Open Forum

We are getting ready to hire a Development Director for the first time, and my Board wants me to inquire about existing/successful Incentive Plans or Bonus schedules for similar positions.  We know we don't want to directly tie a percentage commission to the salary, but we would like to find a creative incentive plan to add to the base salary we are offering.  Any suggestions?

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Karen McClaflin
Executive Director
California Automobile Museum
Sacramento CA
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A "bonus schedule" smells too much like a percentage, which is considered unethical. Presumably your board wants all employees to invest their full time and attention to their work at all times, for which they should then be fairly compensated. 

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Deborah Smith
Development Director
Eastport ME
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This question is outside of my area of focus, but I agree based on what I've seen that most substantial gifts or endowments are the product of long-term relationships.  In some cases, those relationships become so important that if the development director leaves the museum, sometimes the donors follow them out the door.  It is also worth considering the possible effect on other staff members whose pay has no bonus structure or any other means of advancement.  The compensation of registrars, exhibit preparators, visitor services and security personnel doesn't change if a big contribution comes in or if ticket sales go through the roof due to the exhibit that just opened.  Internal equity can be a big deal, especially in an institution with relatively small staff.  Just my $0.02 worth...

     Michael


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Michael Holland
Principal/Owner
Michael Holland Productions
Bozeman MT
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