I was promoted to Development Director in a mid-size arts organization ($2 mil operating budget / year) a year ago. This was primarily based on my experience as a development assistant with the organization, not any real experience (I'm in my mid-20s, with some internships and an English degree under my belt).I'm enjoying what I do (well, some of the time!) but I've been looking more and more at other career options; in particular, the more that I work with program officers at Foundations, the more I think that developing funding programs and working with nonprofits at that level is more interesting and a better fit to my skills as a writer/manager.
I know that I should stay at least another year and build up more experience; but in the meantime, is it important to get an Arts Admin management degree in order to find a job in the nonprofit funding sector? If I did decide to switch roles, I would probably have to take on less responsibility - would this be seen as a drawback to future employers?
I'd love to hear your thoughts, even beyond foundation work - what other jobs out there are applicable to the skills you gain in development?
Thanks!
