Fundraising is all well and good but unless you have the right people, fundraising ventures may come up short. When hiring a major gifts officer appearance can be everything, as they will be in contact with well-known supporters.

During the Association For Healthcare Philanthropy (AHP) international conference in Boston, Mass., Holly Duncan, president and CEO of the Morton Plant Mease Health Care Foundation in Clearwater, Fla. outlined her own qualifications for a major gifts officer.

• Techies -- Look for candidates in unconventional areas. People with a focus in technology have the ability and inclination to fully leverage information services capacity. Other qualifications they might have are the ability to research, schedule, communicate and document gifts.
• Intellectual Capacity -- Seek out someone who doesn’t just have traditional book smarts. Problem solvers and strategic thinkers can think quickly -- that can help you out of a bind.
• Communication -- In a position that talks to others frequently, it’s important to have someone who is both skilled verbally and in writing. A major gifts officer should know how to listen, ask open-ended questions and engage on all levels.
• Team Player -- Even though you will want someone who can work independently, a candidate should be able work with a team. There should be transparency and an attempt to engage allies. No one “owns a donor.”

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