As a senior/cabinet level officer of your institution, the expectation from your president and your board is that while representing your particular division, you are also able to effectively contribute in all other institutional areas, as well as articulate the challenges and goals facing your institution and the larger academic market.

Below is a broad overview of important institutional metrics in Advancement and Fundraising.  As a senior/cabinet level officer, it is key to be familiar with:

• Current fundraising goals—status of any campaigns the institution is involved in
• The top projects/programs that are the focus of the institution’s fundraising efforts
• Your institution’s top ten donors (by name and class year)
• Your annual fund goals and the top fundraising classes for the year
• You key alumni volunteers for each region of the country (by name and class year)
• The total number of living alumni
• Key stories/messages being covered by public relations
• In the event of an emergency/crisis and who speaks to the media

Ellen Heffernan

President - Spelman Johnson

Ellen Heffernan graduated from Smith College with a B.A. in economics and government. She joined Spelman Johnson in 1996, after a ten-year career in higher education that included positions at Smith College and the University of Massachusetts Amherst. She is also a national speaker and writer on topics related to recruiting and professional development in higher education and serves as faculty for several national higher education association professional development programs. Ellen also currently serves on the executive board of the National Association of Executive Recruiters.