David Decker
Newton
Summary
Motivated professional with 22 years of fundraising and marketing experience. Proven ability to develop strategies and objectives that deliver data-driven results. Multi-talented individual with demonstrated success in strategic planning, solicitation, cultivation, stewardship, marketing, team management, and servant leadership. Dedicated fundraising professional with a history of meeting company goals utilizing consistent and organized practices. Skilled in working under pressure and adapting to new situations and challenges to best enhance the organizational brand.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Annual Giving
Western Governors University
06.2023 - Current
- Created an annual giving program for the nations largest university (by enrollment).
- Managed department budget, ensuring efficient allocation of resources towards achieving annual giving goals while maintaining fiscal responsibility.
- Conducted regular analysis of fundraising data, identifying trends and areas for improvement in order to optimize future campaigns.
- Established benchmark targets for fundraising based on institutional need.
- Established advantageous connections with stakeholders and donors and managed correspondence.
- Collaborated with various departments to integrate annual giving campaigns into broader institutional goals and initiatives.
- Managed a portfolio of major gift prospects, cultivating relationships and securing significant donations for the organization.
- Optimized solicitation materials by refining messaging strategy based on donor feedback, leading to increased response rates among prospective supporters.
- Introduced innovative approaches to donor acquisition by researching market trends and utilizing emerging technology tools for targeted outreach efforts.
- Implemented effective stewardship programs to recognize and thank top donors, reinforcing their commitment to the organization''s mission.
- Organized high-profile fundraising events that showcased the organization''s impact on its community, attracting new supporters and strengthening existing relationships.
- Increased donor retention by implementing personalized communication strategies and targeted outreach.
- Utilized diverse media sources to support fundraising operations.
- Cultivated a culture of philanthropy within the organization by promoting the impact of annual giving on overall mission advancement.
- Launched successful online giving campaigns, leveraging social media platforms and email marketing to reach new donors and increase overall engagement.
- Established goals and procedures for solicitation, funds management, and disbursement.
- Wrote funding requests and grant applications to obtain additional funds for operating needs.
- Implemented Leadership Annual Gift Solicitation.
- Created direct and digital marketing utilizing AI.
- Developed comprehensive annual giving plans, resulting in consistent year-over-year growth in fundraising revenue.
Adjunct Professor
Baker University
08.2022 - Current
- Instructor for higher education masters program.
- Taught SAHE 5250 Resource Development and External Relations.
- Prepared students with an understanding of higher education financial resources, resource allocation, and budget management.
- The course emphasizes resource development and capacity building for stakeholder resources
- Guided students on institutional advancement, including grant awards and other philanthropic initiatives.
- Provided focus external partnership building and community relations.
- Strengthened critical thinking skills in students through the incorporation of problem-based learning activities.
- Enhanced student comprehension by employing diverse teaching methods and incorporating multimedia resources.
Executive Director of Envision Foundation
Envision Foundation
09.2022 - 07.2023
- Solicited major gifts and leadership gifts for Envision initiatives.
- Researched, wrote and secured grant funding from corporate and family foundations.
- Created and implemented strategic initiatives for annual giving to include direct mail, email, social media and crowdfunding.
- Created and organized major fundraising events such as the Envision Gala and Golf Tournament.
- Worked closely with organizational leadership and board of directors to guide operational strategy.
- Oversaw financial management, ensuring fiscal responsibility and long-term sustainability for the organization.
- Guided staff through periods of organizational change, maintaining morale and engagement during transitions.
Director Of Business Services
Newton Public Schools USD 373
06.2020 - 01.2023
- Oversee budget preparation and fiscal oversight, ordering of materials/supplies, billing, accounts payable, approval/management of food service student accounts, payroll, benefits, work comp, KPERS, etc.
- Managed cross-functional teams to execute high-impact projects, ensuring timely delivery and optimal resource allocation.
- Fostered a positive workplace culture that emphasized teamwork, collaboration, and open communication among employees at all levels of the organization.
- Negotiated advantageous contracts with vendors, securing favorable terms that resulted in cost savings while maintaining high product quality standards.
- Directed human resources activities, including talent acquisition, performance management, and employee retention efforts, resulting in a highly engaged and motivated workforce.
Senior Director of Annual Giving
KU Endowment
07.2012 - 03.2020
- Led annual giving operations for 13 academic units, four extension campuses at the University of Kansas including KU Medical Center, affiliate research and public service units.
- During my 14 years, annual giving dollars have more than doubled and the number of gifts received on an annual basis have increased 78%.
- Annual financial result of these efforts is more than $7.5 million through solicitations and $30 million total for all gifts under $25,000.
- Managed and mentored seven full-time staff and 50 part-time student employees.
- Managed a team producing 250+ projects per year.
- Administers a budget of nearly $1 million.
- Responsible for the planning and implementation of the departmental strategic plan.
