Build Your Career with AFP
Posted by [email protected] on Jun. 29, 2026 / Subscribe 0
Author: Jessica Abel| AFP-GPC Board Member | Director of Development, The Arden Theatre Company
I was a Girl Scout growing up, and if anyone had ever told me that selling cookies would be the first of many fundraising efforts in my life, I’d have thrown them in your face! (As it turns out, selling cookies may be the easiest fundraising I ever did – who doesn’t love Girl Scout Cookies?!)
My first professional fundraising job was one I fell into somewhat by accident. A part-time administrative assistant job that I took for extra income while working as a young musician led to a full-time gig supporting a development operation at a local performance venue in Washington, DC. Simultaneously, as a performer, I was writing grants and sending appeals to support my own artistic work. Pretty quickly, I realized how important fundraising was to my discipline—and to the nonprofit sector as a whole—and that this was something I felt called to do, even though my formal education was in classical music.
Like many fundraisers who find their way into this profession through unexpected paths, I was eager to learn. Without a degree in nonprofit management, communications, or business, I was constantly searching for professional development opportunities. I wanted to understand fundraising best practices, develop new skills, build my network, and find mentors who could help guide me along the way. That's where AFP became invaluable.
Through AFP, I found a community of caring and compassionate individuals who were willing to share their experiences, answer questions, and offer encouragement. I discovered educational programs that helped me strengthen my fundraising knowledge and leadership skills. I found mentors who affirmed my strengths, challenged me to grow, and advised me on the right next steps. AFP also provided a pathway toward becoming a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE)—a credential that, without some other relevant degree, has been an important validation of my professional competencies.
16 years later, I’m a Development Director who has the privilege of leading an amazing team. I’ve fundraised millions of dollars for causes I care deeply about. And I proudly serve as Co-Chair of the Industry Excellence Committee for the AFP Greater Philadelphia Chapter, where I get to pay it forward. I want fundraisers—whether they're just entering the profession, considering a career transition, or preparing for their next leadership role—to have access to the same kinds of opportunities that helped shape my own career. That's the inspiration behind our ongoing Professional Development Series.
We kicked things off this June with a CFRE Foundations Webinar, led by Jack Alotto and Michelle Maslowski. They provided an overview of the credential, eligibility requirements, and resources to help begin the CFRE journey. If you missed the webinar, you can find the presentation materials here. Whether you're ready to pursue certification now or simply exploring the possibility, these resources can help you understand how the CFRE can support your professional growth. Additionally, you can still sign up for Jack’s next (free!) CFRE Study Group, which begins in July. Email him at [email protected] for more info. (My AFP-organized study group was so helpful to me in reinforcing the content and structure of the CFRE exam and helping me to be truly prepared! I highly recommend joining a study group.)
August will feature a Recruiter Panel Discussion. Navigating the fundraising job market can be challenging, even for experienced professionals. Our panel of recruiters from some of today’s leading firms will share insights on what organizations are looking for, how candidates can stand out, and what trends are shaping nonprofit hiring today. I know when I was applying for jobs post-pandemic, it felt a little like the wild west. I would have found it so helpful to understand what was most important to hiring managers, and how I stacked up against my fellow job-seekers. Whether you’re looking for that next role in your career, seeking candidates to fill a job vacancy, or just want to gain insights into what’s happening in our sector right now, this promises to be an illuminating conversation!
At Leading Philanthropy in September, you can have a new headshot taken (for free!) by Isolde Baylor and participate in one of our Career Development sessions: “Creating your Professional Development Plan” with Jack Alotto or “Great Fundraiser, Now What? Preparing for Leadership in Advancement” led by Emily Wells and Julia Barr. They’ll explore how fundraisers can think strategically about their careers, identify growth opportunities, and create actionable plans for achieving their goals. This is an opportunity for you to develop tactical steps to advance yourself professionally. You’ll leave the conference with tangible materials and actionable steps for growth.
And you can bring it all together in October, when you can sign up to participate in a Resume Review Workshop co-hosted by our Emerging Leaders and Mentorship program. Participants will have the opportunity to receive constructive feedback about your job application materials from fellow fundraisers and experienced mentors. Whether you're actively seeking a new position or simply updating your materials, this opportunity will help you better communicate your accomplishments and impact. My dad was a journalist and editor, my mother an academic, so I always had someone to redline my work and help make it better. If you can be vulnerable and give yourself over to others for constructive feedback, a fresh perspective can make all the difference.
Professional growth doesn't happen by accident. It requires intention, reflection, and a willingness to invest in yourself. One of the things I love most about AFP is that professional development isn't just about attending a webinar or earning a credential. It's about being part of a community. It's about learning from one another, building meaningful relationships, and supporting each other's success. My hope is that this series helps fundraisers find the same things I found through AFP: guidance, mentorship, confidence, and a pathway to create a fulfilling career.
Whether you're new to fundraising or a seasoned professional looking toward your next chapter, I hope you'll join us. We look forward to learning and growing together.
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