901 Advizers
Charis
Director Of Advancment
Hebron Academy; Hebron, Maine
University of Nevada, Reno
https://www.linkedin.com/in/charisadams/
Q1Career path
Relationship Building
Fundraising
Event Planning
4:35
"I hadn't even realized at that point that that was a career path that I could take."
Q2Main responsibilities
Nonprofit Management
Alumni Engagement
Fundraising
1:46
"Advancement is more than just philanthropy. To me, it's kind of an engine that ensures like educational excellence is financially sustainable."
Q3Day in the life
Advancement
Fundraising
Marketing & Communications
2:24
"No two days are ever alike."
Q4Most important skills - role
Strategic Thinking
Communication Skills
Relationship Building
2:39
"It isn't always the person who knows the most in the room. I think sometimes it's a person who listens the most deeply."
Q5Favorite parts - role
Relationship Building
Philanthropy
Personal Connection
1:43
"Advancement is about helping people live out their values in a way that strengthens the school."
Q6Biggest challenge - role
Philanthropy
Advancement
Leadership
2:38
"Without sustainable economics, even the most inspirational mission fails."
Q7Favorite parts - industry
Education
Philanthropy
Independent Schools
0:29
"I love being in a field where generosity is a currency."
Q8Who thrives in industry
Curiosity
Empathy
Mission-Driven
1:31
"balance that human interaction and organizational structure."
Q9Wish known before - industry
Fundraising
Nonprofit Leadership
Relationship Building
1:08
"advancement is less about asking for money and more about aligning stories and relationships and building trust with people."
Q10Entry-level positions
Nonprofit
Relationship Management
Entry-Level Positions
0:41
"Roles in annual giving, in nonprofits, in alumni relationships or admissions."
Q11Significant lesson - career
Patience
Relationship Building
Career Development
0:39
"There are no quick wins. There's only really steady effort, and that makes it very enjoyable."
Q12College ideas for success
Leadership
Networking
Communication
0:51
"I said yes to opportunities, um, uh, where I could lead, um, and where I could connect with people."
Q13How identity impacted career
First-Generation College Student
Leadership
Empathy
0:38
"It's shaped how I listen and how I lead. It gives me an empathy for different perspectives."