Brylyn Powers
Bakersfield,CA
Summary
Dynamic Development Manager with a proven track record at Book Trust, driving a 40% increase in campaign revenue. Expert in CRMs and donor cultivation, I excel in creating impactful fundraising strategies and engaging communications. Passionate about fostering community relationships and enhancing philanthropic partner experiences through innovative campaigns and data-driven insights. Committed to leveraging interpersonal skills to build productive relationships with diverse groups including staff, volunteers, donors, and community leaders.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Development
Fresno State
Fresno, CA
07.2024 - Current
- Identified and researched high-net-worth individuals, corporations, and foundations for potential major gifts.
- Developed and executed personalized cultivation plans to build and nurture relationships with prospective and current major donors.
- Crafted and presented compelling proposals and solicitations for significant financial contributions of $25,000 or more.
- Planned and executed a peer-to-peer strategy for the Day of Giving, resulting in record-setting fundraising totals for the Kremen School of Education and Human Development.
- Partnered with the Dean of the Kremen School to leverage their relationships and vision in the solicitation process.
- Researched and identified grant opportunities from foundations that aligned with the school's strategic priorities.
- Managed grant reporting and stewardship to ensure compliance, and strengthened relationships with foundation partners.
- Planned and implemented comprehensive development strategies to achieve fundraising goals.
- Collaborated with, and provided strategic guidance to, volunteer leadership to support their fundraising efforts.
Development Manager
Book Trust
, United States/Remote
05.2023 - 06.2024
- Cultivated mid-level donor portfolio, creating personalized campaigns that improved retention by 20% annually.
- Developed and managed giving campaigns, ensuring project completion on time and within budget; boosted End of Year campaign revenue by 40% over previous year.
- Created targeted content, segmented audience lists, and performed A/B testing for electronic appeals and communications.
- Spearheaded Salesforce CRM migration and implementation, providing training on database usage to staff.
- Generated and presented analytical reports for Executive-level staff, Board of Directors, and Regional Advisory Boards, tracking gift data and campaign progress.
- Oversaw donor acknowledgment and stewardship programs, ensuring compliance with policies and tax regulations.
Development Manager
Outdoors for All Foundation
Seattle, Hybrid
01.2020 - 11.2022
- Managed full grant cycle for over 40 grants annually, totaling approximately $800,000.
- Increased General and Annual Fund growth by 50% and 23% year-over-year.
- Spearheaded donor cultivation efforts, raising average donation amount by 45%.
- Planned and executed Annual Fund campaigns, utilizing A/B testing to enhance email conversion.
- Maintained Salesforce database integrity through oversight and quality assurance of data entry.
Education
Master of Science - Human Services, Concentration Non-Profit Management
Capella University
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
University of California, Berkeley
Skills
- CRM administration
- Email marketing tools
- Graphic design software
- Adobe Creative Suite
- Microsoft Office Suite and Google Workspace
- Donor cultivation
- Campaign management
- Grant writing and management
- Audience segmentation
- Data integrity and analysis
- Strategic planning
Professional Development
- Member, Association of Fundraising Professionals, 2018, Present
- Certificate in Grantwriting, Spark the Fire Grantwriting 2019
- Introduction to Relational Database and SQL, Coursera, 2024
- Managing Projects Course, The Management Center, 2024
Websites
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Director of Development
Fresno State
07.2024 - Current
Development Manager
Book Trust
05.2023 - 06.2024
Development Manager
Outdoors for All Foundation
01.2020 - 11.2022
Master of Science - Human Services, Concentration Non-Profit Management
Capella University
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
University of California, Berkeley