Emily Swart
Monmouth,Oregon
Summary
Dynamic Donor Relations Manager with a proven track record at Marion Polk Food Share. Expert in relationship building and campaign development, I successfully secured lead gifts and innovated donor engagement strategies, resulting in record-setting donations. Strong communicator and project manager, dedicated to advancing philanthropic goals. Results-driven with background in fundraising management, specializing in developing effective fundraising strategies and donor relations. Skilled in coordinating events, managing campaigns, and leveraging social media to increase funding opportunities. Demonstrated ability to lead teams towards achieving set financial goals while fostering an environment of collaboration and innovation.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Donor Relations Manager
Marion Polk Food Share
Salem, OR
01.2021 - Current
- Cultivated relationships with board members, donors, and philanthropic community to prioritize financial needs.
- Managed portfolio of 150 donors, executing monthly engagement strategies.
- Helped to secure $6 million from the state for a new building.
- Assisted in the development of fundraising campaigns for special projects or initiatives.
- Facilitated conversations between staff members and external stakeholders regarding donation requests.
- Managed all aspects of donor relations including stewardship, cultivation, solicitation and recognition.
- Collaborated with other departments within the organization to ensure that donor needs were met in a timely manner.
- Acted as a liaison between internal teams and external contacts.
- Provided support for fundraising activities such as auctions or galas by helping to secure items or services from donors or sponsors.
- Networked with industry leaders and investigated partnerships to increase opportunities.
- Secured lead gifts for major fundraising events.
- Celebrated largest donations from multiple donors to date.
- Conducted extensive training on systemic racism, farm workers' rights, and active listening.
- Planned development strategies, resulting in record-setting donations.
- Coordinated corporate support, government relations, and grantsmanship initiatives.
Director of Annual Giving & Historic Gentle House
Western Oregon University
Monmouth, Oregon
08.2016 - 12.2020
- Managed a team of six phonathon callers: wrote all scripts, schedule shifts, pull calling lists & track results.
- Managed budget for both university annual giving and Historic Gentle House.
- Created a campus-wide university method for clubs/groups to utilize Phonathon for their own fundraising efforts.
- Executed campaign with WOU alumni to rename Welcome Center Lobby - Jack Morton Campaign.
- Executed pre-campaign strategy and gifts for current WOU Student Success Center.
- Authored written correspondence on behalf of the University President and the entire President's staff to Polk, Marion, and Yamhill counties.
- Written correspondence on behalf of the Executive Director to major donors.
- Created and developed mass email campaigns.
- Developed taglines and graphics for strategic planning.
- Managed a team of 6-8 Historic Gentle House employees: booked weddings and other large events at the venue, organized community workdays at the property, managed all accounts receivable, and provided exceptional customer service to all venue guests on and off campus. Daily tasks included managing the grounds, the historic home, and the property, and coordinating event details while staying on budget.
- Created and implemented the University's annual Giving Day, exceeding the University's goal each of the five years.
- Rebranded the Annual Fund to the Fund for WOU, and saw a 30% improvement.
- Managed all sustaining giving, implemented the WOU Sustainers program, and created graphics and branding. Saw a 12% increase in recurring gifts since implementing the program.
- Create all video media around the Giving Day campaign. (Social media toolkits, student interviews, etc.)
- Created and oversaw all direct mail from the WOU Foundation. Approximately 12 mailings a year. Wrote, edited, and worked closely with the designer.
- Managed approximately 30 high-level prospects.
- Assisted in the conversation from Viking Software to Raiser's Edge.
- Wrote and edited tax letters.
- Served on the Editorial Board for Western Edge, the university's alumni magazine.
- Active member of the Downtown Salem Rotary, as well as the Monmouth/Independence Rotary, representing the WOU Foundation.
- Planned and implemented the Gentle House annual Holiday Bazaar and Holiday Open House for the Monmouth/Independence community.
- Created and coordinated all direct mail for the WOU Athletics.
- Assistant to the lead of both the annual Athletic Auction, as well as the Smith Fine Arts Auction.
- Utilized Raiser’s Edge software to compile data gathered from various sources.
- Worked closely with team members to deliver project requirements, develop solutions, and meet deadlines.
- I attended departmental meetings, providing feedback to enhance future performance.
- Networked with industry leaders and investigated partnerships to increase opportunities.
Executive Assistant & Foundation Board Specialist
Western Oregon University
Monmouth, Oregon
12.2013 - 07.2016
- Documented meeting minutes for Foundation Board and subcommittees to ensure comprehensive records.
- Coordinated logistics for Board and Committee meetings, managing venue, catering, speakers, and attendees.
- Oversaw Competitive Grant Program by soliciting submissions and organizing Committee reviews.
- Executed all campaign coordination for Richard Woodcock Education Center.
- Managed Executive Director's calendar and scheduled multiple organizational events.
- Created and distributed year-end tax letters to stakeholders for compliance.
- Procured office supplies to maintain efficient daily operations.
- Organized annual Holiday donor recognition event to boost engagement.
- Handled accounts payable and receivable processes, ensuring financial accuracy.
Health Coach and Fitness Instructor
Monmouth Fitness Club
01.2006 - 11.2013
- Met with every new member and created free exercise plans while getting them comfortable with their new membership.
- Spoke at wellness events encouraging body positivity.
- AFFA certified.
- Prepared and instructed 12 to 17 classes a week in various formats, such as Body Pump, Spin, and Pilates.
- Created and implemented my own trademarked class, CycleLean.
- Certifications obtained in Spinning, Zumba, Willpower & Grace, Pilates, and Kickboxing.
- Made 40 to 50 calls a week, checking in on members who had not attended the gym recently.
- Planned and executed fitness classes free to the community in the park for community events.
- Improved the general health of clients by sharing nutrition information and fitness tips.
- Gathered health data from clients using self-assessment tools.
- Reported on clients' health status by interpreting data.
- Earned a reputation for being innovative and body-positive.
Education
Master of Science - Nonprofit Administration
Louisiana State University, Shreveport
Shreveport. LA12-2025
Bachelor of Science - Communications & Criminal Justice
Western Oregon University
Monmouth, OR03.2020
Skills
- Leadership and team management
- Relationship building
- Nonprofit sector expertise
- Budget Management
- Annual giving strategies
- Personal solicitation techniques
- Donor growth strategies
- Project management
- Community outreach initiatives
- Event management and planning
- Program development expertise
- Capital campaign management
- Crisis management skills
- Problem-solving aptitude
- Public relations expertise
- Networking proficiency
- Public speaking skills
Affiliations
- Rotary Club of Salem member since 2017
- Rotary Club of Salem - Current Director of Club Operations
- Willamette Heritage Center - Current Secretary
- Magic at the Mill Event - Current Task Force Chair
- Past Chair of the Board, Abby's House, Center for Women and Children 2019-2020
- Two-time WOU Woman of the Year nominee - Abby's House, Center for Women and Children 2019 & 2020
Certification
- Vertius Scholar Certification - issued in Jan. 2024
- Discovering Your Donor's Passions and Interests - issued in April 2022
- ALICE active shooter certified
- Raiser's Edge Certified
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Donor Relations Manager
Marion Polk Food Share
01.2021 - Current
Director of Annual Giving & Historic Gentle House
Western Oregon University
08.2016 - 12.2020
Executive Assistant & Foundation Board Specialist
Western Oregon University
12.2013 - 07.2016
Health Coach and Fitness Instructor
Monmouth Fitness Club
01.2006 - 11.2013
Bachelor of Science - Communications & Criminal Justice
Western Oregon University
Master of Science - Nonprofit Administration
Louisiana State University, Shreveport
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