Amanda Wolanske
North Tonawanda,NY
Summary
Results-driven Donor Engagement Officer with expertise in managing major donor portfolios and securing significant contributions. Experience in event planning and strategic communication to enhance donor loyalty and visibility. Proven skills in relationship management and critical thinking, driving impactful fundraising initiatives.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
Donor Engagement Officer / Interim Development Dir
Buffalo City Mission
Buffalo, NY
09.2024 - Current
- Managed portfolio of 100+ major donors and corporate partners, securing gifts exceeding $10,000.
- Developed tailored proposals and stewardship plans to foster long-term loyalty among high-net-worth individuals.
- Conducted 3-4 weekly in-person meetings and tours with high-value donor groups to cultivate relationships.
- Planned and executed donor events that enhanced engagement and strengthened relationships.
- Served as strategic liaison between mission and community leaders to align donor values with organizational impact.
- Collaborated across departments to achieve major gift revenue goals and increase visibility.
- Oversaw coordination of 2025 Run for the Homeless 5K, managing sponsorship, marketing, logistics, and outreach.
- Coordinated with multiple vendors to produce digital fundraising materials, direct mail campaigns, and advertisements.
Event Coordinator
Man Up To Cancer - Gathering of Wolves Retreat
01.2023 - 09.2023
- Led planning of the largest men's cancer retreat of its kind, welcoming 200+ participants for a 4-day, multi-location event.
- Coordinated logistics for travel, venue, medical considerations, catering, and accommodations to ensure seamless event execution.
- Managed $80,000 budget, securing local sponsorships and in-kind donations to enhance event resources.
- Developed branded event materials such as banners and digital assets to increase participant engagement and visibility.
Mission Coordinator / Executive Assistant
Wings Flights of Hope
Buffalo, NY
09.2020 - 06.2023
- Coordinated lifesaving volunteer medical flights, ensuring compassionate care for passengers.
- Managed daily operations, including pilot scheduling, medical documentation, and donor communications to support program efficiency.
- Wrote and secured successful grant applications totaling $150,000+.
- Oversaw donor records and processed incoming contributions, enhancing tracking and reporting.
- Led design and execution of major direct mail campaigns, raising over $250,000.
Event Coordinator
The Wings Meeting Place & Event Center
09.2020 - 06.2023
- Coordinated events from intimate gatherings to large community functions, ensuring seamless execution and guest satisfaction.
- Directed food and beverage operations, vendor relations, and all pre- and post-event logistics.
- Developed contracts, quotes, menus, and invoices for clients, facilitating clear communication and financial transparency.
Stadium & Arena Show Coordinator
Feld Entertainment - Monster Jam Tour
01.2012 - 01.2017
- Coordinated international live arena and stadium shows, ensuring seamless execution and efficient administrative support.
- Managed comprehensive logistics for staff travel, accommodations, crew scheduling, and venue operations to meet live production needs.
- Executed live show performances and facilitated post-event teardown within a high-paced tour schedule.
Shift Operations Manager
Avis Rent-A-Car Systems
01.2001 - 01.2005
- Supervised 60 employees across five departments, coordinating hiring, training, scheduling, and performance management.
- Managed high-volume rental fleet operations, enhancing service for 400+ daily customers.
- Increased revenue through implementation of dynamic pricing strategies and upsell training.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Sports Medicine/Athletic Training
Canisius College
Buffalo, NYSkills
- Major donor and corporate engagement
- Fundraising and grant writing
- Fundraising strategy
- Donor cultivation
- Proposal development
- Event planning
- Large-scale event planning
- Volunteer management
- Volunteer and staff leadership
- Relationship management
- Strategic communication
- Project coordination
- Logistics and travel coordination
- CRM and donor database management
- Budget management
- Microsoft Office and Google Workspace
- Creative design and marketing
- Post-event evaluation
- Attention to detail
- Critical thinking
- Flexibility
- Effective communication
- Team collaboration
- Multitasking abilities
Timeline
Donor Engagement Officer / Interim Development Dir
Buffalo City Mission
09.2024 - Current
Event Coordinator
Man Up To Cancer - Gathering of Wolves Retreat
01.2023 - 09.2023
Mission Coordinator / Executive Assistant
Wings Flights of Hope
09.2020 - 06.2023
Event Coordinator
The Wings Meeting Place & Event Center
09.2020 - 06.2023
Stadium & Arena Show Coordinator
Feld Entertainment - Monster Jam Tour
01.2012 - 01.2017
Shift Operations Manager
Avis Rent-A-Car Systems
01.2001 - 01.2005
Bachelor of Science - Sports Medicine/Athletic Training
Canisius College