AFP Member Spotlight: Jaye Lopez Van Soest, CFRE

AFP Member Spotlights are a recurring series of interviews with AFP members, highlighting the unique individuals and career paths that exist within the fundraising profession. If you know an inspiring fundraising professional who deserves to be featured, please email afpmarcom@afpglobal.org. 

In this member spotlight, AFP interviewed Jaye Lopez Van Soest, CFRE, director, philanthropy at Music Will. We discussed how adopting new technologies can free up time for relationship building and how burnout remains one of the biggest challenges facing the fundraising profession.

Q: How did you start your career in the fundraising profession and what led you there?
A: I was an English and Gender Studies double major in college. I spent my first year out of college with a small magazine in Los Angeles. A change in the magazine’s ownership and a new publisher resulted in me looking for a new job. I applied for an entry-level position at a large social services agency (Los Angeles LGBT Center). I interviewed with the policy and development teams on the same day. Going into the interviews, I knew what to expect regarding the policy interview, but I didn’t know what “development” meant. After the interview, I went home and told my then partner, “They’re fundraisers! I don’t know why they don’t just call it that!” Regardless, the energy of the development department better suited my personality, and they made me an offer more quickly than the policy team! I was fortunate to work for an outstanding director of major gifts, who took me under his wing. And our director of development was an incredible fundraiser and manager. I learned so much from these two individuals, lessons I have carried with me throughout my career.

Q: When and why did you decide to become an AFP member?
A: At one point, I was working in a very small development shop. My first two fundraising positions were in departments with 20+ team members. These large teams functioned as built-in networks, sounding boards, etc. Moving to an organization where I was one of two frontline fundraisers was a culture shock. I decided to build out my professional network. By that time the development team had doubled to four and our development director encouraged me to become involved with the local AFP chapter (AFP DC). I joined in 2006 and within a few months had joined a committee. I joined the board in 2008, which was the year I attended my first AFP ICON in New Orleans.

Q: Are you doing anything innovative at your organization (or a past organization) that you think other fundraisers could benefit from?
A: I have always been an early adopter of new technologies. Professionally, that plays out in my willingness to lean into tech innovations in fundraising. But it needs to be a both/and formula – embracing new technologies while relying on techniques that have worked well in the past. I am excited by the prospect of utilizing suites of applications that can improve efficiencies in workflows, that save time, or more specifically free up time to focus on relationship building and authentic engagement. 

Q: What is your favorite word? (only one word) How has this word influenced or inspired your career?
A: Humility, which to me is not thinking less of oneself, but thinking of oneself less. In other words, putting others first, while understanding one’s worth. That means focusing on selfcare, finding work-life harmony, etc.

Q: What professional accomplishment are you most proud of? 
A: I am most proud of the individuals I have hired for my teams at various organizations. Former development assistants and coordinators I have hired are now serving as directors of development, major gifts, and digital strategy at amazing organizations. One of my former development assistants is now a chief of staff and another is now a vice president for digital strategy!

I am also proud of the successful campaigns I have led, including back-to-back $1M matching gift campaigns while working for a university, and working to turn around a direct response program that had been in the decline for several years prior to my arrival. 

Q: How has being an AFP member and participating in the AFP affinity groups benefited you in your career?
A: Being an AFP member has helped me build an amazing network of colleagues across sectors and regions. This network has supported me through job transitions, provided advice on ethical issues, helped me with hiring, and provided referrals for consulting projects. 

Participating in affinity groups has allowed me to connect, share experiences, and to support and be supported by others. Affinity groups have also provided professional development opportunities that enhance my skills and knowledge base but just as importantly make me feel more connected to a community. Affinity groups often provide valuable insights and perspectives that can inform policies, practices, and decision-making processes.

Q: In your opinion, what is the biggest challenge facing the nonprofit fundraising profession today?
A: Burnout. The expectations placed on fundraisers to be rainmakers is greater than ever before. There seems to be a disconnect between executive leadership and fundraisers in that fundraisers are expected to raise more but not ask for more, e.g., resources, support. Boards still aren’t stepping up either financially or by being willing to open their networks to seek support for the organization. I have seen lots of outstanding fundraisers contemplating leaving the profession. If they left, not only will the nonprofit community miss out of their talents and skills, but their experience and wisdom won’t be available to folks new to the profession. 

Q: What advice do you have for other fundraising professionals, or people interested in getting into the field?
A: Starting as a new fundraiser can be exciting and rewarding, but it can also be challenging. Learn from others. Take the time to learn from experienced fundraisers and seek out mentorship opportunities. There is a wealth of knowledge and experience in the fundraising community that can help you succeed.