Devin Lawrence
Edmond,OK
Summary
Mission-driven advancement leader with 20+ years in Christian education and nonprofit leadership, including over a decade in senior leadership roles. Proven track record of building advancement programs from the ground up, cultivating major donors, and leading multi-million-dollar campaigns. Experienced in creating comprehensive fundraising strategies, donor engagement systems, and cross-department collaboration that fuels mission growth. Passionate about mobilizing believers, building cultures of generosity, and stewarding resources to advance the Gospel.
As advancement professional, successfully led initiatives to increase donor engagement and fundraising outcomes. Proven ability to navigate complex stakeholder environments while driving strategic growth and financial stability. Known for collaborative approach and adaptability in dynamic settings, leveraging key skills in donor relations and strategic planning.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Advancement
Oklahoma Christian School
Edmond, OK
01.2018 - Current
- Provide executive leadership for all fundraising, donor engagement, communications, and advancement strategy for a growing Christian school.
- Fundraising & Revenue Growth
- Built the school’s advancement department from the ground up and established a sustainable culture of philanthropy.
- Grew the annual fund from $75,000 to more than $1 million annually.
- Expanded active donor base from 45 donors to more than 940 supporters.
- Led two major capital campaigns raising over $10 million for campus development projects.
- Launched the school’s first annual giving day, raising more than $140,000 in its first year.
- Donor Engagement & Major Gifts
- Cultivate relationships with major donors, board members, alumni, parents, and community leaders.
- Partner closely with the Headmaster to identify, cultivate, and solicit major gifts.
- Established a donor recognition and stewardship society to deepen engagement and retention.
- Strategic Leadership
- Led the administrative team through a full strategic planning process aligning advancement efforts with institutional priorities.
- Developed school-wide fundraising priorities that streamlined messaging and increased giving participation.
- Team Leadership & Collaboration
- Supervise and mentor six advancement and communications staff members.
- Oversee marketing, communications, branding, and advancement operations.
- Collaborate with leadership, faculty, and volunteers to implement engagement and fundraising initiatives.
- Community Engagement & Events
- Created a large-scale annual 5K fundraising event raising over $100,000 each year for teacher grants.
- Developed alumni engagement strategies and new parent engagement initiatives to build long-term donor pipelines.
Director of Admissions
Oklahoma Christian School
Edmond, OK
05.2015 - 08.2017
- Led admissions strategy, enrollment marketing, and recruitment initiatives.
- Designed streamlined admissions and application review systems.
- Implemented recruitment and retention strategies that strengthened enrollment growth.
- Organized recruitment events, campus tours, and parent engagement initiatives.
Assistant to the Director of Admissions
Oklahoma Christian University
Oklahoma City, OK
03.2014 - 04.2015
- Supported admissions leadership with research, communication, and event coordination.
- Managed correspondence, prospect engagement, and admissions documentation.
Staff Development Teacher
Tulsa Public Schools
Tulsa, OK
08.2012 - 08.2013
- Led professional development initiatives and coaching for teaching staff.
- Facilitated PLC meetings and supported strategic improvement planning.
Education
Master of Science - Educational Leadership
University of Central Oklahoma
Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education
Oklahoma Christian University
Skills
- Major Gifts Fundraising
- Revenue Strategy Development
- Capital Campaign Leadership
- Donor Cultivation & Stewardship
- Strategic Planning
- Team Leadership & Staff Development
- Nonprofit Advancement Operations
- Event Fundraising
- Communications & Storytelling
- Data-Driven Fundraising Strategy
Affiliations
Oakdale Church of Christ — Edmond, OK
Active Member and Ministry Leader
- Invest in the discipleship of college students through leadership and mentoring in the church’s college ministry.
- Serve in the young families ministry, helping build community and encourage spiritual growth among emerging families.
- Contributing to leadership and fundraising efforts for a church building expansion campaign, helping mobilize generosity and support the future growth of the congregation.
Timeline
Director of Advancement
Oklahoma Christian School
01.2018 - Current
Director of Admissions
Oklahoma Christian School
05.2015 - 08.2017
Assistant to the Director of Admissions
Oklahoma Christian University
03.2014 - 04.2015
Staff Development Teacher
Tulsa Public Schools
08.2012 - 08.2013
Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education
Oklahoma Christian University
Master of Science - Educational Leadership
University of Central Oklahoma