Abiy ZeMicheal

Led advancement systems and enterprise technology initiatives in support of American University's $500M “Change Can't Wait” campaign, aligning digital transformation projects with donor engagement strategies and institutional fundraising goals.

• Managed a portfolio of 5+ high-impact projects, including CRM modernization, platform transitions, and enterprise data integration
• Oversaw the full migration, cleanup, upgrade, and automation of Ellucian CRM Advance, enhancing data quality and operational performance
• Designed and implemented automated upstream/downstream data pipelines, enabling real-time system synchronization and reducing manual workloads
• Delivered the full deployment of Engaging Networks (5 modules), expanding multichannel campaign communications and donor outreach
• Sunset iModules and led the vendor selection process for CRM platform transition to Salesforce, including RFP development and contract negotiation
• Launched a new payroll-giving system to enable employee contributions, driving internal engagement and campaign participation
• Managed the transition from ACH to Stripe payment gateway, ensuring uninterrupted donation and event registration services
• Partnered with WealthEngine to generate prospective capacity ratings and build a qualified pipeline for advancement officers
• Developed detailed project plans in ServiceNow with clear milestones and budgets, while delivering weekly portfolio updates to senior leadership
• Drafted and negotiated RFPs for product enhancements and vendor engagements (e.g., GrassRiots, Firefly), ensuring timely, compliant execution

• Designed and delivered undergraduate course content in alignment with the Carter School's pedagogical framework, emphasizing participatory and inquiry-based learning
• Revised lesson plans to promote student-centered instruction and improve classroom engagement
• Supported faculty in evaluating coursework and tracking academic progress for a cohort of 28+ students
• Enhanced comprehension by incorporating visual aids, case studies, and real-world conflict scenarios into class discussions
• Graded assignments, administered exams, and maintained academic records in accordance with university policies
• Provided timely, constructive feedback to support student development and academic success

• Managed 8+ technology projects, creating project charters, WBS structures, schedules, and milestone plans to ensure on-time, on-budget delivery
• Applied both Agile and Waterfall methodologies applied to lead end-to-end development and deployment of IT solutions across business units
• Partnered with departments to define business needs, value propositions, and technology requirements, translating them into scalable architecture and workflow solutions
• Facilitated discovery sessions to gather requirements, analyze operational impacts, and develop actionable solution proposals
• Developed two RFPs/RFIs and led vendor selection for a NetForum CRM continuing education module, improving certification tracking and delivery
• Designed and executed a project plan for launching an online certification application module in collaboration with cross-functional teams
• Produced technical specifications and UI mockups to guide developers in building a PDU tracking module in NetForum
• Authored and implemented new SOPs and organizational structures for HR and Payroll, resolving interdepartmental conflicts and improving operational efficiency
• Created and delivered technical training modules, conducting in-person and recorded sessions using Camtasia in collaboration with business analysts

• Consulted the Systems and Business of Systems division to support a multi-year Enterprise Architecture initiative for IT business planning and management
• Contributed to the development of Current and Future State Business Architecture using the TOGAF Capability Model as part of a cross-functional enterprise architecture team
• Re-engineered business processes across finance, HR, work management, and facilities functions for the Systems Division to align with strategic planning and operational efficiency goals
• Successfully led five enterprise-level projects with budgets ranging from $150K to $2M, delivering process and technology solutions on time and within scope
• Directed a new portfolio management system selection process, developed the RFP, facilitated vendor demos, and led the selection of Oracle OPPM
• Facilitated Joint Application Development (JAD) sessions to gather high-level requirements and produce design artifacts for complex IT initiatives
• Oversaw the decommissioning of Lotus Notes, ensuring complete data migration to a centralized holding system while eliminating redundancies
• Created multiple Business Decision Documents (BDDs) and executive presentations to inform and gain buy-in from senior leadership
• Acted as Scrum Master on a cross-functional agile team focused on enhancing financial management capabilities
• Managed change requests through formal governance, aligning solutions with enterprise standards
• Built and maintained strong relationships with internal stakeholders, providing consistent updates and fostering confidence in project delivery