Sun Sentinel Palm Beach Edition
Tamar Kohn Marks, United Way of Broward County
Tamar Kohn Marks, chief development officer for the United Way of Broward County in Fort Lauderdale, says that one of the most exciting things about her job is the potential for creating new donor relationships and strengthening current partnerships. With teamwork and a focus on assessing objectives, reviewing and updating resources, improving infrastructure, processes and tools, those goals can be met, she says.
Why I’m a good fit: I bring to the position a high level of expertise in fundraising, management and supervision. I’m extremely versed in moving organizations to the next level through strategic methodological process implementation.
Experience: Previously, chief development officer at the Minneapolis Jewish Federation, Minneapolis; Simon Wiesenthal Center, Miami, southern region director; American Friends of the Hebrew University, Boca Raton, executive director southern region; Greater Miami Jewish Federation, Miami, chief financial resource development officer. Myth-busting Fundraising is not a sales job. People in this profession understand that can make a difference and change people’s lives. Those who choose to work for a fundraising organization must believe in the cause to be successful, have a deep passion and a caring philosophy. Strategies What’s new: Technology helps us keep better track of what donors are passionate about. However, it is the person-to-person relationship and listening to them that will bring more donors to a cause.
Professional development :Itisa people-to-people business where listening skills are very important; I look for strengths in colleagues that help to inspire and educate me, absorbing material other great professionals in the industry put in to our domain. Advice to young professionals: Raising money is all about bringing the donor or prospect closer to the organization’s cause. Therefore, it is most important that when choosing an organization to work for, choose one that touches you because you must be able to transmit your own passion. It’s not a job, it’s a calling.