OGL 498 Pro-Seminar II
Assignment #5
The Career Decision Matrix OR Networking Plan
Objectives for this assignment:
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Systematically explore career objectives and options based on life themes (Career Decision Matrix).
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Begin to develop (or take the opportunity to refine) your personal network (Networking Plan).
Note: You might consider adding this assignment (like most others in this course) to your e-portfolio,
although you’ll also be submitting it electronically through the Blackboard site directly to me – by the due date.
For Assignment #5, I’m giving you a couple of options. You can do either one of the following options:
1) Develop a career decision matrix from your self-assessment themes using a process similar to the
Career Decision Matrix (Chapter 4 / Career Decision Making and Table 4.2 Sample Career Decision
Matrix).
Option 1) Career Decision Matrix Instructions
As you move through the data-gathering phase and begin to generate options for potential jobs and potential
employers, this is when you can build and use the career decision matrix. See Chapter 4 in your textbook /
Career Decision Making and Table 4.2 Sample Career Decision Matrix.
Step 1) Start by identifying and describing at least four possible career options. Hopefully you have already
identified and explored a number of career options through your self-assessment efforts in this course (the
AzCIS assessments in Week 1, in particular). In any case, your first goal is to come up with at least four
career options that seem viable for you. Be as specific as possible when discussing career options. The more
specific you are with respect to your options, the better the matrix results will be. Describe each career option
in a much detail as possible (career field / organization / job-related responsibilities / opportunities for
advancement / future outlook of the career field, etc.). Do some research. Be sure to demonstrate that you
have carefully researched and fully understand these specific career options.
Career option 1: Development Director, Northeast Region Operation Smile | New York, New York
Job Summary- The Development Director, Northeast Region will have the best of two worlds: the opportunity to build a
new major gifts fundraising program and the opportunity to work in a well-established and widely-respected non-profit
with a mission that changes the course of children’s lives. The Director will identify and follow major gift leads in the
New York market to create a largely untapped revenue source for Operation Smile. S/he will at the same time enjoy a
tight-knit, passionate, and financially stable organization that has a network of volunteers ready to support expansion of
fundraising into this philanthropically significant area of the country.
Responsibilities - The Development Director, Northeast Region will be responsible for establishing and expanding a
major gift fundraising program in the New York metropolitan area and surrounding states. Beginning with a portfolio of
150 prospective donors, the Director will engage in all elements of donor pipeline management, including identification,
cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship, to raise an initial goal of $700,000. Reporting to the Vice President of U.S.
Philanthropy, the Development Director will serve as Operation Smile’s ambassador in the Northeast and will play a
major role in developing region-specific fundraising strategies to expand the organization’s resources.
PND: Philanthropy News Digest. (November 22,2015).Found online
http://philanthropynewsdigest.org/jobs/21182-development-director-northeastregion
Career option 2: Executive Director Guilford Green Foundation | Greensboro, North Carolina
Company Background- It is the mission of the organization to promote diversity and inclusiveness throughout the gay
and lesbian community and the greater Guilford County community by raising and distributing funds for (qualified) gay
and lesbian organizations and programs and growing an endowment to sustain funding for these purposes. The Guilford
Green Foundation seeks to courageously unite community by fostering organizations that advance LGBTQ persons and
issues.
Job Summary- The Executive Director will have overall responsibility for financial, programmatic and operational
management of a largely volunteer organization serving the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community of
Greensboro, NC. The Executive Director will be a strong and visionary leader with a proven track record in management,
financial management, program development and fund raising.
The Executive Director will be able to take a broad, comprehensive view of the objectives of the organization and then
establish the priority steps necessary for the attainment of these objectives. Advanced skill in planning, developing,
analyzing, and evaluating a wide range of financial, administrative, and managerial functions is essential. The Executive
Director is expected to monitor organizational process and provide recommendations and advice to the Board of
Directors to facilitate informed Board action.
The Executive Director must exercise extensive initiative and independent judgment and work effectively with the Board
of Directors, staff, volunteers, the public, and members of other community agencies and organizations.
Responsibilities
Program Management
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Guilford Green Foundation is moving forward with a plan to coordinate the creation of an LGBT Center
in Greensboro. The Executive Director would manage this project in several phases. Some major
responsibilities include gathering data, engaging the broader community to identify needs, and working
with the community to develop programs of interest
 Provides leadership in developing and implementing strategies that helps Guilford Green Foundation
achieve its vision and mission
 Provides oversight in managing and developing programs and services to meet the needs of clients
Ensures ongoing program evaluation and program compliance with funding guidelines
 Develops and evaluates new programs as needed by the community
Fundraising and Development
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Manages fundraising and resource development in collaboration with Board of Directors and staff
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Assumes accountability for securing resources needed to support the organization’s mission and
strategic plan through annual campaigns, events, sponsorship, donor cultivation, and grant writing
 Coordinates all foundation events (including but not limited to Annual Granting Ceremony, Green
Queen Bingo, Triad Takeover Nights, Annual Black Tie Gala and Sponsors Party, Women’s Party,
Straight Ally Event) including fundraising, marketing outreach and execution of events from start to
finish.
