Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
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Cris Smith

Mobile,Alabama

Summary

Proven success as a solicitor and team leader - experienced in strategic fundraising initiatives including personal solicitations and large giving campaigns. Proven expertise in maximizing fundraising teams and transforming existing programs into strong performers while managing complex budgets.

Overview

25
25
years of professional experience

Work History

Director of Development

United States Sports University
08.2024 - Current
  • Developed comprehensive strategic plans to guide long-term growth and sustainability of the organization''s programs.
  • Spearheaded deployment of websites, social media and mobile applications.
  • Implemented data-driven decision-making processes in order to make informed choices regarding fundraising strategies.
  • Mentored junior staff members in best practices for donor relations, proposal writing, and grants management.
  • Fostered a culture of philanthropy within the organization by engaging board members and staff in development initiatives.

Director of Individual Giving

Blue Star Families
06.2022 - 08.2024
  • Established national strategy for individual giving solicitation; launched outreach campaigns for engagement and support.
  • Determined target demographics and devised strategic marketing initiatives to reach target audiences.
  • Worked independently and collaborated in virtual team environment

Director of Annual Giving

Spring Hill College
02.2017 - 06.2022
  • Established goals and procedures for solicitation, funds management and disbursement; Developed fundraising plans to maximize participation
  • Created compatible outreach programs for alumni-prospect audience
  • Directed performance of Assistant Director(s), and directed hiring, training, and oversight of 10 to 20 student-employees.

Associate Director, Annual Fund

University of South Alabama
09.2011 - 01.2017
  • Directed University annual giving campaigns; introduced best practice solicitation components of annual giving
  • Launched alumni calling center; supervised performance of Student Call Center Manager and student-employees; ensured engagement with 75,000+ alumni to solicit annual support
  • Served as campus point of contact for alumni annual giving solicitation

Development Specialist

University of South Alabama
05.2010 - 09.2011
  • Generated financial support for three colleges of the University
  • Identified and cultivated major-donor prospects; managing 150 prospects through pipeline of cultivation, solicitation and stewardship.
  • Enhanced fundraising efforts by developing and implementing strategic donor cultivation plans.

Band Director

Fruitdale High School
07.2006 - 05.2010

Event Coordinator

Volunteers of America
08.2005 - 07.2006

Events Coordinator

Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce
06.2003 - 08.2005

Executive Director

First Night Mobile
06.2000 - 06.2003

Education

BA - Music (English)

University of South Alabama
Mobile, AL
05.1992

Skills

  • Multi-Channel Solicitation
  • Major Gift Solicitation
  • Crowdfunding
  • Individual, Corporate, and Foundation Engagement

Timeline

Director of Development

United States Sports University
08.2024 - Current

Director of Individual Giving

Blue Star Families
06.2022 - 08.2024

Director of Annual Giving

Spring Hill College
02.2017 - 06.2022

Associate Director, Annual Fund

University of South Alabama
09.2011 - 01.2017

Development Specialist

University of South Alabama
05.2010 - 09.2011

Band Director

Fruitdale High School
07.2006 - 05.2010

Event Coordinator

Volunteers of America
08.2005 - 07.2006

Events Coordinator

Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce
06.2003 - 08.2005

Executive Director

First Night Mobile
06.2000 - 06.2003

BA - Music (English)

University of South Alabama

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Cris Smith