ask Yourself: What’s Next?

What’s important for you to accomplish in your next role?

• Do you want to oversee a capital campaign?
• Lead a major gifts program?
• Manage a team?

Consider whether you want to be a specialist working with a big team, or if you’d rather be running the show at a smaller organization.

3. Identify the Non-Negotiables

What do you need from your next position to maintain your work-life balance while also building upon your career?

• Do you need a flexible schedule?
• Do you need hybrid in-person and work-from-home?
• Do you need more experience supervising people in order to excel in nonprofit leadership?
• Do you need to surround yourself with colleagues who have more experience to serve as mentors?

Embracing the Next Stage in Your Life

Remember, growth requires leaving your comfort zone. You’ll be learning new skills and meeting new people. And that’s super-valuable for your career and personal development. Truly.

Also, it’s important to be aware that in most new jobs you’ll feel some version of “imposter syndrome.” In my experience, women are more concerned about imposter syndrome than men. If that sounds like you, try to acknowledge it and release it. You were given your new position because the people around you have faith that you can do the job. And guess what? You can!

If you want to advance and grow in your career (and in life), it’s important to be strategic and planful. You may need to ask questions, read books, do research, and build new skills. That’s okay — and to be expected! The big things in life never come easy.

The one constant in our lives is change. The more you plan, prepare, and move forward with intention, the better off you’ll be.