Sam Mattes

Job Shadowing Assignment:

Workplace Host Interview Questions:
1. What is your name, occupation, and the company you work for?
I am Nancy Mattes, and am currently the Associate Director, for Arts Advancement at the
University of Waterloo.
2.

How did you get the start in this job?

I began thinking that I wanted to be an actress, and wanted to pursue a diploma in Theatre and
English. Once I realized I didnt want to be apart of that industry, I understood that I was better
suited for the administrate aspect of the industry. I switched my degree to cultural management
at the University of Waterloo, which mainly consists of marketing and fundraising for charitable
organizations. I earned an incredibly prestigious internship that only four students across Canada
were awarded. The McConnel Fellowships purpose was to learn about educational fundraising
from 1990-1991. Thats what really launched my professional career as fundraiser!
3. What level of education is required for your present job?
It varies, but I would say a Bachelors Degree at a minimum.
4. What are the responsibilities for your present job?
Well, 75% of my time is dedicated to fundraising for major gift prospects, as I usually have an
average portfolio of roughly 70 prospects at a time. As an associate director, 25% of my time is
directed to overseeing stewardship of faculty of arts donors, and other senior management duties.
5.

What three things make your work challenging?

I would say the primary challenge would be finding a good pool of prospects to approach for
donations of $100,000 or more. Competition with other fundraisers also proves to be a difficulty,
while the fact that ultimately the decision lies with the donor, regardless of the amount of
preparation and time spent pursuing the gift is an extreme challenge. Fundraising is an
extremely collaborative profession, and in todays society it requires a great deal of
communication skills and patience.

Sam Mattes

6. What skills do you need to be successful in your job?

A fundraiser most definitely needs to be persistent and charming, while still remaining flexible.
My job requires me to be intuitive, nimble, and have emotional intelligence. Creativity and
attentiveness are also key attributes to a great fundraiser.
7.

What are the things you enjoy most about your profession, and what
do you like the least?

I love helping people achieve their philanthropic goals, and I strongly believe in education as a
means for people to reach their full potential. I thoroughly enjoy the wonderful variety that the
job brings. A down fall of working in the field that I do is its slow pace at the times that are
aimed at preparation.
8.

What is the starting salary for this field?

It greatly depends, as a senior development officer in 2006 I started at $65,000, but this industry
can range from starting at $25,000 to $50,000.
9.

What are the opportunities for advancement in this field?

Huge! There are many opportunities with advancement within Universities & Hospitals, and
they often pay the most money for fundraising professionals.
10.

What is the future outlook for jobs in this field?

As future government funding shrinks, the need for public funding sources will grow, thus
producing numerous new opportunities for professional fundraisers in Canada!