Brianna Bolger
Independence,MO
Summary
Seasoned Director with an extensive nine-year background in the hospitality, nonprofit, and event sectors. Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, event coordination, logistics, and social media management. A robust sales and marketing professional holding a master's certificate in Human Resources Management/Personnel Administration, complemented by a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management – Conference and Event Management with a minor in Business.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
Work History
Executive Director
INDEPENDENCE SCHOOL DISTRICT FOUNDATION
Independence, MO
03.2022 - Current
- Oversee the production of events, including content development, venue selection and site visits, collateral materials, data management, RSVP management, catering, volunteer coordination, and event day logistics
- Responsible for reaching fundraising goals for special events including the annual Connecting Hearts Gala, Swing to Inspire Golf Tournament, and Legacy Breakfast
- Collaborates with Marketing Director and PR Specialist to cover Foundation events and activities
- Researches new and innovative ideas to raise funds through unique special events or campaigns
- Collaborates with graphic designer to rebrand events, foundation marketing materials, and program logos
- Designs all social media graphics and messages for Facebook, Twitter, and Monthly Newsletter
- Maintains files, records and mailing lists of the Foundation that includes current records of the Foundation business, such as invoices, payments, endowments, grants, scholarships, etc
- Supervises the maintenance of accurate records of all fundraising activities, donor gifts, and special event sponsors in DonorPerfect database
- Prepares Foundation agenda packet for bi-monthly meetings and weekly reports
- Coordinates with external CPA to prepare financial statements and dashboard for bi-monthly meetings
- Assists CPA in gathering necessary documents for annual audit and form 990 filing
- Coordinates with CPA and Finance Committee to develop annual budget and Foundation goals
- Supervises Foundation assistant and delegates tasks as appropriate
Special Events Manager
COMMUNITY SERVICES LEAGUE
Independence, MO
05.2021 - 04.2022
- Developed comprehensive plans and timelines for all signature fundraising events including post-event debriefings to evaluate successful elements and challenges encountered
- Collaborated with Development team to develop sponsorship plans for each event
- Oversaw the production of events, including content development, venue selection and site visits, collateral materials, data management, RSVP management, catering, volunteer coordination, and event day logistics
- Prepared budgets and monthly progress reports for Development team and committee members
- Led all event related meetings and ensured proper communication with committee and staff regarding event goals
- Negotiated vendor contracts with strict budgetary parameters
- Responsible for reaching a minimum fundraising goal of $500,000 through events such as the Luminous Gala, CSL Golf Classic, Outpouring of Hope, and Fashion for Compassion Brunch and Fashion Show
- Supervised Special Events Assistant and delegated tasks as appropriate
Development Coordinator
COMMUNITY SERVICES LEAGUE
Independence, MO
08.2020 - 05.2021
- Oversaw all social media platforms including Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, and grew the overall reach by 100 percent in 5 months
- Planned tentative social media and marketing calendar for the year and adjusted as needed to ensure a consistent message was met
- Helped build awareness of organization by creating social media posts and designing graphics in Canva to share on social media platforms
- Facilitated email marketing and direct mail appeals that aligned with organization’s mission statement
- Assisted in the planning process of annual Christmas Store that in 2020 safely served over 2,000 children within Eastern Jackson County
- Attended all special events committee meetings and assisted Special Events Manager as needed
- Assisted with tasks related to annual Golf Classic, Gala, and Outpouring of Hope event
- Tasks included but were not limited to securing auction donations, creating awareness through social media, and assisting with day of event operations
- Entered checks, SafeSave and ACH payments into DonorPerfect, and developed receipts for donors
- Communicated directly with community volunteers and donors
Sales and Social Media Coordinator
KANSAS CITY MARRIOTT DOWNTOWN
Kansas City, MO
08.2018 - 03.2020
- Created proposals, contracts, and addendums for small to large market groups
- Negotiated contracts for small group and wedding room blocks to help grow hotel revenue and total room nights
- Prepared daily sales and hotel occupancy reports
- Facilitated site visits for small and large market groups that helped to bring business to the hotel and Kansas City
- Communicated with clients to gauge event needs such as function space, food and beverage, room blocks and other accommodations
- Mapped out function space for large convention groups to ensure an organized flow of attendees
- Designed various signage and marketing material including new event menu that improved overall branding and look for the Sales and Event Management departments
- Served as event manager for media and social media influencer events that significantly increased hotel awareness
- Assisted in the planning of Marriott’s largest client event each fall at the American Royal Barbecue, which included over 35 hotels worldwide and over 700 clients
- Responded promptly to guest questions and concerns and built unique personal connections by responding to cues
- Nominated for Marriott Brilliant Host of the Month three times
- (2018 – 2019)
- Nominated for Marriott Employee of the Year
- (2019)
Education
Graduate Certificate - Human Resource Management
PARK UNIVERSITY
Parkville, MO01-2019
Bachelor of Science - Hospitality Management, Business
UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI
Columbia, MO01-2017
Skills
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Travel Planning
- Event Management
- Google Suite
- Social Media Marketing
- Special Event Development
- Creativity and Innovation
- Content Creation
- Budget Management
- Team Leadership
- Board relations
Awards
- Nominated for Marriott Brilliant Host of the Month, 2018 - 2019
- Nominated for Marriott Employee of the Year, 2019
Community Contributions
- Eastern Independence Rotary Club, 2021 - Present
- Young Independence Professionals – Independence Chamber of Commerce, 2021 - Present
- Community Services League Volunteer, 2017 - Present
Timeline
Executive Director
INDEPENDENCE SCHOOL DISTRICT FOUNDATION
03.2022 - Current
Special Events Manager
COMMUNITY SERVICES LEAGUE
05.2021 - 04.2022
Development Coordinator
COMMUNITY SERVICES LEAGUE
08.2020 - 05.2021
Sales and Social Media Coordinator
KANSAS CITY MARRIOTT DOWNTOWN
08.2018 - 03.2020
Graduate Certificate - Human Resource Management
PARK UNIVERSITY
Bachelor of Science - Hospitality Management, Business
UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI