Brad Koester
Cape Girardeau,MO
Summary
Self-motivated development professional well-versed in individual, corporate and foundation fundraising techniques. Excellent track record of managing donor relationships and identifying new partnerships to increase fundraising support.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Major Gift Officer
Southeast Missouri State University
Cape Girardeau, MO
04.2023 - Current
- Manage a portfolio of major gift prospects and secure donations of $25,000+ through strategic donor cultivation and relationship management.
- Secured more than $3.5 million in philanthropic gifts since January 2023, consistently exceeding fundraising expectations.
- Serve as an integral fundraiser for the $60 million Transforming Lives Campaign, supporting large-scale development initiatives and donor outreach.
- Lead sponsorship acquisition, event execution, and registration for the annual Power of Women event, increasing sponsorship revenue by 50% in 2023 and expanding sponsor participation annually.
Associate Director of Development
Southeast Missouri State University
Cape Girardeau, MO, USA
11.2019 - 04.2023
- Cultivated donor relationships to support scholarship funding and targeted fundraising initiatives.
- Led sponsorship acquisition and coordinated planning for university and community engagement events.
- Represented Southeast Missouri State University at regional conferences and Chamber of Commerce events to strengthen community partnerships.
Athletics Ticket Office Manager
Southeast Missouri State University
Cape Girardeau, MO, USA
01.2017 - 11.2019
- Managed ticketed athletic and special events utilizing Pac7 and T-Rez platforms to ensure seamless operations and customer experience.
- Directed ticket sales, booster contributions, and sponsorship transactions while maintaining accurate financial oversight.
- Supervised, trained, and coordinated a 20+ member event staff team to execute efficient gameday and special event operations.
Senior Store Manager
General Nutrition Center
Richmond Heights, MO
09.1999 - 08.2015
- Managed flagship operations while supporting 10 regional store locations to drive performance and operational consistency.
- Achieved a 32% increase in first-year sales and sustained year-over-year revenue growth.
- Led successful store launches and relocations, ensuring seamless operational transitions and team readiness.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Sport Management, Business Administration
Southeast Missouri State University
Cape Girardeau, MOSkills
- Leadership qualities
- Portfolio management
- Prospect research
- Donor stewardship
Certification
- Fundraising Management
- Principles & Techniques of Fundraising, Developing Major Gifts
- Developing Annual Sustainability
- Planned Giving
- ACE Certified Personal Trainer
Personal Information
Title: Major Gift Officer
Community Service
- Rotary Club of Southeast Missouri, Member
- Cape Girardeau & Jackson Chamber of Commerce, Member
- Jackson Area Chamber of Commerce Leadership & Development, Graduate
- Leadership Cape, Graduate
- Buddy Up Pickleball, Volunteer
- MyTeam Triumph of Missouri, Volunteer
Timeline
Major Gift Officer
Southeast Missouri State University
04.2023 - Current
Associate Director of Development
Southeast Missouri State University
11.2019 - 04.2023
Athletics Ticket Office Manager
Southeast Missouri State University
01.2017 - 11.2019
Senior Store Manager
General Nutrition Center
09.1999 - 08.2015
Bachelor of Science - Sport Management, Business Administration
Southeast Missouri State University