“Making our work easier”
About a year ago, we partnered with a higher ed client to create a plan to bring their Advancement and Communications teams closer together. We were then fortunate enough to be asked to help implement that plan over the following semester.
About a month ago, we presented that plan to the institution’s board of trustees and heard from team members who were continuing to put the plan into action.
Reader, it was one of the most rewarding experiences we’ve had as consultants.
We heard the staff members repeatedly reference the plan and talk about how it is “making our work easier,” how it is “creating continuity, content, and cohesion,” and that members of both teams can “lean on their expertise” through the plan’s recommended structures for collaboration.
These statements were all affirmations that we had crafted a plan that met our partners’ needs.
But what was most rewarding was everything we didn’t see coming.
For example, Communications staff were excited about helping with high-level stewardship for priority donors, and language we proposed in the plan had been widely adopted by the student body.
These unexpected outcomes were a sign that we were lucky enough to be a part of a real transformation in an institution’s culture of philanthropy.
If you’re reading this and wondering, “What do I need to make this happen at my organization?” there are some key preconditions for work like this to be successful:
Deep and sincere commitment to collaboration and change from leadership
Staff who are invested in (and excited about) transforming their working relationships with colleagues “across the aisle”
Willingness to explore what isn’t working and potentially embrace solutions that are difficult in the near-term, but necessary for long-term growth
Capacity to bring in an outside party to operate neutrally “as Switzerland” in the interest of both departments
Investing in stronger internal working relationships between Advancement and Communications pays dividends in how an organization reinforces its culture of philanthropy through communications of all sizes across a range of vehicles.
At this institution in particular, these changes are already paying off with more thorough integration of philanthropy content into the alumni magazine, an abundance of creative ideas for newsletter stories, and palpable excitement for the work.
With time, this more robust and strategic storytelling will translate to more nuanced understandings of how giving plays a role in all of the school’s activities, and more alumni who regularly make their best gift possible to their alma mater.
We look forward to cheering on their every success.
