GEMMA BERRY
Cornwall,NY
Summary
Experienced development professional with close to 10 years' experience in annual giving, major gifts, events, grants, and stewardship. Enthusiastic about relationship building, multigenerational giving, and community outreach. Passion for performing arts with background in higher education, healthcare, disability services and social justice sectors as well.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Community Philanthropy Manager
THE TREVOR PROJECT
10.2022 - 07.2023
- Managed and developed The Trevor Project’s mid-level team and mid-level program that generated on average $8.5M in revenue
- Collaborated with development colleagues and partner vendors to generate actionable strategies that drove mid-level donor acquisition, retention, win-backs, and upgrades
- Managed production of annual appeals, renewals, and upgrade materials, as well as all other correspondence and stewardship initiatives specific to mid-level program
- Engaged in front-facing donor activities such as thank-you calls and mid-level program donor stewardship
- Helped establish and maintain calendar of mid-level audience outreach and sample library, sharing across teams
Director of Development
LYMPHANGIOMATOSIS & GORHAM’S DISEASE ALLIANCE
03.2022 - 11.2022
- Helped organization secure $75,000 in individual and foundation support for UPenn Million Dollar Bike Ride
- Established annual fundraising goals in accordance with organizational needs and building annual development plan to meet those goals
- Directed and executed fund drives, including regular mailings, online campaigns and other forms of regular fundraising for various programs, divisions, and projects
Consultant
MY LIFE FOUNDATION
12.2020 - 05.2022
- Worked closely with Founder and President to build metrics-driven approach to fundraising, including creation and monitoring of systems and procedures for annual and multi-year goal setting and moves management
- Increased individual and foundation contributions by 900% within first year
- Spearheaded re-brand for agency, revamping of website, implementation of CRM, and publishing of their first annual report
- Conducted informal feasibility study with major prospects and donors
- Launched giving initiatives and donor recognition program
- Secured free news coverage in three local publications, landing two front cover spots and several full- page spreads
Director of Development
OPERATION SMILE
01.2019 - 03.2020
- Identified and developed pipelines in Florida, DC metro area and Georgia to raise over $300k annually in donor funding support
- Developed long-term strategic goals to proactively build and maintain identified donor prospect pipeline over 10-state region
- Worked with stakeholders across organization to develop and write proposals for wide array of programmatic, event and other funding needs
- Represented Operation Smile at business association meetings, conferences, and community functions
- Giving in portfolio was at less than 25% and has increased to 75% of donors by year-end
- Worked remotely, traveled throughout Southeast region and intermittently to missions globally
Consultant
SOUTH FLORIDA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
10.2018 - 03.2019
- Leading up to landmark production of Porgy & Bess (2019) developed prospect pipelines, cultivations and special events
- Implemented strategic communications to drive ticket sales for Porgy & Bess
- Created strategy to build sustainable base of annual donors
- Worked with CEO to facilitate activities that lead to cultivation, solicitation and fund development
- Utilized Development Database to update constituent information in accordance with policies and procedures
Director of Advancement
THE L.D. PANKEY DENTAL FOUNDATION
05.2016 - 11.2018
- Built and developed Advancement department
- Implemented structure, protocols, and goals for ongoing Advancement fundraising plan
- Secured $2.5M in current use and planned gifts for Pankey Legacy Campaign
- Oversaw Alumni membership renewal and recruitment drive focused on creating value, interaction and engagement for Alumni members and continually improving retention
- Planned and organized fundraising and stewardship events for high-end donors
Education
Master of Arts - English
Rutgers University
New Brunswick, NJ2011
Skills
- Annual Fund
- Major Gifts
- Grant Writing
- Event planning & programming
- Stewardship
- Community Outreach
Affiliations
AFP Greater Los Angeles County, Member, 2021-2023 Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce, Co-Chair for Women’s Business Council Events, 2019-2021 DC Chamber of Commerce, YPEN Member, 2019-2020
Timeline
Senior Community Philanthropy Manager
THE TREVOR PROJECT
10.2022 - 07.2023
Director of Development
LYMPHANGIOMATOSIS & GORHAM’S DISEASE ALLIANCE
03.2022 - 11.2022
Consultant
MY LIFE FOUNDATION
12.2020 - 05.2022
Director of Development
OPERATION SMILE
01.2019 - 03.2020
Consultant
SOUTH FLORIDA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
10.2018 - 03.2019
Director of Advancement
THE L.D. PANKEY DENTAL FOUNDATION
05.2016 - 11.2018
Master of Arts - English
Rutgers University
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