 Fosters an environment at Guilford Green Foundation that cultivates appropriate acknowledgement of
donations in a timely fashion.
Outreach and Communications
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Provides oversight for all internal and external communications
Serves as an effective spokesperson for Guilford Green Foundation, its mission, clients, supporters,
and programs to the LGBT community and the larger community
 Supports organizational partnerships and programming in accordance with mission
 Cultivates key relationships on behalf of the organization through outreach and collaboration across the
community
 Possesses solid media relations skill set and the ability to form quick relationships with key constituents
 Provides community leadership in LGBT advocacy and public policy
 Represent GGF at various civic, business and community functions
Human Resource Management
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Manages all human resource functions, including the maintenance of personnel policies and
procedures, office policies and procedures, new hire reporting, job descriptions, evaluation protocols
and evaluation forms
 Oversees the recruitment, hiring, development, promotion, evaluation and termination of employees.
Ensures compliance with all organization and regulatory policies that cover paid staff, contracted
consultants, volunteers, and workers with partner organizations.
 Maintains a climate which attracts, keeps, and motivates a diverse group of top-quality staff and
volunteers
 Ensures recognition of volunteers
Financial and Organizational Management
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Assures adequate control and accounting of funds, including developing and maintaining sound
financial practices
 Works with the Board of Directors and staff to prepare a budget and sees that the agency functions
within its financial guidelines and limitations
 Assures that funds are dispersed according to contract and grant requirements and donor designations
 Assures maintenance of office records and documents and ensures compliance with federal, state, and
local regulations and reporting requirements (such as annual information returns, payroll withholding
and reporting)
Facilities Management
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Provides strategic and tactical leadership, coordination, and administrative oversight to facilities
operations and environmental health
 Ensures quality day-to-day operation of the physical building, including but not limited to maintenance,
repair, and renovation of current facilities, and interaction with local, state and regional agencies
pertaining to building issues
 Provides direction and oversight in matters of technology
Governance and Leadership
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Provides complete, effective and timely information to the Board of Directors to help its members make
informed decisions
Functions within regulations set by the Guilford Green Foundation bylaws and respects the role of
Board officers, committee chairs, and the board as a whole
Assists the Board of Directors in developing and implementing the strategic plan and organizational
goals
Works with the Board of Directors to address ongoing organizational needs of the organization
PND Philanthropy News Digest. (November 22, 2015). Found online.
http://philanthropynewsdigest.org/jobs/21183-executive-director.
Career Option 3: Client Manager Neighborhood Trust Financial Partners | New York, New York
Job Summary- This is a critical role on the Business Development team to support the distribution of our services
through Employers where we see a large opportunity to reach thousands of low wage workers and to increase
Neighborhood Trust's earned revenue.
Responsibilities
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Manage relationships with active employer customers and ensure success in our ongoing
engagements.
Develop and implement engagement strategies to drive employee participation rates of 10% in the first
year of an engagement, increasing to 20% over 2 years.
Successfully onboard new customers, working to integrate into their processes and communication
channels to create a highly level of visibility for our programs.
Lead identification of program logistics and onsite planning to facilitate the program's operations. Work
with partner on issue resolution as necessary.
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Ensure successful preparation of partner performance metrics and develop organizational knowledge to
inform future program design and business model recommendations
PND Philanthropy News Digest. (November 22, 2015). Found Online.
http://philanthropynewsdigest.org/jobs/21130-client-manager.
Career Option 4: Senior Manager, Sponsorship and Marketing San Francisco General Hospital Foundation | San
Francisco, California
Job Summary- San Francisco General Hospital Foundation is excited to grow their Marketing team with the
addition of a driven, energetic, charismatic, and creative Senior Manager, Sponsorship and Marketing. The successful
candidate will play the lead fundraising role within the Marketing department, ensuring the success of the Foundation’s
Signature Hearts Events (Heroes & Hearts and Hearts After Dark) and provide direct management of related programs
including the Hearts in San Francisco Project and Call for Community Heroes.
