GABRIELLA URESTI
Prospect Heights,IL
Summary
Committed nonprofit professional with a proven track record of advancing organizational success and making a positive impact on communities. A strategic thinker with expertise in grant writing, communication, and program management. Achievements include consistently exceeding fundraising targets, implementing effective operational strategies, and executing successful marketing initiatives to amplify organizational visibility and garner increased support. Recognized for cultivating a collaborative leadership style that prioritizes positive relationships, reduces turnover, and fuels organizational growth with heightened efficiency. Enthusiastically ready to apply skills and experiences, making a significant contribution to the mission and strategic objectives of any nonprofit organization.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Operations Director
ANIMAL CARE LEAGUE
03.2022 - 06.2023
- Directed day-to-day operations for the shelter, overseeing local animal control contracts and conducting in-depth analysis to enhance program efficiency and policies.
- Proficiently managed the shelter’s operational budget, strategically allocating resources to advance organizational goals.
- Managed and coordinated all human resources activities, including recruitment, hiring, onboarding, training, performance management, and offboarding.
- Spearheaded innovative operational strategies, resulting in the highest adoption rate in the shelter's history (2022).
- Analyzed key performance indicators (KPIs) for all shelter programs, ensuring their effectiveness and relevance to evolving community and organizational needs.
- Conducted community outreach events and training sessions, educating the public and staff on responsible pet ownership, animal welfare, and the shelter's mission.
- Developed and implemented all Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for daily operations at the shelter’s new facility.
Executive Director
HEARTLAND ANIMAL SHELTER
01.2020 - 01.2022
- Proficiently oversaw the operational budget of the shelter, successfully attaining the establishment of a seven-figure budget, marking the highest operational budget in its history.
- Successfully chaired shelter events and fundraisers, consistently exceeding financial and attendance goals, while enhancing community engagement and support.
- Managed media communications and conducted all shelter interviews, effectively showcasing the shelter's mission and accomplishments to a broader audience, thereby increasing public awareness and support.
- Collaborated with the board of directors to create and implement a three-year strategic plan, achieving all targeted goals within two years.
- Worked closely with organizational leadership and board of directors to guide operational strategy.
- Successfully secured a new building for the shelter and initiated a $1.5 million-dollar capital campaign, expanding capacity to serve animals and the community.
- Analyzed key performance indicators (KPIs) for all shelter programs, consistently driving a 20% growth each year to ensure the continued effectiveness and relevance of the shelter’s programs and services, meeting the evolving needs of the community.
- Collaborated effectively with donors, charitable foundations, and high-net-worth individuals, resulting in a significant increase in supporters by 110% in 2021, including securing five to seven figure gifts.
- Orchestrated the development of all shelter marketing and communications materials, including newsletters, social media content, annual reports, and press releases. This effort resulted in a remarkable 68% increase in the shelter’s visibility in 2020, fostering heightened community engagement and support.
- Successfully applied for and executed all grant-related opportunities, expanding the organization's resources and capabilities.
Shelter Manager
ANIMAL CARE LEAGUE
10.2018 - 08.2019
- Contracted to lead daily shelter operations, with a focus on prioritizing animal care and ensuring the safety and well-being of animals, staff, and volunteers.
- Developed and implemented a comprehensive strategy for team development, providing training for new shelter staff and volunteers, improving staff and volunteer retention by 60%.
- Supervised and controlled all human resources activities, including recruitment, hiring, onboarding, training, performance management, termination, and offboarding.
- Created compelling marketing and communications materials for social media, resulting in increased public awareness and engagement with the shelter's mission and programs, expanding outreach, and strengthening community relationships.
- Collaborated closely with leadership on development campaigns and fundraisers, successfully broadening our donor base, and augmenting financial support for the shelter.
- Provided data and created reports for grants.
Medical Clinical Director
SAN ANTONIO PETS ALIVE
01.2012 - 07.2018
- Provided high-quality care to +6,500 animals annually.
- Collaborated closely with donors, charitable foundations, and high-net-worth individuals, leading to a significant boost in financial support for the shelter.
- Cultivated strong partnerships and collaborative programs with various shelter and rescue groups throughout the U.S.
- Diligently managed the budget for medical operations, ensuring the optimal allocation of resources.
- Developed, implemented, revised, and evaluated policies and procedures.
- Effectively oversaw the medical clinic operations team, and led the veterinary team.
- Created compelling marketing and communications materials for social media, internal communications, newsletters, and press releases.
- Supervised and managed all human resources activities, including recruitment, hiring, onboarding, training, performance management, termination, and offboarding.
- Successfully applied for and executed all grant-related opportunities, expanding the organization's resources and capabilities.
Education
Master of Arts - Non-Profit Management
UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON-DOWNTOWN
Houston01.2022
Bachelor of Arts -
UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS-SAN ANTONIO
San Antonio, TX01.2012
Skills
- Project Management and Development
- Marketing and Community Outreach
- Human Resources and Volunteer Relations
- Strategic Communication and Data Analysis
- Grant Administration, Writing, and Management
- Raiser’s Edge, Salesforce, Emma, and other CRM software
- Microsoft Office, Google Suite
- Budget Administration
- Strategic Planning Expertise
- Social Media Platforms and Effective Communication
- Board Governance
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Timeline
Operations Director
ANIMAL CARE LEAGUE
03.2022 - 06.2023
Executive Director
HEARTLAND ANIMAL SHELTER
01.2020 - 01.2022
Shelter Manager
ANIMAL CARE LEAGUE
10.2018 - 08.2019
Medical Clinical Director
SAN ANTONIO PETS ALIVE
01.2012 - 07.2018
Master of Arts - Non-Profit Management
UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON-DOWNTOWN
Bachelor of Arts -
UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS-SAN ANTONIO
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