There are some (USA) statistics that seem to show that fundraisers tend to change jobs on average every 18 months. Clearly this is not helpful in the zoo world, which must look to long term projects and long term relationships. So why do they jump ship so often? The following thoughts are not intended to be especially negative ( I had generally supportive attitudes from former employers – although sometimes I had to shout for them), but rather to provoke thought and debate:
Because (a positive reason) they want to learn new skills and develop their careers…?
Because in the zoo world development people can feel isolated..?
Because there is no prospect of advancement inside the zoo..?
Because the zoo’s funding targets are too short term and so impossible to make..?
Because there is insufficient support from management..?
Because the development person has no access to the Board or other major external ambassadors…?
Because the fundraiser has no control over other variables or is given no support budget..?
Because the zoo recruited a ‘fundraiser’ and they should have recruited a ‘development manager’…?
Because the post holder really did not have the skills to do the job in the first place..?
…. and lots of others
John