- Utilized predictive analytics and AI to forecast fundraising performance.
- Created One Day One KU., the first 24-hour giving campaign at KU.
- This effort raised $734,621 from 1,898 gifts in 2018, $1,084,062 from 2,635 gifts in 2019 and $1,771,135 from 3,239 gifts in 2020.
- Responsible for personal solicitation of leadership annual gifts of $1,000 to $25,000.
- Solicited major gifts of $250,000 or more.
- Created the Student Endowment Board, a student foundation which builds awareness and educating students about the role of private support.
- Created Jayhawk Faithful, the largest donor stewardship program representing over 23,000 donors.
- Created LaunchKU, the university's crowdfunding platform that generates more than $250,000 annually.
- Created the School of Medicine White Coat Program.
- Created the KU B.E.A.R.S 4Kids initiative, which provides financial support for pediatric research through the sponsorship of themed teddy bears.
- Optimized project timelines by effectively delegating tasks and prioritizing workload among team members.
- Cultivated a culture of innovation by promoting creative thinking and encouraging employees to take calculated risks in pursuit of solutions.
- Achieved departmental goals by developing and implementing strategic plans and initiatives.
- Established data-driven decision-making processes and implemented best practices in analytics to optimize performance across the organization.
Doctoral Field Researcher
University of Cambridge
05.2012 - 08.2012
- Maintained detailed records of all field activities, ensuring accurate documentation for future reference and analysis purposes.
- Managed budgets and resources efficiently, ensuring projects were completed on time without compromising quality standards.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to design comprehensive research plans addressing key questions and objectives.
- Presented research findings at conferences and seminars, enhancing the visibility of the organization''s work within the industry.
Director Of Annual Giving
KU Endowment
10.2005 - 06.2012
- Managed a portfolio of major gift prospects, cultivating relationships and securing significant donations for the organization.
- Led a team of development professionals, fostering a collaborative work environment and providing guidance on best practices in annual giving strategies.
- Devised strategies to obtain donations, exceeding annual fundraising goals.
- Optimized solicitation materials by refining messaging strategy based on donor feedback, leading to increased response rates among prospective supporters.
- Spearheaded collaboration between development team members across multiple departments for more cohesive campaign planning.
- Developed comprehensive annual giving plans, resulting in consistent year-over-year growth in fundraising revenue.
Assistant Director
Emporia State University
05.1999 - 10.2005
- Assistant Director of Development/Annual Giving (2002-2005).
- Assistant Director of Alumni Relations (1999-2002).
- Solicited gifts through personal visits in support of the President's Club, the university's fund for greatest needs and opportunities.
- Planned and implemented the university's annual giving campaigns, including direct mail, email, phone and event strategies.
- Served as the staff advisor for the national award-winning ESU Ambassadors.
- Organized and directed alumni volunteers for fundraising projects and student recruitment.
Education
Doctor of Education - EdD - Higher Education/Higher Education Administration
The University of Kansas
Lawrence, KS01.2019
Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) - Business Administration and Management, General
Emporia State University
Emporia, KS01.2002
Bachelor of Business Administration (B.B.A.) - Business Administration and Management, General
Emporia State University
Emporia, KS01.1999
Skills
- Fundraising
- Direct Marketing
- Direct Mail
- Digital Fundraising
- Events
- Volunteer Management
- Management
- Email Marketing
- Board Development
- Corporate Sponsorships
- Social Media Marketing
- Nonprofit Management
Websites
Awards
- CASE Grand Gold Award, CASE, 2019
- The Jayhawk Faithful - Consecutive Giving Program, CASE, 2019
- Best Use of Social Media - One Day. One KU. - Day of Giving, CASE, 2019
- Excellence in Illustrations - Winter Mail - Unrestricted Ask, CASE, 2019
- Single Page Publication - Annual 'Thank You' Mailer, CASE, 2019
- Innovative Use of Technology - LaunchKU - Crowdfunding Initiative, CASE, 2019
Timeline
Director of Annual Giving
Western Governors University
06.2023 - Current
Executive Director of Envision Foundation
Envision Foundation
09.2022 - 07.2023
Adjunct Professor
Baker University
08.2022 - Current
Director Of Business Services
Newton Public Schools USD 373
06.2020 - 01.2023
Senior Director of Annual Giving
KU Endowment
07.2012 - 03.2020
Doctoral Field Researcher
University of Cambridge
05.2012 - 08.2012
Director Of Annual Giving
KU Endowment
10.2005 - 06.2012
Assistant Director
Emporia State University
05.1999 - 10.2005
Doctor of Education - EdD - Higher Education/Higher Education Administration
The University of Kansas
Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) - Business Administration and Management, General
Emporia State University
Bachelor of Business Administration (B.B.A.) - Business Administration and Management, General
Emporia State University