Episode Details

In this episode, Tom continues his conversation with David Chambliss, Associate Dean for Development at Vanderbilt University, and gets practical about something every shop is wrestling with: how to structure work so people stay, perform, and grow. Even though David sits in a large university campaign, the principles he shares apply whether you are a one-person development office or leading a small team in a local nonprofit.

Tom and David talk through what hybrid work looks like when it is built on trust, clear expectations, and real metrics instead of chair time. They explore how to stay closely connected to internal partners, even when you are not on site every day, and why intentional communication matters more than proximity. David also shares the career advice he wishes he had heard earlier: be patient with your timeline and learn to advocate for yourself.

In this conversation, you will learn:

• How to think about hybrid or remote work in a way that still supports strong fundraising results
• Simple ways to stay in sync with program staff, faculty, or leadership when you are not in the same building
• Why tracking outreach and activity matters more than tracking office hours
• How flexible work arrangements can become a powerful retention tool for fundraisers
• What small organizations can copy from Vanderbilt’s approach to growth, promotion, and talent development
• Practical career advice for fundraisers who want to grow without burning out or constantly job-hopping

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