ASA SLOSS, PHD
Pittsburgh,PA
Summary
Grant writer and nonprofit consultant with over 20 years of experience in fundraising, strategic communications, and community engagement. Successfully secured over $1 million in funding, developed compelling narratives, and managed large-scale programs, fostering collaboration among diverse stakeholders to achieve impactful community outcomes.
Overview
29
29
years of professional experience
Work History
Program & Events Manager
International Sculpture Center
Pittsburgh, PA
01.2021 - Current
- Manage complex programs and projects involving nonprofit organizations, artists, community groups, international partners, and other stakeholders.
- Lead planning, coordination, execution, and documentation of large-scale programs, conferences, exhibitions, and public events.
- Collaborate with internal teams and external partners to gather information, coordinate deliverables, manage timelines, and ensure successful project completion.
- Develop program narratives and communications that articulate project goals, community impact, participation, and outcomes.
- Led the Welcome Blanket community initiative in partnership with Hello Neighbor, Casa San José, and Jewish Family and Community Services, generating more than 100 blankets through participation from more than 150 knitting clubs and organizations.
- Implemented Imprint: Holding Space Through Clay, a community-based participatory art project involving more than 15 organizations and artists from around the world.
- Lead production of large-scale arts programming involving more than 1,200 artists and cultural leaders.
- Manage communications and storytelling initiatives that elevate program visibility and demonstrate organizational impact.
- Maintain detailed project documentation and coordinate multiple simultaneous deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Consultant & Owner
Collaborative Craft
Pittsburgh, PA
01.2012 - Current
- Provide consulting services to nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, community development organizations, and mission-driven businesses, with an emphasis on fundraising, grant development, strategic communications, community engagement, research, and program storytelling.
- Research and identify potential foundation, corporate, and other funding opportunities aligned with client missions, programs, and strategic priorities.
- Develop compelling grant narratives, fundraising materials, project descriptions, organizational statements, and supporting communications designed to communicate impact to prospective funders.
- Successfully secured more than $1 million in funding from foundations and corporate partners, including The Pittsburgh Foundation, The Heinz Endowments, and Pennsylvania Rural Arts Alliance.
- Work collaboratively with nonprofit leaders and program stakeholders to gather organizational information, program data, budgets, outcomes, and impact stories necessary for successful proposals.
- Translate complex program information into clear, persuasive narratives that align organizational priorities with funder interests.
- Support nonprofit clients with fundraising strategy, donor communications, stewardship, and campaign development.
- Conduct research and qualitative analysis to strengthen proposals, advocacy initiatives, and community development programs.
- Partnered with New Sun Rising to develop a research-backed Creative Advocacy Playbook providing residents and community stakeholders with actionable strategies for community change.
- Develop project plans, manage deadlines, coordinate stakeholders, and oversee deliverables across multiple concurrent client engagements.
- Provide strategic communications and storytelling support that helps organizations articulate their mission, demonstrate impact, and build support among funders and community partners.
- Advise organizations on the importance of donor stewardship, relationship management, accountability, and long-term fundraising sustainability.
Executive Director of Communications
University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown
Johnstown, PA
01.2019 - 01.2021
- Led strategic communications and community engagement initiatives supporting institutional and regional economic development priorities.
- Collaborated with university leadership, community partners, and external stakeholders to develop and execute projects across multiple priorities.
- Conducted research and analyzed audience and digital engagement data to inform communications and outreach strategies.
- Managed social media, digital outreach, website content, and communications initiatives using data-informed decision-making.
- Redesigned the university website and implemented search engine optimization strategies that contributed to a 74% increase in website traffic.
- Wrote, edited, and managed production of the university's annual magazine and other institutional communications.
- Prepared communications materials for senior leadership and managed sensitive information requiring professionalism, discretion, and sound judgment.
- Managed crisis communications strategies related to campus safety and other high-priority institutional issues.
Owner / Creative Director
Up to Know Good
Pittsburgh, PA
01.2014 - 01.2018
- Founded and managed a socially conscious business supporting small and mid-sized businesses and community-based economic development initiatives.
- Partnered with the Hill Top Alliance, Charleroi Chamber of Commerce, and business support organizations throughout Southwestern Pennsylvania.
- Developed and delivered low-cost marketing, communications, advertising, and social media services to more than 150 businesses.
- Participated in the Innovation Works startup incubator and received funding to develop the business model.
