Dawn Downing
Raleigh
Summary
Strategic fundraising leader with 20+ years of progressive advancement experience driving regional fundraising growth for higher education and mission-driven nonprofit organizations. Proven ability to build comprehensive campaigns that generate sustainable unrestricted revenue through individuals, corporations, foundations, and community partnerships. Recognized as a collaborative ambassador and relationship builder who mobilizes donors, volunteer leaders, and community stakeholders to advance educational access, equity, and student success initiatives.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Development
Community Music School
Raleigh, NC
01.2022 - Current
- Designed and implemented annual development strategy generating $500K+ annually through diversified revenue streams.
- Serve as organizational ambassador building relationships with civic leaders, corporate partners, and philanthropic stakeholders.
- Manage full donor lifecycle including prospect identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
- Conduct regular face-to-face donor visits aligned with fundraising goals.
- Develop fundraising communications including appeals, acknowledgments, and campaign materials.
- Oversee donor database strategy and reporting processes improving data accuracy and stewardship tracking.
- Partner with executive leadership to align fundraising initiatives with long-range organizational goals.
Senior Development Officer
North Carolina Theatre
Raleigh, NC
01.2017 - 01.2021
- Managed strategic initiatives for annual giving program to enhance fundraising efforts and community engagement.
- Developed fundraising campaigns aligned with organizational priorities and revenue targets.
- Engaged with individual donors, corporations, and foundations to strengthen community ties and promote philanthropic contributions.
- Designed and coordinated fundraising events aimed at attracting and securing new donors.
- Facilitated all stages of grant lifecycle, including identifying opportunities, crafting proposals, and generating detailed reports.
- Leveraged CRM analytics to guide strategy and improve donor engagement.
Director of Development
University of California, Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA
01.2014 - 01.2017
- Partnered with senior leadership to establish long-range fundraising goals.
- Cultivated relationships with major donors, volunteers, and community leaders.
- Supported strategic solicitations increasing donor participation and visibility.
Senior Director of Development
Emory University School of Law
Atlanta, GA
01.2011 - 01.2013
- Directed strategic fundraising initiatives foannuto enhance financial sustainability and alumni engagement.
- Secured annual and major gifts from high net worth individuals through cultivation efforts, tailored proposals, and stewardship activities.
- Cultivated relationships with 160 regional prospects within annual giving program to maximize contributions.
- Executed in-person solicitations and stewardship meetings aimed at enhancing engagement with stakeholders.
- Analyzed donor data to identify trends, inform strategies, and improve donor retention rates effectively.
- Mentored development staff, fostering professional growth and enhancing team performance in fundraising efforts.
Assistant Director of Alumni Relations
Duke University School of Law
Durham, NC
01.2008 - 01.2011
- Developed and implemented engagement initiatives to strengthen connections with alumni donors and volunteer leaders.
- Developed strategic event plans that successfully increased engagement metrics and annual fundraising efforts.
- Developed and implemented outreach strategies to strengthen relationships with key stakeholders in major gift cultivation.
- Developed and managed professional development workshops for law school alumni, ensuring compliance with CLE accreditation standards.
- Managed budgeting and resource allocation to support program development and regional law club needs.
Director of Development
Youthville USA
Raleigh, NC
01.2006 - 01.2008
- Analyzed donor engagement and crafted targeted fundraising initiatives to maximize support for foster youth programs.
- Executed comprehensive prospect research and networking strategies to build and strengthen donor pipeline.
- Authored detailed strategic plan, leading to acquisition of $500k federal grant for project advancement.
Sr. Associate Director, Marketing and Operations
The Wharton School — University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PA
01.2000 - 01.2006
- Administered a portfolio of 350 prospects while managing leadership giving programs to drive philanthropic contributions.
- Cultivated relationships through in-person solicitations with high-net-worth donors to enhance funding opportunities.
- Directed a team of four in executing and optimizing cross-functional fundraising strategies.
- Engaged with cross-functional teams to improve donor relations, supporting operational efficiency and goal attainment.
Education
Master of Business Administration - Finance
Thomas Jefferson University
Bachelor of Science - Business Administration/Marketing
Thomas Jefferson University
Skills
- Fundraising Strategy & Campaign Execution
- Major Gifts & High-Net-Worth Donor Cultivation
- Educational Equity & Access Initiatives
- Corporate & Foundation Partnerships
- Annual/Capital Campaigns & Special Event Fundraising
- Board/Volunteer Leadership Recruitment & Engagement
- Prospect Research & Pipeline Expansion
- Grant Writing and Proposal Development
- Donor Stewardship & Relationship Management
- CRM/Data Systems & Reporting (Donorview and Raiser's Edge)
- Fundraising Communications & Appeals
- Staff Leadership & Performance Management
MISSION ALIGNMENT
Committed to expanding equitable pathways to higher education and strengthening institutions that serve historically underrepresented and first-generation students. Extensive background in education-focused advancement roles supporting access, engagement, and student-centered outcomes through philanthropy and community collaboration.
Timeline
Director of Development
Community Music School
01.2022 - Current
Senior Development Officer
North Carolina Theatre
01.2017 - 01.2021
Director of Development
University of California, Los Angeles
01.2014 - 01.2017
Senior Director of Development
Emory University School of Law
01.2011 - 01.2013
Assistant Director of Alumni Relations
Duke University School of Law
01.2008 - 01.2011
Director of Development
Youthville USA
01.2006 - 01.2008
Sr. Associate Director, Marketing and Operations
The Wharton School — University of Pennsylvania
01.2000 - 01.2006
Bachelor of Science - Business Administration/Marketing
Thomas Jefferson University
Master of Business Administration - Finance
Thomas Jefferson University