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Dave Samson
Dave Samson
01:26

Dave Samson

TRU Community Care

Denver, CO USA

"There’s no better feeling in a career than to feel as if you are making a difference in the lives of people that you live with in your community."

Career Roadmap

Dave's work combines: Non-Profit Organizations, Medicine, and Helping People

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Day In The Life

Chief Development Officer

I engage the community to help our work as a nonprofit, community-based hospice and palliative care organization.

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Day In The Life Of A Chief Development Officer For A Hospice Organization

My Day to Day

I'm a fundraiser and a storyteller. I engage people in the community to help us give care to people who are terminally ill. On any given day, I could be writing a grant, working with a community organization to educate them on hospice care, or helping a loved one of someone who's terminally ill find resources.

Skills & Education

Advice for getting started

One big piece of advice I have for people starting out in their careers is to broaden your circle of friends and influence so that you can be a resource to them and they can be a resource to you. You never want to stop learning, so make sure your circle of influence is conducive to that. Find people with a different set of backgrounds and stories and learn from them.

Here's the path I took:

  • High School

  • Bachelor's Degree

    Journalism

    Saint Mary's University of Minnesota

  • Graduate Degree

    Business Administration and Management

    North Park University

Learn more about different paths to this career

Life & Career Milestones

I've taken a lot of twists and turns

  • 1.

    I was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois.

  • 2.

    I earned my bachelor’s degree in journalism from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota.

  • 3.

    After graduating, I wanted to join the Peace Corps but was put off by the application process—I found a similar volunteer position in Colorado with a smoother process and smaller time commitment.

  • 4.

    I spent two years volunteering in Pueblo, Colorado, and then moved back to Chicago to start my journalism career—unfortunately, I was underqualified and struggled to find a paid position in media.

  • 5.

    I did, however, find a fundraising position for a nonprofit high school through networking.

  • 6.

    I’ve since built my career in nonprofits and fundraising, earning my MBA along the way.

  • 7.

    I currently work as the chief development officer and director of philanthropy for TRU Community Care, a nonprofit and community-based hospice organization.

Defining Moments

Experiences and challenges that shaped me

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  • Transitioning from college and volunteering to living on my own and supporting myself was a struggle. I fell into debt and needed a wake up call. Mentors helped me adjust my priorities and create a plan.

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