What the Fundraising · 2026-06-16 · 39 min
Fundraising and alumni relations are evolving faster than many institutions are prepared for. But the concept of hiring people who make us feel comfortable remains the biggest threat to innovation since these practices often remain rooted in familiarity, rigidity, and outdated ideas of “fit.” A.P. Porch is a higher education and philanthropy professional with nearly 15 years of experience in nonprofit and advancement spaces, currently serving as the University-Wide Director of Alumni Engagement at Loyola University, New Orleans. Her work centers on strengthening alumni and donor relationships while supporting the “life of the mind” through mission-driven engagement, leadership, and community building. She joined Mallory to talk about what it takes to build stronger, more sustainable advancement teams in the fundraising sector. In this episode, you will be able to: Recognize the hidden challenges behind skill-based hiring in fundraising and alumni relations. Have a clear understanding about the difference between hiring for competency versus hiring for familiarity. Learn why burnout and turnover are often symptoms of deeper organizational issues.
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