Member Spotlight: Dan Murray
Name: Dan Murray
Title: Donor Relations Manager
Institution: Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center
New ADRP member
How long have you worked in donor relations/stewardship, and how did you get involved in this profession?
I’ve worked in the development field for seven years and during that time I’ve held positions with the Gary Sinise Foundation, LSU Foundation, and United Against Human Trafficking. Before that, I was working for Fox Sports as a Media Specialist in Houston, but ultimately was looking for a career where I could finesse my skills working at the community level, specifically in the nonprofit sector. The opportunity to contribute to organizations that are making an impact was intriguing to me and that is what lead me to this career path.
Could you tell us something about your organization?
Established in 1997, Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center (SARRC) is an internationally recognized nonprofit that conducts innovative research, provides evidence-based practices, disseminates effective training, and builds inclusive communities for individuals with autism and their families. SARRC is dedicated to autism research, education, evidence-based treatment, and community outreach. Additionally, SARRC is one of the only autism organizations in the world that provides a lifetime of services for individuals and their families while also conducting cutting-edge research. SARRC’s mission is to advance research and provide a lifetime of support for individuals with autism and their families with the vision that people with autism are meaningfully integrated into inclusive communities.
As a new ADRP member, what made you want to join, or what do you hope to gain from your membership?
What attracted me to become a member is the opportunity to advance my skills specifically around fundraising best practices, and emerging trends in donor relations as well as become part of a community of like-minded professionals. I'm looking forward to connecting with ADRP's members and experts!
What is your greatest donor relations/stewardship achievement?
In a previous role, I worked closely with members of our Board of Directors on our regional events. One member of the board had especially high standards for the event he was hosting, and our budget did not match his expectations. I was able to temper his frustration by bringing him closer to the planning process and by letting him vent whenever we could not accommodate a request. The calls were frequent but worthwhile as we ended up with a successful event and a happy board member. After the event, the board member made an impactful gift to the foundation that was directly related to my effort.
How significant a role does the use of social media play in your work?
None really, we have a great Director of Marketing & Communications here at SARRC who handles all social media.
What is the most important professional goal you are currently pursuing, i.e., attaining a degree, preparing to give a presentation, launching an initiative at work or in your community, etc.?
I’m just starting the process of attaining my CFRE! I’m lucky to be part of a strong development team that is able to mentor me through this process.
What has been your greatest work challenge during COVID-19?
Unfortunately, due to the pandemic, myself and 40% of staff in previous positions were laid off. Since then, I’ve been lucky to work with organizations that have had a good handle on navigating COVID and have pivoted well to the new normal.
Is there a resource, i.e., book, blog, website, etc., that you would recommend to other ADRP members?
I would recommend “Can’t Hurt Me: Master Your Mind and Defy the Odds” by David Goggins to anyone. The book is not really a professional resource but is a tremendous resource for navigating adversity and doubles as a motivational tool.
What is the best piece of professional advice you have ever received?
Listening must be your greatest strength. Degrees and professional development are useless if you don’t put in the time to listen to your donors and colleagues.
Are there any particular stories, insights, etc., from your experiences in donor relations and stewardship that you would like to share with our colleagues?
Follow the data, the numbers are not lying to you. The organizations that pride themselves on their analytics and ability to track metrics are often the most successful.
Back to the May 2022 Hub
|
