Heather James
University of Minnesota | CFANS Development Office
Stewardship and Donor Relations Specialist
About Heather
Can you tell us about your career trajectory? How did you come into donor relations as a career?
Unexpectedly. In 2019, just short of my 20th anniversary at my previous company in a different sector, my position was eliminated. It was scary! I’d found that job in the newspaper. (You know, that big paper thing that would show up at your door and turn your hands inky when you looked through it…) So, it had been a while since I had looked for a job. It was also in a bit of a unique position, and I wasn’t finding similar positions out there. Also, I wasn’t sure I wanted to do the same thing. There were aspects of my former position that I liked a lot, but I was often rather bored.
I found some state career resources for dislocated workers that were helpful in not only figuring out modern job search methods but in helping me figure out a path that might suit me. I decided to take a fundraising certificate program at a local university—and I loved it. I made sure to avail myself of the revolving instructors, who all worked in some aspect of fundraising, to ask what advice they might have for my situation. The first one I spoke with quickly ascertained from what I told him that donor relations/stewardship had actually been part of the work I had been doing—I just didn’t know it or call it that. That work was some of what I had enjoyed doing at my old gig, so I looked into it and thought it seemed a good fit.
In early 2020, I applied for my first donor relations/stewardship job at the University of Minnesota College of Food, Agricultural, and Natural Resource Sciences—and I got it! And I love it so much! The environment and culture here is great, my team is so fantastic, and I love the work! Every day, I love my work! I have never felt this way at a job before. It marries my hard and soft skills with my values and personality—and is never boring. Finding donor relations work was like coming home, career-wise, for me.
What influenced your interest in and passion for donor relations?
Taking the fundraising certificate series and speaking with instructors there influenced me a lot. When I looked into it more, it felt like such a great fit for me. I love philanthropy, but I honestly did not see myself in the role of a development officer/gift officer, and I did not know donor relations was a career option—until I did. It is such a pleasure and a privilege to help donors see and understand the amazing impact they are making in the world—to help them feel like the heroes they are.
ADRP has also furthered my passion for the work. The first time I went to the 2022 ADRP conference in person in Albuquerque was so validating! It felt like, "Wow! These are my people! We get it!" The passion, talent, and warmth throughout that event was incredible.
What lessons, words of advice/inspiration would you like to pass on to other donor relations professionals?
It is the donor making the difference—not the gift, not their generosity, not their support—them. I often see some variation of this, “Your gift is making a difference.” Instead, attach it directly to the donor, “You are making a difference. By giving, you have (insert own mission activities here).”
Can you talk about a specific donor engagement or stewardship activity that makes you feel like you are providing the best experience for donors and/or aid recipients?
I don’t know about a specific activity. I am proud of all the touchpoints and activities we do and, when put together, I think we are providing a great experience. So maybe my answer is thinking through a stewardship plan and goals each year to ensure that all your segments are getting attention throughout the year and that you are regularly thinking through what can be better or who might be getting missed. Doing that has resulted in some new things. Recently, I put out a planned giving impact letter just for our donors who have informed us that we are in their estate plan. I’m told that it hasn’t been done here before, and I am proud of how it turned out. I hope it helps these donors realize their impact and feel the joy of giving in their lifetime.
Heather's Connection to ADRP:
When did you become an ADRP member?
I joined in 2020, shortly after starting my current job. Since I was new to this work, I looked for groups that might help me learn and develop in the field.
Why is ADRP membership important to you?
It is wonderful to be part of a community of people who care for the people who care about our missions—about making the world a better place. It’s so nice to be able to reach out through the online forum to ask and answer questions. It’s informative, inspirational, and thought-provoking. As I mentioned in another question, the conference was amazing. I left loving this work more than ever. I even faced my intense fear of heights and somehow made it up the Sandia Mountains!
ADRP is universally recognized as the authority on donor engagement for the philanthropy profession. In your own words, how does ADRP serve you in the form of professional development?
The conference, online forum, and webinars provide much information and support. No matter how busy I get, I rarely skip reading anything that comes in from ADRP – and I cannot say that of all the professional association-type emails I get. It keeps me updated on new topics and inspires me to keep learning and doing better.
