Recruit, Reward, Recognize, Retain, Repeat: Decreasing Development Staff Turnover in Museums
Recruit, Reward, Recognize, Retain, Repeat: Decreasing Development Staff Turnover in Museums
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Issue Date
2013
Authors
Powers, Michelle
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Abstract
The goals of this master's project are to understand the reasons for frequent staff turnover in museum development departments by engaging with professionals currently in those roles; to gain perspective about staff turnover from those in the human resources function in museums; and lastly, to connect with management professionals across the country to find ways to utilize talent retention techniques in museums.
The methodology for this master's project followed a three-pronged approach using a literature review, surveys sent to hundreds of professionals, and interviews conducted with professionals across the country. For the interviews, I sought the expertise from 18 individuals who were museum development professionals, human resource professionals in museum, or talent management professionals in the for-profit sector. I created three different surveys, each of which pertained to one of these three groups of professionals. Lastly, the chapters of my literature review discussed below examine how the challenge of quick turnover in development positions has increased over time.
The three main topics of the literature review in this master's project discuss: 1) the history of the field of development, 2) the challenges faced by museums with the rapid turnover of development professionals, and 3) ways to use talent management techniques to better retain talent. In the first theme, I review the current state of fundraising and the impact of the recession on museums' ability to fundraise for their needs. I then discuss a brief history of philanthropy and development and the ways the museum field has shifted from operating solely with the support of a few wealthy families to necessitating support from all visitors. I also consider how the needs of museums have expanded, as well as the increased competition for limited funds.