Claire Smillie
Indianapolis,IN
Summary
Mission-driven fundraising professional with a strong commitment to advancing organizational goals and giving back to the community through impactful philanthropy. Known for a donor-centric, relationship-first approach that builds trust, deepens engagement, and drives sustainable support. Brings a strategic mindset to every initiative, aligning fundraising efforts with long-term vision.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
Work History
Individual Gift Officer
Riley Children's Foundation
01.2023 - Current
- Manages a portfolio of 200-250 donors, executing the full donor cycle, including qualification/discovery, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
- Consistently meets performance metrics including dollars raised, donor visits, donor discovery, donor retention, and median ask amount.
- Prioritizes a personalized approach to donors relationships resulting in sustained and increased giving.
- Helps lead the development of mid-level giving strategy and stewardship for long-term cultivation and impact of Circle of Care donors.
- Champions internal referral process by collaborating intentionally with Major Gift and Annual Giving Team members.
- Facilitates volunteer referral management of southern Riley Philanthropy Council program.
Major Gifts Manager
United Way of Central Indiana
06.2019 - 12.2022
- Engaged, cultivated, and stewarded a portfolio of approximately 180 donors.
- Strategically worked alongside corporate fundraisers in order to engage individuals and corporate leaders in United Ways pipeline.
- Executed year round engagement for annual leadership level donors.
- Served as organizations liaison for United Way's Tocqueville Society Giving Program, working with donors giving at least $10,000 annually to engage through programmatic opportunities including events, workshops, and volunteer management.
Fundraising Intern
United Way of Central Indiana
01.2019 - 05.2019
- Executed a comprehensive lapsed donor outreach effort of over 500 donor calls and outreach.
- Attended and contribute to donor meetings and engagement.
- Gained hands on experience performing prospect research and database management.
Development Intern
Shepherd Community Center Inc
02.2018 - 08.2018
- Developed a comprehensive donor stewardship plan for Shepherd’s pool of diverse donors.
- Attended donor meetings and executed donor stewardship.
- Produced content for planned giving, annual giving, and child sponsorships.
Information Specialist
IUPUI Office of Undergraduate Admissions
08.2017 - 12.2017
- Attained hands-on experience with student databases such as Salesforce, OnBase, and SIS (Student Information System).
- Extracted data from Salesforce to create weekly reports and analytic dashboards.
- Developed strong customer service skills interacting and helping with prospective students.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Philanthropic Studies
Indiana University
Indianapolis, IN06.2019
Master of Arts - Philanthropic Studies
Indiana University
Indianapolis, IN05.2021
Skills
- Relationship Builder
- Cheerleader
- Arranger
- Developer
- Communicator
Timeline
Individual Gift Officer
Riley Children's Foundation
01.2023 - Current
Major Gifts Manager
United Way of Central Indiana
06.2019 - 12.2022
Fundraising Intern
United Way of Central Indiana
01.2019 - 05.2019
Development Intern
Shepherd Community Center Inc
02.2018 - 08.2018
Information Specialist
IUPUI Office of Undergraduate Admissions
08.2017 - 12.2017
Bachelor of Arts - Philanthropic Studies
Indiana University
Master of Arts - Philanthropic Studies
Indiana University
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