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Sharon Ross 736 Revere Avenue, Apt. 1 212-470-2316 (c) Bronx, New York 10465 212-879-7400 ext. 105 (o) ross.sharon1@gmail.com www.linkedin.com/in/ rosssharon1

Summary

I’m a development professional who thrives in a donor-centric environment committed to increasing engagement through timely acknowledgements, impact reports and recognition programs. I’ve seen the effectiveness of retaining institutional support and increasing their commitment! Now I’m ready for my next challenge with a nonprofit poised to expand to scale.

Relevant Experience

Carter Burden Center for the Aging August, 2014 – Present Mature but growing nonprofit with 11 programs in 5 locations across Manhattan with an emphasis on health services for underserved New Yorkers.

Development Officer

Senior member of a development team responsible for generating $2 million in revenue; charged with creating all investor materials including, appeals, newsletters, personalized acknowledgements and invitations, grants and funder reports in addition to collaborating with public relations, event management firms. Accomplishments

Increased individual giving by 41% by developing new formats and messaging for targeted donor communications, online and offline

Served as primary point of contact for corporate and foundation relations with established funders while initiating successful new relationships for a broader base of support

Launched more personalized system of donor acknowledgement by board members

Wrote multiple six-figure grants awarded from institutions including Altman, van Ameringen, Ford, Hearst, Macquarie Group as well as numerous smaller awards

Managed calendar for timely production of LOIs, reports, proposals, site visits and meetings with corporate and institutional officers

Developed scope of project for launch of new agency website and proposed new organizational name for agency re-branding project

Lutheran Social Services of New York 2012-2014 Established 132 year old nonprofit delivering assistance to thousands of underserved in New York City and Long Island through health, education, housing for children and families.

Director of Communications

Quickly promoted to key position on agency advancement team to develop and implement strategies for increasing public awareness, donor commitment, corporate and foundation relations. Utilizing exceptional writing, communication and marketing skills produced grants, donor appeals and acknowledgements, press releases, website content, email blasts and annual reports.

Accomplishments

Led grant teams of program staff and executives in securing a $6.5 million federal grant, $1.2 million in other grants

Built a comprehensive multi-year strategy which increases foundation support 60%

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Designed and set up proposals; follow-up systems and stewardship reports with profiled private and corporate foundations and government agencies

Produced compelling, clear and concise needs statements for multiple programs

Identified potential new funders while stewarding current foundation relationships and support

Coordinated all interactions between foundation officers, LSSNY board members, program staff, and executives

Supervised interns and part-time grant writers

Revamped individual donor communications, acknowledgements and updates

Enrollment Coordinator

Served as point of contact for the public, parents, NGOs and agency staff following the award a $24.5 million contract with NYC’s Administration for Children’s Services. Led LSSNY efforts to fill hundreds of slots in preschools and with family child care providers for children from low income families.

Accomplishments

Managed the routing of thousands of inquiries, dissemination of accurate information regarding enrollment for 10 new child development centers and FCC slots.

Developed internal application and enrollment tracking system.

Produced marketing, community outreach materials, and correspondence which have resulted in 80% enrollment in 16 months.

Family Gateway, Dallas, Texas 2011 First and only shelter and transitional housing provider exclusively for homeless families with children.

Development Intern

Supported the Director of Development in various fundraising functions for this small but effective nonprofit including newsletter articles, appeals, grant editing, and donor database.

Related Experience

Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Irving, Texas 1988-1990 Mid-sized suburban congregation

Associate Pastor

Key leadership role included public speaking, adult/leadership education, and project management.

Supervised the creation of a new annual stewardship campaign which increased pledging and member satisfaction by 15%.

Development functions included maintaining relationships with donors through personal contact, letters and print media.

Event planning and management. Staff supervision and volunteer management.

Education

Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS Bachelor of Science, Human Ecology

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Lutheran Theological Seminary, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania Masters of Divinity Foundation Center: Prospect Research, Art of the Ask, Reporting Outcomes, Corporate Relations, Moving Board Members Beyond Events-Based Fundraising. Association of Fundraising Professionals, NYC

Technology

Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Paint Donor Perfect Relationship Science (RelSci) Wealth Engine