Diana Smith
Chicago,IL
Summary
Results-driven nonprofit management specialist with expertise in donor relations, development operations, and governance. Developed and implemented best practices for donor database management and volunteer coordination, ensuring operational continuity in early years. Managed diverse corporate partnerships and played a key role in securing a $1.5 million individual gift, effectively communicating the organization's mission to maximize impact.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
Work History
Sr. Membership & Operations Coordinator
Smithbucklin
Chicago, USA
04.2022 - Current
- Promoted through Associate (Apr 2022) → Sr. Associate (Sep 2022) → Coordinator (Sep 2023) → Sr. Coordinator (May 2025)
- Served as sole staff person for Neurocritical Care Foundation development operations beginning in first year after 501c3 status (2022)
- Designed and maintained total donor database including including individual gifts, recurring gifts, and annual pledges
- Managed a small portfolio of corporate donors from the pharmaceutical space (AstraZeneca, Marinus, NeurOptics) and processed recurring annual gifts ranging from $10,000 to $100,000
- Created, documented, and trained incoming staff on organizational best practices for database management, gift tracking, donation reconciliation, contact list management, donor recognition, and direct-to-donor communications
- Coordinated Foundation Board and committee meetings, developing agendas, preparing materials, documenting meeting minutes, and managing governance documentation
- Designed and executed marketing campaigns across channels (e-mail & social media) and segmented audiences (prospective donors, NCS membership, etc.)
- Developed and presented regular donation reports to Foundation Board of Trustees, the Philanthropy Committee, and the Board of Directors of parent organization (Neurocritical Care Society)
- Coordinated organization's first in-person NCS Annual Meeting exhibit booth presence resulting in $20,000 in new gifts onsite
- Facilitated RFP and implementation of a new online fundraising platform (QGiv), optimizing donor portal experience and configuring Apple Pay integration at no additional cost to client
- Acted as lead staff point of contact and maintained full operational continuity for executive leadership and all organization volunteers during an extended leadership transition
Instructor
Logan Square Improv
Chicago, Illinois
10.2025 - Current
- Cultivated a supportive environment that promoted risk-taking and creativity in Level 1: Intro to Conform Improv Comedy performances
- Collaborated with training center director to refine curriculum and improve teaching strategies
- Mentored aspiring performers through tailored feedback and focused coaching
AmeriCorps Project YES! Service Member
Northwestern Settlement
Chicago, USA
09.2021 - 04.2022
- Planned and coordinated service-learning projects for middle school students and families, soliciting community donations and recruiting and training volunteers for events
- Served as Head of the Public Relations Committee for National Days of Service, designing and distributing all promotional materials for major AmeriCorps community service events
Education
Bachelor of Arts - English & Dramatic Arts
Centre College
Danville, KY05-2020
Skills
- Nonprofit governance
- Donor database management
- Gift processing and reconciliation
- Donor relations and stewardship
- Volunteer management
- Corporate partnership management
- Fundraising campaign coordination
- Project management tools
- Email and social media marketing
- Scholarship and grant program management
- Customer service support
- Policy and procedure development
Timeline
Instructor
Logan Square Improv
10.2025 - Current
Sr. Membership & Operations Coordinator
Smithbucklin
04.2022 - Current
AmeriCorps Project YES! Service Member
Northwestern Settlement
09.2021 - 04.2022
Bachelor of Arts - English & Dramatic Arts
Centre College