Derian Richardson
Columbia,SC
Summary
Strategic and driven fundraising professional with a proven ability to build donor relationships, execute high-impact engagement plans, and drive results. Experienced in major gift strategy, event coordination, and cross-functional collaboration.
Overview
4
4
years of professional experience
Work History
Account Executive Retention
The Gamecock Club
09.2025 - Current
- Manage a donor portfolio of more than 1,600 donors.
- Manage a portfolio of over 1,600 donors, driving renewals, recurring gifts, and increased annual giving.
- Qualify donors and collaborate with major gift officers to transition prospects with elevated potential.
- Support the fundraising strategy through targeted outreach and donor engagement tied to key initiatives.
Fundraising Consultant & Tournament Director
James David Richardson Memorial Golf Tournament
03.2022 - Current
- Launched and led a nonprofit golf tournament, raising funds for local causes.
- Founded and served as a fundraising consultant for an annual nonprofit golf tournament, developing sponsorship strategies, securing local business donations, and increasing event revenue through targeted donor outreach and community engagement.
- Managed all of the corporate sponsors, along with the individual donors.
- Secured event sponsorships through cold outreach and relationship building with local businesses and regional brands. Managed fulfillment of sponsor agreements, including signage, appearances, and promotional recognition.
Graduate Administrative Assistant to the Senior Vice President of Development
Clemson University
07.2024 - 05.2025
- First Graduate Assistant for the Senior Vice President of Development
- Advanced major gift strategy with a focus on donor relations and strategic meetings
- Coordinated with all areas of Central Development Team: Principal Gifts, Gift and Estate Planning, and Corporate and Foundation Relations
- Maintained accurate donor data and generate insights for fundraising performance
- Co-Led with development officers on donor visits and campus tours
- Assist in managing a $1M+ portfolio focused on gifts of $50,000 or more
- Partnered with Corporate and Foundation Relations on grant strategy and donor meetings
- Contributed strategic insight as a member of the Capital Campaign Leadership Committee
Student Intern for the Senior Vice President of Development
Clemson University
01.2024 - 05.2024
- First-ever student intern for the Central Development Team.
- Conducted donor research and developed personalized cultivation strategies.
- Supported stewardship across multiple departments.
Education
Master of Science - Marketing
Clemson University
Clemson, SC05.2025
Bachelor of Arts - History, Nonprofit Leadership
Clemson University
Clemson, SC05.2024
Skills
- Fundraising strategy
- Donor relations
- Data analysis
- Project management
- Community engagement
- Event planning
- Relationship building
- Customer relationships
- Lead generation
- Managing client relationships
- Revenue generation
- Customer relationship management (CRM)
Timeline
Account Executive Retention
The Gamecock Club
09.2025 - Current
Graduate Administrative Assistant to the Senior Vice President of Development
Clemson University
07.2024 - 05.2025
Student Intern for the Senior Vice President of Development
Clemson University
01.2024 - 05.2024
Fundraising Consultant & Tournament Director
James David Richardson Memorial Golf Tournament
03.2022 - Current
Master of Science - Marketing
Clemson University
Bachelor of Arts - History, Nonprofit Leadership
Clemson University