Employer Name  

Tarrant Area Food Bank

Employer  Website

www.tafb.org

Job Title  

Development Manager

Briefly describe what you do   

I am involved in all aspects of fundraising and donor relations including direct mail planning, donor database management, donor recognition, donor cultivation, major gifts, planned giving, grant writing, and special events.

What other jobs have you had?

• Sales Manager at Sunset Direct in Austin, TX

• Community Events Manager at Capital Area Food Bank in Austin, TX

What are the key skills, abilities, and personal qualities necessary to succeed in this type of work?  

Skills/Abilities:
Excellent communication skills - written & verbal
Able to interact easily with all types of people
Public speaking
Direct mail & grant proposal experience
Manage multiple projects at once
Basic computer skills and database experience

Personal Qualities:
Self-motivated
Values integrity and ethics
Organized
Works well with others
People person
Passion for the cause

What do you enjoy most about your current position?  

It's a great cause - ending hunger in our community.  I enjoy educating people about the reality of hunger and helping them understand how they can - and do - make a difference.

Most important/valuable lesson or activity in college that impacted your career  

Volunteering with TUVAC
Business management classes

What advice for someone entering this field?

If you want to work at a nonprofit, be sure to find one where you are passionate about the cause.  That makes all the difference in how much you will enjoy your work.  Believe that you can make a difference.

E-mail your questions to askalumni@trinity.edu
Put the name of the alumni you wish to contact in the subject line, then type your question.