MAJOR MOVES

Leadership & Professional Development

Careers in advancement stall for predictable reasons: avoidance, lack of clarity, and institutional complacency. This section focuses on leadership judgment, professional growth, and the skills that separate effective fundraisers from busy ones. Less about motivation, more about responsibility. Written for professionals who take their role seriously.

GIVING magazine, Karen Alonso on Cover, United Way Las Vegas, AFP Chapter President

Giving Magazine

For those who drive change — not watch it. Join the top 1%.

Negotiating with a peer worker
Leadership & Professional Development
Viken Mikaelian

Negotiate Like a PRO …And Get What You Want More Often

As fundraisers, we all negotiate regularly with staff, our boss, and even donors and prospects. Did you know that the fundamental rules of every negotiation are the same? These interactions are all about finding a compromise among parties with different interests and objectives. Here are seven questions to ask yourself to improve your negotiation skills.

Read More »
Female Fundraiser Relaxed on Bed Working From Home
Leadership & Professional Development
Viken Mikaelian

How to Receive a Promotion Working From Home

Remote work can quietly slow advancement in major gifts fundraising — not because of productivity, but because of perception. This article outlines how development professionals can build strategic visibility, demonstrate measurable reliability, and position themselves for promotion while working remotely. Advancement requires intentional presence, disciplined communication, and proactive career advocacy.

Read More »
Be Proactive
Leadership & Professional Development
Viken Mikaelian

The Secret to Being More Proactive at Work

In major gifts fundraising, the difference between reactive and proactive work directly impacts revenue and career advancement. This article outlines how fundraisers can strengthen planning, organization, and communication to manage portfolios strategically rather than respond to daily crises. Proactivity builds institutional trust, increases autonomy, and positions development professionals for long-term leadership.

Read More »
Fundraising Consultant Pointing to Monitor Surrounded by a Group of Fundraisers
Leadership & Professional Development
Viken Mikaelian

How to Get Started as a Fundraising Consultant

Becoming a fundraising consultant requires more than fundraising expertise. This guide outlines the strategic foundations for launching a successful consulting practice, including pre-launch networking, value-based pricing, diversified income streams, and disciplined marketing. Designed for experienced development professionals, this article reframes consulting as a business model—not just a career shift.

Read More »
Selfie photograph of employees working at a nonprofit
Leadership & Professional Development
Viken Mikaelian

Why Work for a Nonprofit?

When you’ve been working in the philanthropy field as long as I have, you hear some of the same questions over and over. One of them is, “why work for a nonprofit?” It’s a good question. Working for a nonprofit isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. There’s a lot of turnover. There’s a misleading impression that it’s low-paying work. And it can mean long hours.

Read More »
Different Reasons to Donate
Leadership & Professional Development
Viken Mikaelian

What’s Your Donor’s Why?

In major gifts fundraising, understanding why a donor gives is more important than how they give. This article explores how donor motivation drives long-term engagement, informs blended giving strategies, and strengthens retention. By practicing disciplined listening and structured discovery, fundraisers can align gift vehicles with donor purpose and build enduring philanthropic relationships.

Read More »
Grants Nonprofit Jobs
Leadership & Professional Development
Viken Mikaelian

How To Get A Job At A Non-Profit: A Guide

Transitioning into the nonprofit sector requires more than passion. This article outlines a strategic approach to securing nonprofit employment, including clarifying motivation, defining target roles, building relevant experience, networking within local ecosystems, and preparing for interviews with institutional awareness. Professionals who combine mission commitment with operational discipline position themselves for long-term leadership success.

Read More »
SEO For Nonprofit Organizations
Leadership & Professional Development
Viken Mikaelian

SEO Strategies for Non-Profit Organizations

SEO strengthens nonprofit credibility and digital visibility. For major gifts leaders, understanding core SEO principles — keyword alignment, structured content, technical performance, and authority building — supports donor confidence before engagement begins. This revised article simplifies language and improves flow while maintaining professional rigor. SEO is not a tactic alone; it is strategic infrastructure for fundraising growth.

Read More »
You’ll need 88% to pass!
Every planned gift is a major gift. Get educated today.