Keeping Pace
CURRENTS Article This article looks at how the continuous change in technology and communications tools—particularly social media—are changing the way advancement communications offices operate.

Path to the Profession
CURRENTS Article Where does a development shop find good fundraisers? How do you hold on to them? Those questions and more are answered through an exploration of the latest talent management strategies.

Office Space: Backing the Brand
CURRENTS Article This article discusses the Communicator Certificate Program at Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey. Run by the institution's university relations department, the program is a series of professional development workshops designed for full-time employees who are involved in managing and communicating the Rutgers brand. The program is also open to any full-time or part-time staff member who wants to learn more about the university. A recent assessment of the program found that it is achieving its goals, making for more coordinated and effective campus communication.

Office Space: Investing in Your Own
CURRENTS Article This article looks at an internal professional development program in the Division of Development and Alumni Relations at Bucknell University. Such a program can not only help retain staff, but also help ensure they have the skills your institution values. In addition, these initiatives empower staff to contribute to one another's professional development, encourage collaboration, and acknowledge the skills and expertise within your office.

Piece of Mind
CURRENTS Article The advancement team at Rollins College in Florida learned that collaboration was key to success. They overcame cross-departmental conflict, learned to work together, and realized what each member of the team contributed.

Manager's Portfolio: Raising the Bar
CURRENTS Article Many managers do the job that should be done by the manager below. This article defines the different roles of managers, directors, and vice presidents and provides a three-step process for diagnosing and correcting this common managerial misstep.

Manager's Portfolio: An Inside Job
CURRENTS Article With development associates programs, managers can train entry-level personnel in advancement, offer instruction and insight about the world of work, and gain an edge in the competition for talent with other institutions. Comprehensive programs offer general training, expose associates to every area of advancement, and allow them to focus on one area of concentration. Associates also learn about balancing work and personal life. Programs should end with a comprehensive review of each associate’s performance to determine whether he or she receives permanent placement.

Manager's Portfolio: Achieving Fabled Service
CURRENTS Article Like Nordstrom and other companies famous for customer service, alumni associations should infuse quality constituent service into everything they do. This column features examples from the University of Michigan Alumni Association, which has created a customer relations staff.

Manager's Portfolio: The Art of the Staff Retreat
CURRENTS Article If you want to make sure your staff retreat will be productive, it’s important to determine what you want to accomplish and set the agenda accordingly. This article offers ideas on choosing facilitators, setting the schedule, preparing participants, selecting a location, and managing costs.

Manager's Portfolio: You Are Not Your Job
CURRENTS Article Most managers squeeze people into an existing organizational chart rather than finding the structure that will best accommodate employee skills. By comparing staff members’ abilities with office needs, managers can better assemble the right mix of people and bring out employees’ untapped talents. The article lists five broad skill areas important to an efficient advancement team and describes how different advancement disciplines use these skills.