Before hiring a periodicals editor, colleges need to decide whether they want a skillful messenger or an editor. Characteristics to look for in candidates include intellectual reach and curiosity, a sense of quality, independence and confidence, devotion to good writing, some degree of production experience, and a sense of humor. (MLW)

The successful college alumni director is one who can meet the professional challenge of providing opportunities for alumni to serve their alma mater and initiating programs and functions that serve alumni. Qualifications are identified: people skills, dedication, enthusiasm, honesty, good communicator, humility, and good money management. (MLW)

Some qualifications to look for when hiring a college publications director include writing and editing abilities, an eye for tastful graphic design, and managerial skills. Suggestions on where to find qualified applicants and how to evaluate candidates are provided along with some award-winning managers' comments on needed qualifications. (MLW)

Choosing a college's director of development is a complex assignment. There is a shortage of people who have the relevant professional experience and many institutions have not developed a clear concept of what development is, what type of person to hire, or what to expect in terms of that person's performance. (Author/MLW)

Demand for planned giving officers vastly exceeds the small supply of trained competent professionals. Personnel Decisions, Inc. overhauled a program of personnel selection and training sponsored by the Northwest Area Foundation; that program is described. Categories of job performance and profiles of behavioral characteristics for successful…

It is essential that the best possible governmental relations officer be chosen to represent a college or university. Preparing a position paper listing the officer's duties, outlining the qualities needed to perform these activities effectively, and offering guidelines for conducting a governmental relations program are advocated. (MLW)