CARA L. HESTER
Summary
Mission driven administrative professional with over 15 years of experience supporting students, faculty, and families in school environments. Skilled at managing multiple priorities in fast-paced offices while providing organized, compassionate service. Experienced in advancement work including donor relations, events, and communications. Known for building strong relationships and contributing to school communities focused on academic excellence, service, and student development.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT, MAJOR AND PLANNED GIFTS
ST. XAVIER HIGH SCHOOL
01.2016 - Current
- Provide administrative and operational support within the Advancement Office, assisting Major Gift Officers with fundraising initiatives that support student scholarships and school programs.
- Coordinated donor engagement events and fundraising campaigns, ensuring accurate data management and reporting for the constituent database.
- Oversaw student assignments to donor scholarship funds and managed student thank-you letter process, fostering meaningful connections between benefactors and students.
- Coordinated annual donor-student appreciation lunches and supported special events to enhance the school's mission and community engagement.
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
OAK HILLS HIGH SCHOOL
01.2015 - 12.2016
- Provided comprehensive administrative support in a busy high school office serving students, faculty, and families.
- Coordinated building access systems for employees and volunteers, handled incoming communications, managed office supplies and equipment, and supported EMIS reporting for accurate student activity data.
- Processed payroll for building employees and monitored faculty absences, coordinating substitute teachers and internal classroom coverage to ensure continuity of instruction.
- Managed student transcripts, withdrawals, and academic records, ensuring accuracy of staff emergency contacts and student medical records.
Education
A.S. - Human Services
SUNY Alfred
Skills
- Raiser's Edge database management
- Event planning and coordination
- Event coordination
- Database maintenance
- Office management
- Database management
- Excel
- Event planning
- Organizational skills
- Canva
- Power School
- Strong organizational skills
- Problem solving
- Time management
- Client relationship management
- Attention to deadlines
- Database management
- Office administration
- Team collaboration
- Creative problem solving
- Microsoft
Community Service
- Deeply committed to service and Catholic education, I have remained actively involved in my parish and my children's school communities.
- Served as PTO President at St. Antoninus School and on the Marketing and Communications Team at St. Antoninus Parish, helping lead fundraising efforts and supporting parish initiatives through volunteer leadership.
- Additional service includes serving as a Precinct Executive in Delhi Township (2010-2017) and six years on the board of the Oak Hills Swim and Racquet Club.
- At St. Xavier High School, I have participated in seven Service and Immersion Trips, Kairos retreats, the Social Committee, the Liturgical Music Group, and Adult Faith Groups.
- I have also served as Football and Baseball Team Mom during my sons' seasons.
Timeline
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT, MAJOR AND PLANNED GIFTS
ST. XAVIER HIGH SCHOOL
01.2016 - Current
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
OAK HILLS HIGH SCHOOL
01.2015 - 12.2016
A.S. - Human Services
SUNY Alfred