- Managed client relationships, project budgets, timelines, deliverables, and financial planning.
- Developed strategies and materials that helped small businesses communicate their value and strengthen their visibility within their communities.
Partner / Creative Director
Shift Collaborative
Pittsburgh, PA
01.2012 - 01.2018
- Led multidisciplinary teams and managed client projects for nonprofit organizations, government agencies, foundations, community development organizations, and businesses.
- Managed multiple concurrent client projects from initial research and planning through execution, evaluation, and completion.
- Collaborated with nonprofit leaders, government officials, community organizations, funders, and residents to develop strategies addressing community needs.
- Conducted research and stakeholder interviews to identify community priorities and inform project strategy.
- Developed compelling narratives, messaging, and communications materials to support nonprofit initiatives and community programs.
- Led a campaign for an afterschool meal program in partnership with the City of Pittsburgh Mayor's Office, Allies for Children, and Consumer Health Coalition.
- Campaign results included a 30% increase in meal program participation and a 25% increase in healthcare enrollment for youth.
- Managed projects involving timelines, budgets, deliverables, client communications, and cross-functional teams.
- Developed campaigns and community engagement strategies addressing economic development, homelessness, youth services, and neighborhood revitalization.
- Worked with education, government, nonprofit, and community stakeholders on an international community development initiative in Porto Alegre, Brazil.
Director of Communications
Western Pennsylvania Conservancy
, PA
01.2010 - 01.2011
- Managed communications and public relations for a major nonprofit organization focused on conservation, sustainability, and land-use initiatives.
- Developed strategic communications supporting organizational priorities, public engagement, and fundraising efforts.
- Served as organizational spokesperson and represented the nonprofit to regional, national, and international media.
- Generated more than 30 media placements across regional, national, and international publications.
- Developed and edited content for the organization's monthly magazine, translating complex conservation and sustainability topics into accessible narratives.
Director of Communications
Carnegie Mellon University, College of Fine Arts
, PA
01.2005 - 01.2009
- Supported advancement and fundraising efforts through strategic communications, donor communications, and institutional storytelling.
- Managed individual giving activities for a portfolio of alumni prospects, supporting donor cultivation, solicitation, stewardship, and financial planning.
- Developed compelling copy and fundraising materials supporting Carnegie Mellon University's $1 billion campaign.
- Collaborated with advancement colleagues on local, state, and federal grant initiatives.
- Developed communications materials that articulated institutional priorities, program impact, and funding needs to prospective donors and supporters.
- Managed internal communications for faculty, staff, students, alumni, and other stakeholders.
- Received regional, national, and international media coverage averaging approximately 35 placements annually.
Associate Director of Public Relations
Carnegie Mellon University, College of Fine Arts
, PA
01.2001 - 01.2005
- Developed and implemented cross-promotional campaigns and collaborative fundraising communications across the College's schools of Art, Architecture, Drama, Design, and Music.
- Collaborated with faculty, administrators, advancement professionals, and program leaders to gather information and develop compelling communications.
- Managed direct mail and outreach campaigns supporting institutional programs and initiatives.
- Campaigns contributed to a 55% increase in program attendance.
- Developed digital media and marketing strategies that contributed to a 60% increase in awareness of college programs.
Public Relations Coordinator
Mon Valley Initiative
, PA
01.1998 - 01.2001
- Managed marketing and communications initiatives for 12 Community Development Corporations.
- Coordinated diverse nonprofit stakeholders to build consensus around shared messaging and collaborative initiatives.
- Supported community development efforts through research, communications, outreach, and stakeholder engagement.
- Developed communications strategies that helped nonprofit organizations articulate their missions and community impact.
Program Officer
The Sprout Fund
Pittsburgh, PA
- Reviewed, evaluated, and made funding recommendations for grant proposals supporting community-based projects.
- Managed grant awards ranging from $5,000 to $25,000.
- Assessed proposals for mission alignment, feasibility, community impact, and project quality.
- Provided hands-on grant writing support and technical assistance to applicants.
- Worked with applicants to strengthen proposals, clarify project goals, and communicate anticipated outcomes.
- Developed an understanding of the grantmaking process from the funder's perspective, including proposal evaluation and funding decisions.
