School of Pharmacy Faculty Member Publishes Fundraising Research

Research investigates career issues for fundraising professionals at SDA institutions.

A School of Pharmacy Assistant Professor, Jim Pinder, JD, MBA, has published his findings about why fundraising professionals at SDA institutions in North America might choose to leave their organizations.

“I saw my fundraising colleagues leaving their SDA institutions at a rapid rate and wanted to know why. With these results leadership at SDA institutions can address retention concerns and improve their ability to meet the needs of their constituents,” said Pinder regarding his research.

Pinder used an online survey, administered by Philanthropic Service for Institutions, to survey all development professionals at SDA institutions in the United States and Canada. The survey asked if a responded was considering leaving, and if so, what would entice them to leave? The results were broken down by category of employee, such as development director, planned giving officer, vice president, or support staff etc.

For example, the category of director of development would be a challenge for leadership to retain in their organizations. Over half of respondents in this category (53%) were either looking for another position or would consider leaving. The most-cited reason for considering a different position was higher salary.

“The literature indicates that a higher salary is a good way to attract a new employee, but not a good way to retain an existing employee. Some of the best ways to retain employees is to provide them with a progression path and additional training. The only reason to consider offering a higher salary to an existing employee is if it is tied to a new position or more responsibility,” said Pinder.

Although he no longer works in a fundraising position (he is now director of academic affairs at the School of Pharmacy), Pinder says he is passionate about the field and wants to see his colleagues flourish as they work to help SDA institutions achieve their mission.

The manuscript was published in the July - September issue of SAGE Open. It can be accessed at http://sgo.sagepub.com/content/2/3/2158244012458510.full.pdf+html.