Advancement Leaders Network

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The Vision

A supportive and confidential peer community for sitting Directors of Advancement and Development

“In the past Nancy Kehoe hosted a similar series for Advancement/Development Directors, and it quickly became one of the most meaningful parts of my professional life. No matter what topics we covered, I always left each session feeling energized, supported, and full of fresh ideas. It was also an incredible way to build authentic relationships with colleagues I hadn’t known before—people I now deeply respect, admire, and feel comfortable reaching out to for guidance or collaboration. The network of trusted peers I gained through this experience has been invaluable in helping me grow as a professional.”

Elizabeth Gleadall, Director of Advancement, Sonoma Country Day School

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

Carney Sandoe is pleased to introduce a new opportunity for sitting Directors of Advancement and Development: the Advancement Leaders Network (ALN). ALN brings together small cohorts of colleagues who meet monthly to think through strategic priorities, industry trends, and the issues most pressing to their work.

Groups are capped at eight to ten participants — small enough to protect the trust and candor that make honest problem-solving possible, and large enough to bring a genuine range of perspective to discussions. Sessions are led by Carney Sandoe consultant Nancy Kehoe, who provides structure and expertise while making room for members to learn from one another. Other CS&A consultants will be featured guests to present and discuss relevant topics related to their expertise.

Every ninety-minute session opens with time to check in and name what’s most pressing, then moves into deeper discussion — strategy, troubleshooting, and candid problem-solving grounded in real, current challenges. The facilitator will guide discussion, set the agenda, and share perspective on trends across the advancement field, while the group works through what’s keeping each member up at night — together.

BACKED BY THE CARNEY SANDOE CONSULTING TEAM

Participants draw on more than their own cohort. The facilitator is part of a broader Carney Sandoe consulting team that works with independent schools across the country every day — on searches, strategic planning, and advancement work. That vantage point means the group benefits from patterns and practices drawn from dozens of schools, in addition to the experiences in the room.

When a topic calls for it, sessions will benefit from that wider bench of expertise — bringing in perspective from colleagues who specialize in career path planning, board development, or office structure. Participants leave each session with more than peer support: a direct line to a national network of advancement expertise.

SESSION TOPICS (list subject change)

— Managing and Delegating: Development Office Structure

— Navigating the Leadership Team

— Working with the Advancement Committee and the Board

— Making Time for Strategic Thinking

— Working Effectively with Campus Partners — Admissions, Finance, Communications, Division Heads, and Long-Time Faculty

— Navigating Head of School transition

FEE

The fee for this coaching circle is $1,500 which includes access to all 8 virtual meetings throughout the year.