12:00–1:00 PM ET Registration Welcome to Washington, D.C.! Please stop by the registration desk starting at 12:00 p.m. to check in and pick up your conference materials.
1:00–1:30 Welcome, Faculty Introductions and Conference Overview Join chair Christy Cates to meet the faculty and learn how to get the most out of your time at the conference.
1:30–2:30 CliftonStrengths (part 1) Strong and effective leadership requires self-awareness and continued focus. Understanding and accessing your unique “strengths” will allow you to build a clear personal leadership brand that taps into your talents. In this two-part session, we will review the philosophy behind Clifton Strengths and how your “strengths” connect to your leadership brand.
3:00–4:00 CliftonStrengths (continued)
4:15–5:15 Using Metrics to Manage and Drive Stronger Performance
As the expectation for better and more effective managers in the advancement profession continues to grow, managers must embrace a robust set of tools that can actually make their jobs simpler. With customized performance metrics and improved portfolio management systems, managers have access to data that can help them manage better and drive stronger results in fundraising. But what are the data telling you, anyway? Join David Lively as they share lessons on metrics to challenge the status quo.
5:15–6:15 Networking Reception Join conference faculty and your colleagues to network and unwind after Day 1. Complimentary hors d'oeuvres and drink tickets will be provided. Don't forget your business cards!
6:15 PM Conference Adjourns for the Day Dinner on your own
8:30–9:30 AM Continental Breakfast / Roundtables
9:30–10:30 Case Studies in Ethical Leadership
In their dual roles as fundraisers and managers, advancement leaders must regularly confront ethical dilemmas as they navigate the complex culture of higher education. In this session the faculty will discuss real-world challenges and engage in a lively conversation replete with interactive Q&A.
10:45–11:45 Crucial Conversations
11:45 AM–1:15 PM Lunch on your own
1:15–2:15 Case Studies Small Group Workshops
2:30–3:30 Survival Skills in Your New Leadership Role You’ve got the job, but you realize that it doesn’t come with a survival manual. You need to survey the political landscape, build credibility and establish rapport with your boss, colleagues, and your team in fairly short order. This session will provide guidance and insights to help you acclimate to your organization’s ecosystem and not only survive but thrive.
4:00–5:00 Diversity & Inclusion – Driving Success for Today’s Leaders
Demographics in the US are rapidly changing with data indicating by 2055 we will be a minority-majority population. Strategies to promote diversity and inclusion – in hiring and talent management, alumni engagement and fundraising – are fundamental requirements in toolkits of advancement leaders. In this session, we will explore how advancement leaders effectively engage shifting donor populations as well as promote inclusive recruitment, retention, and leadership development practices that produce and develop the best workforces.
5:00 Conference Adjourns for the Day
Dinner on your own
8:30–9:30 AM Continental Breakfast / Roundtable Topics
9:30–10:30 A Conversation with a VP
Hear from Donna Arbide, Vice President of Development and Alumni Relations at The George Washington University, about her pathway to leadership, lessons learned along the way, and her thoughts on what it means to be a leader during turbulent times. Opportunities for Q&A will be provided so please bring your questions.
10:45 AM–12:00 PM Closing Thoughts and Next Steps
Participate in an interactive, moderated panel, which will cover details to consider as you plan your next steps. The conference faculty will return to CliftonStrenths results and share advice and tips to help you achieve your goals. Plenty of opportunity for Q&A will be provided. This session will help attendees consolidate and implement what they’ve learned at the conference and reflect upon their next steps.