Elizabeth Beerman

Fundraising Management, October 2007

Please describe your academic background including the reason(s) for enrolling in the M.S. program at the School of Continuing Education.

I have a bachelor’s in neuroscience and behavior from Columbia University. I started my studies in 1993 at Columbia College then transferred and graduated from the School of General Studies in 1998, enabling me to work full-time in a neuroscience lab while completing my degree. While searching for a master’s to pursue, I took numerous courses at the University until I came across the Fundraising Management program. It complemented part of the work I did at Columbia and was invaluable for the other organizations where I volunteered, at the time.

Please describe your professional background leading up to your current position.

I started and have continued my career at Columbia. I worked for a few years in neuroscience research under the guidance of the dean of the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences. His administrative duties were as fascinating to me as the science, so when the opportunity arose I took a research coordinator position in the Office of the Executive Vice Provost (EVP) looking at strategic initiatives within and outside of the University. The group was responsible for identifying research objectives for Columbia and examining funding sources and possible collaborations. From there I was offered a position in another division under the EVP working on the distribution of licensing income received from our intellectual property.  While working as the business manager, I was asked to manage the routine federal compliance obligations. Eventually the need for someone dedicated to compliance issues related to externally funded IP became apparent, which led me to my current position as compliance manager for Columbia Technology Ventures.

What is a typical day like in your current position?

A typical day involves reviewing government and non-government sponsored contracts, ensuring language from the sponsor is in sync with Columbia’s mission, and managing the reporting and compliance obligations of the 2,000+ inventions resulting from the sponsored projects. As Tech Ventures manages Columbia’s intellectual property, I review all license, research, material transfer, and confidentiality agreements for any possible export control issues. Occasionally, I create Inter Institutional Agreements and develop best practices and standard operating procedures regarding compliance and patent filing/abandonment decisions. At the moment I also serve as program administrator for the Identity Theft Prevention Program, which is a University-wide campaign to ensure compliance with the Federal Trade Commission’s Red Flags Rule.

How did the Fundraising Management program help you prepare for your career?  

The fundraising program has an emphasis on raising capital, which the majority of individuals pursuing a career in development are likely to do. My day job is on the post receipt side of fundraising, beyond the initial thank you/stewardship phase. I can fully appreciate now, the complexity of raising funds and how integral the compliance aspect of fundraising can be to the overall process. The program has been extremely beneficial to me in helping raise funds for other smaller organizations and as an added perk understanding estate planning. 

What advice would you give to students who wish to pursue careers in Fundraising Management?

Pursue Fundraising Management in a field which interests you. During your time at Columbia, you will be under the instruction of many leaders in this field. They have all been successful because they are passionate about the work they are doing and the organizations with which they work. There are many aspects of fundraising, so stay open to the possibilities and be sure to make connections and network while you are here. Your classmates and instructors are incredible resources.