ANN ARBOR DISTRICT LIBRARY BOARD
MINUTES OF THE WORK SESSION OF
FRIDAY, APRIL 18, 2008

08-198 I. CALL TO ORDER

President Leary called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.

08-199 II. ATTENDANCE

Present: Cahill, Leary, Murphy, Barney Newman
Absent: Head, Rosenthal, Surovell
Staff: Choate, Neiburger, Nieman, Parker, Wilson (recorder)
Others: Linda Bennett, Glacier Hills; Ruth Hastie

08-200 III. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
(Item of action)

The agenda was approved by unanimous consent.

08-201 IV. NEW BUSINESS

08-202 A. FUNDRAISING/DEVELOPMENT OFFICE ROLE
Linda Bennett
Chief Advancement Officer, Glacier Hills
Executive Vice President, Glacier Hills Foundation

Director Parker introduced Linda Bennett who prior to her current position at Glacier Hills retired from the University of Michigan as the Executive Director for Major Gifts, SE Michigan, Office of the VP for Development.

Ms. Bennett began with clarifying the purpose of the position of development officer:

To help prevent missed opportunities the Library is not currently taking advantage of or those we may be unaware of.

To allow the Library to be proactive in the future.

This position is not “the party person” this position should focus on strategic planning.

Because the Library is currently stable, this is the time to be seeking funds.

This position will help build an endowment.

She stated that a good development officer would bring strategic planning to the table and should have a good understanding of the science of donor development. They can position and leverage strategic donations. They would also use Josie’s time effectively along with that of the Board and staff.

What can you expect from this person?

The first year will not be remarkable; they will need time to understand the “culture” of the Library.

They would need a year to prepare for any type of campaign.

This person should have an understanding of planned giving, trusts, bequests, etc.

They should have strong written communication skills and be articulate.

This position would require a budget/materials/clerical support staff.

Ms. Bennett responded to the following questions presented by the Board:

Hiring a local person? A “local” person is not a necessity. You do however, want someone with a positive/good reputation.

Using a search firm? No experience with using them for this type of position-word of mouth is the best.

Starting this position from scratch? You may want to consider using a consultant to help a development director get started.

Would this position be responsible for annual giving? Yes.

Support needed? Position would need at least a ½ time support person. A full time high level assistant would be preferred.

Salary range/commission? Mid-$60,000 would be the minimum recommended range. Commissions are neither recommended nor professional.

Seeking an endowment vs. immediate income? Immediate income is needed for a building program; an endowment is for long term planning. You will need to develop a set of gift policies.

What is the relationship between Development and Community Relations/Marketing? Everyone should be on the same page and have a shared vision. They have to work together as a team. Synergy is important.

The Board had a brief discussion of the historical role of the Friends. The Friends have a small joint endowment with the Library at the Ann Arbor Community Foundation.

It was the consensus of the Board to proceed with a Development Officer position.

08-203 V. ADJOURNMENT

President Leary adjourned the meeting at 7:40 p.m.