Gigi Verkaik
Cairo,NY
Summary
Accomplished Director of Development boasting 18 years of experience in effectively creating RFP's, leading development campaigns and pioneering fundraising projects. Demonstrated expertise in enhancing donor engagement and driving successful fundraising results. Proficient in grant writing, skilled in managing public relations and volunteer coordination, and unwaveringly dedicated to strategic growth and operational excellence. Excels in tackling new challenges and surmounting developmental obstacles with unwavering determination.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Development & Communications
LitWorld
12.2023 - Current
- Develop and execute strategic fundraising plans to diversify and increase revenue streams, including securing grants, and corporate sponsorships
- Oversee the creation and implementation of multi-channel marketing campaigns to raise awareness and support for LitWorld's initiatives
- Cultivate and maintain relationships with key donors, stakeholders, and partners to enhance engagement and secure new funding opportunities
- Lead the development and management of grant proposals, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and donor interests
- Plan and execute major fundraising events, including donor appreciation events, annual galas, and community engagement activities
- Manage organization's communications strategy, including media relations, content creation, and social media presence, to effectively communicate LitWorld's mission and impact
- Collaborate with senior leadership to align fundraising strategies with organizational priorities and goals
- Deployed internal product development tracking system to monitor up to six simultaneous projects
- Leveraged social media platforms for effective storytelling that showcased organizational achievements, resulting in increased donor engagement.
- Collected data and performed customer needs analysis.
Creative and External Affairs Officer
Encore Community Services
12.2022 - 06.2023
- Facilitated cross-functional collaboration between departments on projects affecting external stakeholders
- Developed comprehensive messaging strategies for consistent communication across multiple channels
- Coordinated responses to inquiries from government officials, maintaining positive working relationships
- Designed targeted communications materials tailored to specific stakeholder groups for maximum impact
- Developed innovative solutions to complex challenges faced by the organization within the realm of external affairs
- Managed crisis situations for improved public perception and reduced negative media coverage
- Enhanced stakeholder relationships by developing and implementing strategic communication plans
- Collaborated with internal teams to develop cohesive messages aligned with organizational goals and objectives
- Developed and implemented social media strategy to increase engagement and reach new audiences
- Produced and distributed brochures, newsletters and press kits
- Conducted media relations and responded to media requests for information
- Engaged in professional networking to maintain strong relationships with communications and media professionals to drive partnerships and effective dissemination of mass communications
Senior Director of Development & Communications
Encore Community Services
05.2019 - 12.2022
- Launched and managed initiatives to expand Encore's private funder base, resulting in 100% increase in volunteers, 35% rise in new donors, and 75% growth in individual giving
- Developed Encore Ovation, A Celebration of Aging through Art event, and expanded annual Heart to Heart Gala, increasing event revenue by 50%
- Achieved 100% Board participation and grew Board Giving by 125%
- Secured $8,000,000 annually through successful grant writing and government funding requests with 100% award rate
- Cultivated and stewarded relationships with major donors, sponsors, and volunteers, supporting variety of projects and general operating needs
- Enhanced brand management and public communications, ensuring consistent messaging and strategic outreach
- Overhauled event planning processes for increased efficiency, resulting in higher attendance rates at fundraising events
- Strengthened community engagement by developing collaborative partnerships with local organizations
- Increased annual revenue with targeted fundraising campaigns and grant applications
- Negotiated agreements with external partners that contributed significantly towards achieving organizational objectives
Development Officer
Stanley Isaacs Neighborhood Center
02.2015 - 05.2019
- Planned and executed annual major fundraising events which netted over $500,000
- Event purchasing and vendor contract negotiations
- Established Sunday Suppers and Joint Schools Paired events as new fundraisers/friendraisers, leading to a 38% increase in volunteerism and 15% event donations
- Cultivated partnerships and volunteer program with corporate sponsors. Increased corporate partners by 50% and increased sponsorship revenue by 40%
- Managed Direct Mail campaign, grossing over $700,000 annually
- Set-up of a major donor program with a separate calendar of personalized solicitations, special attention for acknowledgments, and thank you calls from board members and the executive director. Instrumental in creating a more donor-centric, personalized approach, which helped to increase individual giving by 53%
- Streamlined internal processes for improved efficiency in prospect research, donor management, and event planning
Director of Special Events
Goddard Riverside Community Center
08.2006 - 02.2015
- Directed major fundraising events including The New York Book Fair and Reach for the Sky Spring Cocktail Party & Auction, averaging $800,000 in annual revenue
- Coordinated all facets of the New York Book Fair, including volunteer management, event logistics, and communications
- Established the Book Fair Gala as a key annual fundraiser, achieving a 62% increase in revenue
- Contributed to the Bernie Wohl Campaign for Kids and the Options Capital Campaigns, raising $1,350,000 and $2,000,000 respectively
- Improved brand visibility by organizing high-profile corporate functions attended by industry leaders.
- Managed budgets effectively, and solicited in-kind donations, ensuring the successful execution of various events while staying within financial constraints
- Introduced new technologies into the planning process, such as mobile apps or digital invitations designed to streamline communication between staff members and attendees before an event occurred
- Increased event attendance by developing and executing innovative marketing strategies for special events
Skills
- Auctioneer
- Grant Writing
- Donor Relations
- Major Gift Solicitation
- Corporate Sponsorships
- Planned Giving
- Capital Campaigns
- CRM Integration
- Relationship Building
- Conflict Resolution
- Team building
- Peer to Peer Fundraising
Technical Proficiency
Windows, Microsoft 365, Google Suite, Word, Excel, Publisher, PowerPoint, Adobe, Raiser's Edge, E-Tapestry, Donor Perfect, Donor Search, Sales Force, Ready Set Auction, Choice Ticketing, Select Ticketing Pass 1, ERS Ticketing Software, Stage Soft, QuickBooks, Outlook, Outlook Express, Mail Chimp, Constant Contact, Slack, Asana, Social Media platforms, MeltWater, iWave, Wealth Engine
Licensed NYS Driver
References
Available upon request
Education
Theatre
University of Toledo
Toledo, OHTimeline
Director of Development & Communications
LitWorld
12.2023 - Current
Creative and External Affairs Officer
Encore Community Services
12.2022 - 06.2023
Senior Director of Development & Communications
Encore Community Services
05.2019 - 12.2022
Development Officer
Stanley Isaacs Neighborhood Center
02.2015 - 05.2019
Director of Special Events
Goddard Riverside Community Center
08.2006 - 02.2015
Theatre
University of Toledo
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