Dave Morris
East Lansing,MI
Summary
Dynamic and results-oriented fundraiser with over a decade of experience in soliciting and managing successful campaigns. Proven expertise in securing substantial gifts exceeding $20,000 from individual donors, demonstrating a strong ability to build lasting relationships. Recognized for motivating teams and effectively communicating complex concepts while maintaining a keen focus on strategic objectives. Committed to achieving impactful results both independently and collaboratively within a team environment.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Annual Giving
Lyon College
Batesville, AR
09.2022 - 03.2026
- Led the planning and execution of a comprehensive and strategic annual giving program, driving donor acquisition, retention, and stewardship efforts resulting in increased giving year over year and a 400% increase this fiscal year. Managed multi-channel solicitation strategies, including direct mail, email, phone, social media, and texting campaigns, including the hiring, training, and operation of a student calling program. Led the annual giving department during a school expansion, adding a College of Veterinary Medicine and a College of Dental Medicine. Managed the acquisition, retention, and stewardship of the 1872 Society, all donors who make a gift $1,000 or more to the annual fund. Analyzed giving trends to inform strategic decision-making and optimize fundraising campaigns effectively. Collaborated across departments to support strategic initiatives and played a key role in advancing the major capital campaign through increased philanthropic support.
Assistant Director of Annual Giving
Albion College
08.2019 - 06.2021
- Responsible for coordinating an effective calling, mail, and email solicitation program as a strategic part of the college’s Annual Giving program. Worked with the Director of Philanthropy and Strategic Initiatives on STEPP (phonathon), a program that provides outreach to Albion College alumni, parents, friends and other constituents, via phone, to secure financial contributions or record updates, as well as share college updates. Assisted in the development and execution of a direct mail and email appeal calendar which strategically solicited various segments of the donor population. Cultivated philanthropic support by soliciting annual gifts, including new donor and retention strategies, to increase giving to the annual fund. Display the independent judgment required to plan, prioritize, and organize a diversified workload with sensitivity and confidentiality.
Assistant Director of Annual Giving
Colorado College
06.2017 - 07.2019
- In charge of all aspects of DIALogue, the student outreach phonathon. Responsible for hiring, training, and supervising a team of 40 to 50 student callers and supervisors.
- With a goal of $250,000 from 2,300 donors in FY18 I was able to raise $500,000 from 2,450 donors. An increase of 50% in dollars and 10% in donors over the goal and FY17 results. With an increase in contact rate, participation rate and while doubling the average gift, the program was responsible for more than 30% of the overall alumni donor number and roughly 50% of the overall parent donor count.
- Responsible for class reunion volunteers of class reunion years 6-10 for FY19.
Director of Annual Giving
UM-Dearborn
Dearborn, MI
08.2014 - 05.2016
- Responsible for coordinating all annual giving activities for all four colleges and other areas of the campus, including developing a portfolio of annual donors who are capable of making annual donations of at least $1,000/year. Manage email, mail, and UM-Telefund solicitations for all annual giving activities, as well as evaluate and develop strategies for growth. Work closely with other development officers to identify major giving prospects. Work closely with other Institutional Advancement development staff to prepare for and play a key role in the Capital Campaign. Developed an online giving day (Giving Blueday) that raised over $50,000 for the UM-Dearborn campus.
Annual Giving Officer
Walsh College
Troy, MI
08.2013 - 07.2014
- Manage a comprehensive Annual Fund program, including direct mail solicitations, email solicitations, employee giving, phonathon, accounting firm campaign, and managing the President’s Club recognition society for annual donors of $1,000 or more. Crafted and sent all reminder notices for phonathon and major gifts.
Project Center Manager
RuffaloCODY
10.2012 - 08.2013
- Responsible for managing, planning, and organizing the telephone fundraising efforts for the Annual Fund of a host institution, including development and management of student supervisors and recruiting, hiring and training of student fundraisers. Perform daily, weekly and long term statistical analysis; act as on-site liaison to our clients and be capable of effectively maintaining the integrity of a RuffaloCODY managed site.
Supervisor
MSU Greenline
East Lansing, MI
08.2008 - 05.2012
- Managed a team of 10-15 student callers - including providing regular feedback to increase performance, tracking and evaluating weekly statistics, and employing motivational tactics to improve morale and team productivity. Mentoring and training new supervisor hires.
- Student Caller
- Contacted alumni, friends, and parents of students to inform them of the University’s current campaign goals and ask for donations; mentored new callers to help them get acclimated to the program and help them improve their calls.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - History
Michigan State University
12-2011
Skills
- Donor management software and CRMs
- Microsoft Office – Word, Excel, PowerPoint
- Direct mail campaigns
- Annual giving campaigns
- Donor stewardship
- Time management
- Attention to detail
- Multitasking
Honors and awards
UM-Dearborn, President’s Staff Innovation Award (2015), Walsh College, Certificate of Appreciation (2014), MSU Advancement Outstanding Student Employee Award (2011 & 2012), MSU Greenline, Supervisor of the year (2011), MSU Greenline, Caller of the year (2009)
Timeline
Director of Annual Giving
Lyon College
09.2022 - 03.2026
Assistant Director of Annual Giving
Albion College
08.2019 - 06.2021
Assistant Director of Annual Giving
Colorado College
06.2017 - 07.2019
Director of Annual Giving
UM-Dearborn
08.2014 - 05.2016
Annual Giving Officer
Walsh College
08.2013 - 07.2014
Project Center Manager
RuffaloCODY
10.2012 - 08.2013
Supervisor
MSU Greenline
08.2008 - 05.2012
Bachelor of Arts - History
Michigan State University