NEDRA - Top ten research tips for welcoming a new executive to your team

Top ten research tips for welcoming a new executive to your team

Tue, September 25, 2012 9:44 AM | Laura Parshall

Amy Sacco, Director of Research at Assumption College in Worcester, MA, has prepared this list of helpful ideas for how researchers can help a new executive integrate into their organization. It was originally published by APRA - Upstate New York, and Amy has kindly shared it with the NEDRA News Blog.

1. Inform but don’t overload. Arm her with the tools necessary to hit the road running. Provide an overview – she’ll know where to come for the details. Deliver all materials in one easy-to-use binder with a guide for easy review.

2. Start at the very beginning. Provide an outline of the research department. Itemize the areas that you and your staff oversee, noting each staff member’s responsibilities. Provide samples of reports/lists/templates so he can get an understanding of how you currently present information to the staff.
3. Trustees. Include a list of trustees with either basic or full profiles including pictures and contact information. She will want to be able to easily identify these individuals at events and meetings. She should be able to go in feeling like she already knows them.

4. Top prospects and VIPs. Provide full profiles on your top prospects (again, pictures are key if you have them) so that he can start familiarizing himself with this group. Don’t load him up with 100 profiles but find a cutoff that makes sense for your organization. Also include profiles on those that may not be top donors but are key people to know. (e.g. they have a very interesting position or are locally or nationally well-known).

5. Campaign stats. Have you completed a campaign within the past year or so? Include your gift pyramid and list of top donors (including foundations). It’s not necessary to provide detailed information on this group, just a listing that notes constituency and giving history so she can get a sense of who played a major role during that time.

6. Community leaders. A listing of community leaders (name, title, and organization) is helpful for an executive who is new to the area. As he gets involved and/or attends functions outside of your institution it is wise to know who’s who in town – from the city government to the art museum!

7. Screening Results. If you recently went through a screening provide a few things: a quick breakdown on who was screened; your contract information (Cost? How many users? A terminology key). Throw in some of the charts that come back with the screening review; share some information on the steps your office has taken to go through the results and some general findings/next steps. Again, she’ll know where to go for the details so keep it basic for now.

8. Be creative. Pull some fun lists for him to review. (e.g. constituents from his hometown or shared alumni if he’s moving between educational institutions). Think outside of the box.

9. All work and no play…. Have some fun! Where is the best place to get a sandwich at lunch? Who has the best waffles for a Sunday morning breakfast? Cheapest movie theater in town? Not only is he new to your institution but is mostly likely new to town. Provide some maps and a brochure from your local chamber of commerce.

10. Face time. Make an appointment for a one-on-one meeting. Present and review your materials. It’s a great time to start your relationship and show her what a great research team she just inherited!

Bonus Tip: Be Ready! Be ready for brainstorming sessions; for a review of your workload, your processes and your obstacles. You can prepare for weeks or months in advance but know that this person is coming in with new ideas and a burst of energy. Hopefully it’s the breath of fresh air that the whole office needs!

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