1. Use the job description, list of accountabilities, and other information provided above to create a list of three to four objectives for each accountability. Remember: To serve a useful function, objectives must have the following characteristics:
• Specific and clear
• Challenging
• Agreed upon
• Significant
• Prioritized
• Bound by time
• Achievable
• Fully communicated
• Flexible
• Limited in number
2. Create a list of performance standards using the information provided and your objectives list from question 1. When creating this list, keep in mind that standards must include an action, a desired result, a due date, and some type of quality or quantity indicator. Moreover, characteristics of good performance standards are as follows:
• Related to the position
• Concrete, specific, and measurable
• Practical to measure
• Meaningful
• Realistic and achievable
• Reviewed regularly
Consider the position of Major Gifts Officer for a large public university. The job description is the following:
Responsible for building donor relationships and soliciting major gifts from alumni and non-alumni friends. Participates in all aspects of the gift cycle, from initiating contact to closing gifts. Works collaboratively with college development and advancement officers. Offers prospect strategy counsel to the president and director of alumni relations.