CHRISTI CONTRERAS
Dallas,TX
Summary
Dynamic advancement leader with a proven track record at Shelton School & Evaluation Center, securing $70M for capital projects. Expert in major gift fundraising and strategic planning, fostering donor stewardship and board engagement. Adept at team mentorship, driving successful campaigns that elevate institutional profiles and enhance revenue streams.
Overview
2026
2026
years of professional experience
Work History
Chief Advancement Officer
Shelton School & Evaluation Center
Dallas, TX
2023 - Current
- Secured $15.5M for auditorium campaign, ensuring comprehensive funding for construction.
- Directed fundraising programs that expanded revenue streams and strengthened institution's profile.
- Cultivated new major gift prospects through strategic research and personal engagement.
- Completed campus capital campaign, featuring donor wall and comprehensive impact report.
- Collaborated with Head of School and Board of Trustees to ensure alignment of institutional goals and strategic initiatives.
- Led Advancement team, emphasizing professional development and cohesive teamwork.
- Prepared grant proposals that secured financial backing for innovative educational initiatives.
- Researched funding sources to bolster educational projects and improvements.
Director of Capital Campaign & Major Gifts
Shelton School & Evaluation Center
Dallas, TX
2018 - 2023
- Executed $54 million capital campaign to secure funding for new campus development.
- Managed relationships with major donors and stakeholders, resulting in sustained long-term support.
- Developed and implemented fundraising strategies that increased donor engagement and retention.
- Oversaw grant writing initiatives that secured funding for diverse programs, expanding organizational capacity.
- Partnered with external organizations on fundraising efforts, including grant applications.
- Collaborated with architects and contractors to facilitate design and construction processes.
- Coordinated logistics for seamless transition into new campus facility.
Senior Director of Development
Dallas Zoo
Dallas, TX
2017 - 2018
- Led team of event and development professionals in grant writing, annual giving, and corporate sponsorships.
- Drafted and managed proposals, letters of intent, and grant applications to secure funding for operational needs.
- Supervised Director of Corporate and Foundation Giving to align administrative efforts with funding objectives.
- Developed impact reports and performance updates for corporate and foundation partners.
- Researched foundations and impact statistics to identify funding opportunities, enhancing support for programs.
- Managed logistics for "Zoo to Do" fundraising gala, ensuring successful execution and maximizing donor engagement.
Director of Parent Giving
Southern Methodist University
Dallas, TX
2006 - 2017
- Oversaw identification, recruitment, and management of Parent Leadership Council and directed solicitation efforts for current parent prospects.
- As the director of the Parent Leadership Council (PLC), I manage a group of 600 volunteers and lead the leadership team.
- Cultivated relationships, solicited donations, and developed strategic giving plans for parents in portfolio.
- ssI am responsible for the strategic development of all current parents, which includes marketing, communications and solicitations.
- Visited key regions across United States to promote SMU initiatives, engaging parents and stakeholders in California, Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Missouri, New York, and DC.
- Supported regional, school, and unit giving officers in developing strategies for parent prospects.
Associate Director of Alumni Relations
Southern Methodist University
Dallas, TX
2003 - 2006
- Cultivated alumni connections to University through targeted outreach programs, enhancing engagement.
- Organized nationwide Alumni, Parents, and Friends events in partnership with SMU leadership to strengthen community ties.
- Oversaw strategic operations for various alumni programs, ensuring alignment with institutional goals.
- Coordinated alumni student recruitment, legacy program, national chapters, and Young Alumni Associates Board.
- Recruited and managed four alumni relations professionals, fostering a collaborative team culture.
- Directed volunteer recruitment and management to support alumni initiatives.
- Managed budgeting processes and staff assignments for efficient program execution.
Coordinator, Alumni Relations
University of Texas Medical Branch
Galveston, TX
1998 - 2003
- Cultivated relationships among alumni, students, faculty, and staff, enhancing engagement with UTMB School of Medicine.
- Coordinated President’s Outreach visits across Texas communities, supporting University President at events to strengthen community ties.
- Planned and executed student functions while coordinating all reunion and Homecoming activities.
- Collaborated with volunteers to establish regional networks throughout Texas.
- Authored and edited content for Alumni Association newsletter, keeping stakeholders informed and engaged.
Editor, Public Affairs
University of North Texas
Denton, TX
1994 - 1997
- Collected research for obituaries and staff profiles, enhancing publication quality.
- Composed articles for 'In the News' and 'In Focus' sections of InHouse magazine.
- Authored content for alumni publication, The North Texan, enhancing reader engagement.
- Edited copy to ensure clarity and adherence to university standards.
- Developed official tour script for University, enriching visitor engagement.
Education
BS - Journalism / Public Relations
University of North Texas
Denton, TXSkills
- Leadership in advancement
- Capital campaign management
- Major gift fundraising
- Board engagement
- Donor stewardship
- Alumni relations
- Strategic planning
- Team mentorship
- Campaign communications
- Volunteer management
Personal Information
Title: Chief Advancement Officer
Timeline
Chief Advancement Officer
Shelton School & Evaluation Center
2023 - Current
Director of Capital Campaign & Major Gifts
Shelton School & Evaluation Center
2018 - 2023
Senior Director of Development
Dallas Zoo
2017 - 2018
Director of Parent Giving
Southern Methodist University
2006 - 2017
Associate Director of Alumni Relations
Southern Methodist University
2003 - 2006
Coordinator, Alumni Relations
University of Texas Medical Branch
1998 - 2003
Editor, Public Affairs
University of North Texas
1994 - 1997
BS - Journalism / Public Relations
University of North Texas