A Letter to Your Boss: 7 Ways to Thank Your Development Director

Dear Executive Director,

I want to take a moment to commend you on the amazing job you’re doing leading your nonprofit organization during this extraordinarily bizarre year.

As if your “normal” job of running a nonprofit wasn’t already hard enough, this year, it’s likely you’ve had to do at least one of the following:

• Close your doors (short or long term)
• Pivot and adjust programs and services
• Let go beloved staff members
• Do more with less

Thank you for continuing to lead your team through a pandemic, economic downturn, political turmoil, racial injustice, and more.

I’m also writing to remind you of the incredibly amazing job your Development Director has done under these unbelievably challenging circumstances. They are working from home for the first time — perhaps with children or others underfoot. They are likely overworked and under-resourced. They are stressed and burning out.

It’s up to you to recognize and reward your hardest working team members. Which brings me to…

7 Ways to Reward Your Development Director

Here are seven meaningful ways you can thank your Development Director this holiday season.

1. Time off

This doesn’t cost you or the organization a thing. Surprise them with a day or even an extra week off (to be used in January, after the year-end rush).

2. A raise

Let’s cut straight to the chase — everyone loves to be recognized with a raise. This is the best way to ensure you keep your fantastic development staff person for years to come.

3. A bonus

If a raise isn’t an option, a year-end bonus might be just the thing to show how much you appreciate their hard work.

4. A Promotion

A title change, more responsibility, and yes — a raise — will let your Development Director know how much you value their effort.

5. A gift

Probably not as good as the above items, but giving your Development Director a thoughtful token of your appreciation with a sincere note can go a long way.

6. Public Recognition

Thank your Development Director publicly at your board meeting or next appropriate event. Make sure public recognition is something they would appreciate. This is not a good option for everyone, especially if it might cause embarrassment.

7. Certificate of appreciation

Publicly or privately present your Development Director with a framed certificate of appreciation, along with a personal note. Make a copy for their employee file.

Along with your gesture (large or small), be sure to point out a few things you are especially grateful for this year. Maybe they did an extraordinary job…

• Calling new donors
• Increasing donor retention rates
• Writing personal notes to donors
• Upgrading systems and infrastructure
• Scheduling meetings with donors
• Asking for major gifts
• Securing planned gifts
• Planning a capital campaign
• Working with board members
• Recruiting new volunteers

This list could go on and on.

By pointing to one or two specific things your Development Director did especially well, they will know you’re paying attention and noticing their hard work. This verbal and written recognition of their talents will go farther than any raise or promotion.

Lastly, as a thank you for all the hard work you’ve done this year as an Executive Director, give yourself a day off. While you’re at it, download my 31 Rules for Better Fundraising and a Better You.

Sincerely,

Amy Eisenstein, ACFRE