Responsibilities
Development and Marketing
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Serve as the Foundation staff fundraising lead for Heroes & Hearts and Hearts After Dark, which are
responsible for revenue generation of $2M+ annually
 Work collaboratively with colleagues (particularly the Development Officer, Corporate and Foundation
Relations), Board Members, and Leadership Committee members to thoughtfully and strategically
steward cash and in-kind sponsor renewals
 Lead a significant new prospecting effort to expand sponsorship revenue, particularly within the tech
community
 Prepare regular reports for the Vice President, Marketing, Chief Executive Officer, and others that detail
sponsorship renewals, new funding prospects, and prospective Leadership Committee members
Hearts Signature Events Development and Preparation
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Provide mentorship and leadership to the Manager, Signature Events
Identify, recruit, and work closely with an expanded and blended Leadership Committee (Board and
non-Board) for the Foundation’s Hearts Signature Events
 Schedule, agendize, prioritize, and lead both in-person and virtual meetings of the Hearts Signature
Events Leadership Committee (on a monthly basis, at a minimum)
 Deliver post-meeting recaps and action items in a timely fashion
 Provide leadership, coaching, and guidance to Leadership Committee members in the development
and execution of outreach and personal fundraising strategies
 Take ownership of the tracking and management of deliverables and related follow up
 Serve as the primary Foundation liaison for the Hearts in San Francisco Project (Hearts Sculpture
Artists) and Call for Community Heroes
 Play a key role in establishing a year-round Young Professionals Program where, eventually, Hearts
After Dark will serve as the flagship event. Support the refinement of the Hearts After Dark event and
revenue model for 2016 and beyond
Hearts Signature Events Execution
Partner with the Vice President, Marketing; Manager, Signature Events; and Foundation consultants on:
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Creative/strategic direction
Hearts Signature Events collateral (save the date, invitation, program, signage, etc.)
Development and production of required media assets (ads, television and radio PSAs, videos, etc.)
Media sponsors
Press strategy and outreach
Event program, timetable, and script
Partner with the Vice President, Marketing and Manager, Signature Events on:
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Establishing the Heroes & Hearts and Hearts After Dark budgets and tracking/monitoring related
expenses, invoices, and payments
Identifying and implementing cost-efficiencies without sacrificing quality and impact
Identifying appropriate platforms and systems for online ticket sales and auction of Hearts Sculptures
Tracking and reporting of sponsorships, ticket sales, and attendees
Reconciliation of expenses and revenue related to online ticket sales and Hearts Sculptures auction
Work with the Finance team and Manager, Signature Events to reconcile event revenue and expenses
Work with the Development team and Manager, Signature Events to ensure that sponsors, donors,
attendees, and other event-related constituents are migrated to Raiser’s Edge and tracked, invoiced
and acknowledged in an appropriate and timely fashion
Manage the master guest-seating document and lead seating meetings with key stakeholders prior to
Heroes & Hearts (and Hearts After Dark, if and as applicable)
Secondary Roles and Responsibilities
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Collaborate and coordinate closely with the Manager, Signature Events, and Foundation consultants on
all logistics, vendors, recruitment and deployment of volunteers, timeline development, deliverable
tracking, and Day of Event management
Work closely with the Vice President, Marketing to support the deployment of a robust marketing and
communications strategy for the Foundation across all channels
Manage and oversee external revenue programs and third party fundraising events and activities
Build out the Foundation’s cause-marketing program
Expand the Foundation’s merchandising and ecommerce activity
Develop messaging for key stakeholders
Write content for newsletters, website, social media, eNews, and support related communications
deployment
Coordinate mailings and other outreach activities
Manage outside consultants
Coordinate, in partnership with the Manager, Signature Events
PND Philanthropy News Digest. (November 22, 2015). Found Online.
http://philanthropynewsdigest.org/jobs/20098-senior-manager-sponsorship-and-marketing.
Step 2) Now, develop a matrix similar to Table 4.2 Sample Career Decision Matrix in your textbook (page
93):
 Down the left hand side of the matrix, you list your life themes.
 Across the top of the page, you list the career option alternatives you are considering.
 Next, fill in each cell with a high (h), medium (m), or low indication of the match between that theme
and the alternative under consideration.
 At the end, you should be able to summarize, possibly using point system—high is 5, medium is 3, low
is 1.
Step 3) Discuss the extent to which this career decision matrix development process helps with your career
development decision making. Comment on the career option(s) that might be worth pursuing based on your
results.
During the Career Decision Matrix process I evaluated real jobs in the Nonprofit Organization sector. I am set
on two things when building my new career life, to live in a large city and to work in a nonprofit within their
management structure. I wanted to use real job available in this process because these will provide a defined
job responsibility as well as options that are tangible. Our text defines the Matrix as “An effective approach to
using your self-assessment in career decision making is to use your themes directly to filter career choices by
creating a matrix.” (P. 93) When building the matrix I selected the most accurate options to the one I wrote
about in the assignment “Dream Job”. On the left side of the matrix was a list of my life themes which the
texts states as “Obviously, your life stage is an important factor to consider when sorting through the pros and
cons of job alternatives.” (P.93) Entering in my life themes and the ideal jobs really helped me identify how
each one would value in the scoring section of the table. As I proceed through the table I changed the score
of the ones previously scored because the immediate one was more relevant to my life theme. In the end
there were two out of the four that scored as a viable option to pursue after graduating with my degree.
Harrington, Brad; Hall, Douglas T. (2007-05-16). Career Management & Work-Life Integration: Using SelfAssessment to Navigate Contemporary Careers. SAGE Publications. Kindle Edition.
PND Philanthropy News Digest. (November 22, 2015) Found online.
http://philanthropynewsdigest.org/jobs.