resource development professional

THE NONPROFIT SECTOR and the resource development profes- sionals working in the philanthropic world face a number of inter- related challenges. Too many nonprofit organizations are small, marginal, and duplicative in the services they provide. These orga- nizations often suffer from chronic financial shortfalls. Other non- profits seem to be fairly strong, but their growth is slow and their impact not what it could be. Relatively few nonprofit organizations are widely viewed as successful, effective, and significant. At the same time, much is expected from resource development professionals. The vice president for institutional advancement, director of development, major gift officer, vice president for resource development, director of external affairs, campaign manager—whatever their title, people with major fundraising responsibilities are often hired with almost mystical expectations. Some executive directors and board leaders seem to expect the resource development professional to work miracles indepen- dently. Many of our colleagues recall beginning a staff position or