Hi Reader,

You can’t structure your team for yesterday’s needs—and expect tomorrow’s results.

That’s the focus of Episode 2, where I’m joined by two leaders who bring unmatched perspective on building Advancement + MarCom teams for the future. I wanted to bring them together because Melissa sits at the front end of the hiring process—helping institutions define roles and recruit leaders—while Shanna helps leaders succeed once they’re in the seat. Their combined lens makes for a grounded, highly insightful conversation about what it takes to structure teams that can thrive.

• Melissa Fincher — Principal and Practice Leader for Marketing & Communications in Education at WittKieffer, one of higher ed’s top executive search firms. She’s led more than 170 searches for mission-driven institutions and knows firsthand what leaders are hiring for, having previously held in-house leadership roles at Rutgers, Johns Hopkins, and Ohio State.
• Shanna Hocking — Founder and CEO of Hocking Leadership, with 20+ years leading advancement teams at the Wharton School, CHOP, University of Alabama, and Duke. She now advises universities and academic medical centers including Lehigh, Boston University, and University of Maryland Medicine, on how to keep top talent engaged, build resilient cultures, and prepare for change. She's also the author of One Bold Move a Day and the BOLD Blueprint for Women in Advancement.

Together, we cover:

• Why fiscal uncertainty demands smarter talent strategies
• How hybrid skills and AI fluency are changing what teams need
• When interim, fractional, or external talent can fill gaps
• Ways to retain and develop staff in a time of contraction

🎧 Listen: Episode 2 — The IA MarCom Shift​

Here’s to amplifying the work that matters,

Dan

P.S. If you missed Episode 1 with Terry Flannery, we explored how Advancement MarCom teams can begin to move beyond "order-taking" and step into the role of strategic partner. And keep an eye out for Episode 3 dropping this Thursday, August 28th!

Whenever you're ready, here are 4 ways I can help:

🎯 1:1 Consultation: Book a paid 45-minute session to tap into 20 years of high-impact experience. We'll tackle your most pressing strategic challenge, and you'll walk away with clarity and an action plan.

🎤 Speaking & Workshops: Looking for a speaker, podcast guest, or workshop leader to inspire your audience or team? Schedule a free discovery call to explore how I can bring fresh ideas to your organization.

🔍 Strategic Assessment: Invest in an evaluation of your team, brand, or campaign—with data-backed insights and strategic recommendations to optimize your efforts and drive results. Learn more about my services.​

📣 Audience Partnership: Get your product, platform, or service in front of an engaged audience of marketing and advancement leaders. Email me to discuss sponsorship opportunities: dan@djgmarketingllc.com​