Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Volunteer
Timeline
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DONNA J. CLARK

Albany,New York

Summary

Strategic and results-driven development professional with over 20 years of progressive experience in major gifts, capital campaigns, planned giving, and donor relations. Proven ability to manage high-level portfolios and partner with academic leadership to advance institutional priorities. Raised over $10 million across multiple sectors, including higher education and healthcare. Skilled in building long-term donor relationships, leading cross-functional teams, and crafting compelling proposals aligned with philanthropic goals.

Overview

14
14
years of professional experience

Work History

Director of Development

Mountain States Legal Foundation
04.2023 - 01.2025
  • Increased organizational revenue by 30% in 2024.
  • Managed a portfolio of 120 prospects, donors, and foundations capable of making five, six, and seven-figure gifts.
  • Secured over $1,200,000 through individual proposals, major gifts, and foundation support.
  • Cultivated and stewarded key donor relationships through tailored engagement strategies and events.
  • Initiated a $5M campaign for a new specialty practice area.
  • Developed comprehensive strategic plans to guide long-term growth and sustainability of the organization''s programs.
  • Secured $1.7M in planned gifts, drafting proposals and stewarding legacy commitments.
  • Partnered with board members to extend philanthropic outreach and leverage their networks.
  • Mentored junior staff members in best practices for donor relations, proposal writing, and grants management.

Major Gifts Officer

Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences
04.2017 - 12.2022
  • Managed 150 prospects and donors capable of making five and six-figure gifts.
  • Raised over $6M in total gifts: $3M in major gifts and $3M in planned gifts.
  • Key contributor to a $15M capital campaign, surpassing the goal by $1M during COVID-19.
  • Collaborated with senior leaders and faculty to identify funding priorities and secure aligned gifts.
  • Led alumni engagement initiative raising $200K, converting lapsed and new donors (25% increase in engagement).
  • Established grant-based and endowed scholarships exceeding $500,000.
  • Worked with milestone class reunion leaders to secure class gifts in support of funding priorities.
  • Secured multiple naming opportunities ($25,000 +): classrooms, labs, library rooms, and student union.

Executive Director

Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
01.2011 - 04.2017
  • Raised $5.9M through strategic planning and board development.
  • Directed chapter operations and managed staff, volunteers, and regional events.
  • Led advocacy campaigns at the state and federal levels to support research and public health funding.
  • Recruited and developed a high-performing Board of Directors, advancing individual fundraising goals.

Education

B.A. - Mass Communication

Plattsburgh State University College

Skills

  • Major Gifts & Planned Giving
  • Capital Campaigns
  • Prospect Strategy & Stewardship
  • Proposal & Case Statement Writing
  • Strategic Planning & Team Leadership
  • Foundation & Corporate Giving
  • Donor Engagement Events
  • CRM: Raiser's Edge
  • Microsoft Office 365

Volunteer

Steffens   Scleroderma Center | Albany, New   York

January   2010 – January 2015

· Treasurer

· Executive Committee Board Member

· Created and formed a 501 C3 non-profit organization for scleroderma research. Provided fundraising expertise and served as Board liaison to the medical director and development staff for effective and cost-saving fundraising plans.

Timeline

Director of Development

Mountain States Legal Foundation
04.2023 - 01.2025

Major Gifts Officer

Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences
04.2017 - 12.2022

Executive Director

Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
01.2011 - 04.2017

B.A. - Mass Communication

Plattsburgh State University College

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