Advancement Hiring Is Different, and the Stakes Are High

These roles require specialized expertise to assess. Identifying candidates who can cultivate transformational relationships and drive major gift success requires deep understanding of advancement work. It's not just about credentials, it's about recognizing the subtle qualities that make someone exceptional in this field.

The strongest candidates aren't where you're looking. Many experienced advancement professionals aren't actively job searching. They're building campaigns, stewarding donors and delivering results, which means traditional recruitment approaches often miss the very people who could make the biggest impact.

The process takes longer than you'd like. Even with the best intentions, advancement searches typically require 30–40 hours of leadership time per position. That's time away from donor-focused work, strategic planning and the high-impact work that moves your mission forward.

Open positions have real consequences. Each month a critical advancement role remains unfilled can mean $80,000–$165,000 in unrealized gifts. These aren't just opportunity costs—they're relationships that aren't being built and donors who aren't being engaged.

resourceful makes this easier. We specialize in advancement talent, with deep networks and proven expertise in identifying professionals who can deliver results. Our approach helps you fill critical roles faster, so you can focus on what matters most.