Catherine Douglass
Princeton
Summary
Dynamic leader with a proven track record in fundraising strategy and event planning at PS 321 PTA, successfully raising $375K through large-scale events. Expert in budget management and community engagement, fostering collaboration among diverse stakeholders to enhance educational initiatives. Adept at project management, driving impactful results in nonprofit and corporate environments.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
Work History
Co-President
PS 321 PTA
Brooklyn
01.2017 - 12.2024
- Co-led PTA at top elementary school, overseeing $2.2M budget and 75 parent event managers.
- Liaised with school leaders to craft weekly e-bulletin, primary information source for parents.
- Co-chaired annual auction and gala, raising approximately $375K and organizing large-scale events.
- Secured sponsorships from major corporations, enhancing fundraising efforts.
- Engaged community leaders to source speakers on diverse educational topics.
- Facilitated communication between parents and school to promote transparency.
- Organized carnival attracting 1000 families, fostering community engagement.
- Collaborated with arts community for successful cultural events.
Primary Caregiver | Board Member & Nonprofit Volunteer
CATHERINE DOUGLASS
Los Angeles
01.2008 - 12.2015
- Led fundraising initiatives for Sand Tots, generating over $2 million through events, including two galas with 250 attendees.
- Co-founded Manhattan Beach Mom’s Club, serving over 1,200 local parents with social and educational activities.
- Secured sponsorships from local businesses for community events.
- Directed neighborhood watch program in collaboration with LAPD to enhance local safety.
Catering and Sales Manager
THE CITY CLUB OF SAN FRANCISCO
San Francisco
01.2006 - 12.2008
- Enhanced market presence by developing and executing strategic sales and marketing plans.
- Directed outside sales in Bay Area to promote facility to local businesses.
- Led planning for weddings, corporate events, and special occasions onsite.
- Managed budgets, contracts, and correspondence to maintain efficiency.
- Collaborated with guests and Executive Chef to design customized menus.
- Marketed special events and private banquets to members and non-members.
Membership and Sales Director
METROPOLITAN CLUB
Chicago
01.2003 - 12.2005
- Collaborated with sales team to develop business plans, enhancing club membership and events.
- Enrolled 300 new members annually for two years.
- Crafted targeted sales strategies for local corporations and businesses.
- Conceived and executed various club activities, including celebrations, lectures, dinners, and networking events.
- Established multiple clubs within organization: technology, travel, social, art society, and golf club.
- Designed fundraising programs benefiting charities such as Children’s Home and Lyric Opera.
- Assisted in selection of Board of Governors; coordinated board meetings and events.
- Researched and organized member travel excursions and golf events.
Director
MALOVAT ART GALLERY
Chicago
01.2001 - 12.2003
- Opened a fine art gallery specializing in Eastern European art, including locating, designing and redeveloping gallery space.
- Hired and oversaw contractors, securing necessary permits and licenses for operation.
- Purchased technology and established back-end and administrative system for daily operation.
- Screened, interviewed, hired, and managed gallery employees.
- Relocated featured artist and family from Bulgaria to Chicago.
- Traveled frequently to Eastern European countries meeting with artists, curators and museum professionals securing fine art for showcasing and sale in the United States.
- Imported and framed fine art.
- Planned, scheduled, and executed 20 gallery opening exhibitions with 250 people attending monthly.
- Oversaw all aspects of art sales, including delivery, invoicing, installation, and follow-up.
- Participated in and attended national art fairs.
- Conceived and developed direct mailing pieces and promotional brochures.
- Executed all private parties scheduled at gallery. Hosted graduations, weddings, rehearsal dinners, educational seminars, project launches and other catered celebrations.
- Opened a fine art gallery specializing in Eastern European art.
Membership Director
METROPOLITAN CLUB
Chicago
01.1999 - 12.2001
- Enrolled new members per club’s Membership Sales Plan.
- Developed and implemented marketing and sales promotions that maximized dues revenue, net members, and initiation deposits.
- Developed Corporate Sponsorship Program.
- Actively recruited corporate sponsors for club tournaments and charity events through organized promotions and marketing efforts.
- Managed Member Services staff, hiring, coaching, evaluating, reviewing, and terminating staff.
- Facilitated diversity and customer service training.
- Maintained information center and Member Services staff weekly payroll.
- Created member retention plan.
- Organized major club events. Duties included promotions, action plans, budget oversight, staffing, bookings and billings.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology, Elementary Education, Art History
GENESEO UNIVERSITY
Geneseo, NYArt History I and II -
ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO
Chicago, ILClasses in Philosophy and International Diplomacy -
NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY
Evanston, ILSkills
- Sales and marketing strategies
- Fundraising and sponsorship
- Event coordination
- Community outreach
- Project management
- Customer service excellence
Additional Information - Affiliations
Community Education Council, New Yorkers Against Gun Violence, Prospect Park Alliance, Park Slope Parents, CHIPS, USACF, Art Institute of Chicago, Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce, Field Associates, Lincoln Park Young Professionals, Museum of Contemporary Art, Merit School of Music, Metropolitan Wine Club, San Francisco Senior Center, San Tot’s Redondo Beach, Manhattan Beach Mom’s Club
Continuing Education
- Art History I and II, ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO, Chicago, IL
- Classes in Philosophy and International Diplomacy, NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY, Evanston, IL
Earlier Experience
Front House Server and Bartender for Michelin Star Chef Charlie Trotter, International Flight Attendant and Crew Supervisor-DELTA AIRLINES
Timeline
Co-President
PS 321 PTA
01.2017 - 12.2024
Primary Caregiver | Board Member & Nonprofit Volunteer
CATHERINE DOUGLASS
01.2008 - 12.2015
Catering and Sales Manager
THE CITY CLUB OF SAN FRANCISCO
01.2006 - 12.2008
Membership and Sales Director
METROPOLITAN CLUB
01.2003 - 12.2005
Director
MALOVAT ART GALLERY
01.2001 - 12.2003
Membership Director
METROPOLITAN CLUB
01.1999 - 12.2001
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology, Elementary Education, Art History
GENESEO UNIVERSITY
Art History I and II -
ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO
Classes in Philosophy and International Diplomacy -
NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY