In the 24 years I’ve been a Fundraiser I’ve worked for 7 different organizations, and I can say that I have never left a job because of the organization’s mission.

In thinking further about WHY I’ve chosen to leave an organization, the three reasons below continue to rise to the top of the list. And when speaking with colleagues about this topic, the same three reasons are the main reasons fundraisers ‘put their head up’ and look to move organizations.

Leadership

This is the key, number one reason for staying or leaving my job. Is my leader supportive of me and my work? Do they appreciate me and the work I and my team are doing for the organization? Do I have a leader who doesn’t micro-manage but instead gives me the autonomy I need to do my job well? Do they provide me with some flexibility in my job? Do I have an open dialogue with my leader? This also goes for the Board of Directors if my position interacts with this level of volunteer leadership.

Challenge

This is generally the second reason I may start looking to make a career move. Is my work interesting? Do I continue to like my role and my work? Am I growing in my job the way I want to? Again, am I valued for the work being done? Do I feel a part of the team and a part of the bigger picture for the organization?

Compensation

Although not the main reason to stay or leave a job, compensation does factor in and I’m not only speaking about salary. Do I receive adequate benefits including vacation time? Do I receive funding and time for professional development? Flexible scheduling based on the organization? Technology support? And do I receive a salary that is commensurate to my work?

Feel free to ask yourself these same questions if you are considering an organizational move in the near future. These questions may help guide you as you move through your career.

If you answer NO to a majority of these questions - maybe now is the time to ‘put your head up’ and find an organization where you can answer YES to these questions.

And if you can answer YES to a majority of the questions listed above – congratulations! You are working in an organization that values you, the work you do and compensates you for that work in various positive ways.

Hallie McClelland, CFRE is Director of Advancement at Kingsway College School in Etobicoke, where she leads the school’s fundraising, marketing/communications, alumni outreach and parent engagement programming.  Hallie has 22 years of fundraising and relationship management experience, having worked in social services, conservation, health care and education.