Education
PhD - Community Engagement
Point Park University
01.2025
Master of Arts - Arts Management
Carnegie Mellon University
Bachelor of Arts -
University of Pittsburgh
Skills
- Foundation Grant Writing
- Corporate Grant Writing
- Federal, State & Local Grant Research
- Grant Prospect Research
- Proposal Development
- Letter of Inquiry Development
- Grant Narrative Writing
- Grant Editing & Proofreading
- Grant Proposal Evaluation
- Fundraising Strategy
- Individual & Annual Giving
- Donor Cultivation & Stewardship
- Major Gift Support
- Grant Program Budgets
- Financial Planning & Analysis
- Grant Reporting & Compliance
- Program Research & Data Analysis
- Impact Measurement
- Project & Deadline Management
- Client & Stakeholder Collaboration
- Nonprofit Communications
- Strategic Storytelling
- Research-Based Proposal Development
- AI & Generative AI Productivity Tools
Research And Analytical Skills
- Grant Prospect Research
- Funder Research & Qualification
- Qualitative Research
- Quantitative Research
- Program Evaluation
- Impact Measurement
- Data Interpretation
- Community Needs Assessment
- Stakeholder Interviews
- Research-Based Storytelling
- Grant Proposal Analysis
- Program and Project Feasibility Assessment
- Budget and Financial Planning
- Outcomes and Performance Reporting
Community Leadership
- STEAM Taskforce, New Granada Theater / Hill District Community Development Corporation
- Guest Lecturer, Flight School Professional Development Program for Artists
- Vice President, Steel Valley Arts Council, 01/01/03 – 12/31/11
- Advisory Board Member, Future Tenant Art Gallery, Pittsburgh, PA, 01/01/03 – 12/31/10
Selected Presentations
- 01/01/26, End of Life Symposium, Art Practice as a Way to Help Heal
- 01/01/22, Writers Conference of Northern Appalachia, Mapmaking and Storytelling of the Appalachian Lived Experience
- 01/01/21, Appalachian Studies Association Annual Conference, Poetry and Place
- 01/01/21, Writers Conference of Northern Appalachia, Summoning the Other: We Are All Co-Writers
Technology And Software
- Microsoft 365: Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook
- Google Workspace
- Google Analytics
- CRM & Fundraising Systems
- Blackbaud
- YourMembership
- QuickBooks
- Sage
- NetSuite
- WordPress, Squarespace, Wix
- Digital Documentation & Reporting Systems
- AI & Generative AI Tools
- Microsoft Copilot and AI-assisted research and writing workflows
- Able to quickly learn and adopt new project management, CRM, grant research, and workflow platforms
Grant Review And Funding Experience
- Grant Proposal Reviewer, Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, Reviewed grant proposals submitted by arts organizations and community initiatives., Evaluated proposals based on program quality, organizational capacity, community impact, and alignment with funding priorities., Provided critical assessment and funding recommendations.
- Program Officer, The Sprout Fund, Reviewed and evaluated community-based grant proposals., Awarded grants ranging from $5,000 to $25,000., Provided technical assistance and grant writing support to applicants., Evaluated project feasibility, mission alignment, and anticipated impact.
- Fundraising & Grant Development, Secured more than $1 million in foundation and corporate funding., Experience with foundation, corporate, individual, annual, and institutional fundraising., Developed grant proposals, fundraising materials, donor communications, and stewardship materials., Experience supporting local, state, and federal grant initiatives., Foundation and funding relationships include The Pittsburgh Foundation, The Heinz Endowments, and Pennsylvania Rural Arts Alliance., Experience developing and managing individual giving campaigns throughout career., Experience supporting donor cultivation, solicitation, stewardship, and financial planning.
Timeline
Program & Events Manager
International Sculpture Center
01.2021 - Current
Executive Director of Communications
University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown
01.2019 - 01.2021
Owner / Creative Director
Up to Know Good
01.2014 - 01.2018
Consultant & Owner
Collaborative Craft
01.2012 - Current
Partner / Creative Director
Shift Collaborative
01.2012 - 01.2018
Director of Communications
Western Pennsylvania Conservancy
01.2010 - 01.2011
Director of Communications
Carnegie Mellon University, College of Fine Arts
01.2005 - 01.2009
Associate Director of Public Relations
Carnegie Mellon University, College of Fine Arts
01.2001 - 01.2005
Public Relations Coordinator
Mon Valley Initiative
01.1998 - 01.2001
Program Officer
The Sprout Fund
PhD - Community Engagement
Point Park University
Master of Arts - Arts Management
Carnegie Mellon University
Bachelor of Arts -
University of Pittsburgh