ALICIA ALEXANDER
Summary
- Driven and results-focused leader with 10+ years of experience in development, marketing, and communications management. Executive Team member with significant organizational strategic planning and board of directors management experience.
- Drives $1M-5M in annual giving through corporate sponsorships, grants, and personal giving.
- Extensive experience in branding, leading several rebrands, including brand development, website and collateral creation, and media campaigns.
- Effective cross-functional program leader, recognized for leading with confidence, empathy, and compassion and promoting skill-building.
- Excels at developing operational efficiencies in both up-and-coming and mature organizations by building processes, growing automation, establishing role clarity, and driving ROI
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Vice President of Development
WEPOWER
07.2022 - Current
- Launched WEPOWER Weekend, a unique 3-day event, overseeing logistics, management, and fundraising for both inaugural and second annual weekends
- Contributed to the right-sizing, strategic planning, and organizational restructuring during a critical phase
- Cultivated strong internal team relationships and organized development plans, raising $2 million in multi-year program support.
- Assisted in recruiting, hiring, and training of team members.
Director of Donor Relations
MY BLOCK MY HOOD MY CITY
01.2021 - 06.2022
- Developed a robust development infrastructure and funding strategy, raising $5 million in donations
- Oversaw the application, review, and equitable distribution of over $1 million in grants to nearly 200 grantees
- Pioneered donor engagement strategies and best practices, strengthening donor acknowledgment and retention.
- Spearheaded first-ever digital annual report
Director of Marketing Communications
PERSPECTIVES CHARTER SCHOOLS
09.2017 - 01.2021
- Nominated for an Executive Producer EMMY for a video highlighting the impact of the 'Perspectives and A Disciplined Life' educational model
- Generated over $1 million for a new campus campaign by creating compelling marketing collateral and videos
- Significantly enhanced student recruitment by 400 students through innovative marketing and advertising efforts
- Achieved a remarkable 50%+ increase in digital engagement by spearheading the launch of a new website and updating social media channels
- Created and managed all external, internal, media, and crisis communications
- Led the development and oversight of content for a brand refresh, website redesign, annual reports, and video/photo shoots
- Increased support, recruitment, and visibility by designing captivating digital content and advertising/marketing collateral.
Development Manager
ACADEMY FOR URBAN SCHOOL LEADERSHIP (AUSL)
12.2016 - 09.2017
- Developed, wrote, and edited grant proposals
- Stewarded current donors and created relationships with new donors
- Project managed and trained staff to appear as part of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation 'Student ready schools' video
- Updated organizational language, effectively reflecting and communicating the organization's mission and values.
Marketing & Communications Coordinator
FOCUSED COMMUNITY STRATEGIES (FCS)
07.2016 - 12.2016
- Managed multiple projects simultaneously, including website creation, social media outreach, media relations, and event planning
- Provided professional marketing and creative support to four distinct divisions
- Designed app interfaces and an instructional leader's guide for the 'Seeking Shalom' eCourse.
Development Coordinator
FOCUSED COMMUNITY STRATEGIES (FCS)
07.2015 - 07.2016
- Managed grant writing, individual solicitation plans, and donation processing for multiple organizations
- Collaborated with the development team and funders, raising over $800,000 for operational and program support
- Developed a comprehensive short- and long-term fundraising strategy.
Executive & Development Assistant
BLUE MONARCH
06.2013 - 06.2015
- Managed fundraising, donor relations, development, volunteer coordination, and administrative duties simultaneously
- Strategized with the Founder/Executive Director to raise over $300,000 through various communication channels
- Established enduring systems and procedures for development and marketing.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Political Science
Northern Illinois University
Skills
Leadership
- Strategic Planning
- Financial Planning
- Board of Directors Management
- Project Management
- Public Speaking
Fundraising & Development
- Research & Solicitation
- Grant Writing
Marketing & Communications
- Internal & External Communications
- Social Media Content Creation & Scheduling
- Brand Development
- Website Development
- Digital & Print Design
- Video Storyboarding
- Press Releases / Pitches
- Media Training
- Event Planning
Technical Skills
- Every Action
- Blackbaud
- eTapestry
- Salsa Engage & CRM
- Squarespace
- WordPress
- MailChimp
- My Emma
- Constant Contact
Certification
Certificate in Nonprofit Leadership, Boston College Carroll School of Management, Issued May 2023
Timeline
Vice President of Development
WEPOWER
07.2022 - Current
Director of Donor Relations
MY BLOCK MY HOOD MY CITY
01.2021 - 06.2022
Director of Marketing Communications
PERSPECTIVES CHARTER SCHOOLS
09.2017 - 01.2021
Development Manager
ACADEMY FOR URBAN SCHOOL LEADERSHIP (AUSL)
12.2016 - 09.2017
Marketing & Communications Coordinator
FOCUSED COMMUNITY STRATEGIES (FCS)
07.2016 - 12.2016
Development Coordinator
FOCUSED COMMUNITY STRATEGIES (FCS)
07.2015 - 07.2016
Executive & Development Assistant
BLUE MONARCH
06.2013 - 06.2015
Bachelor of Science - Political Science
Northern Illinois University