GIOVANNA REILLY
Grand Rapids,MI
Summary
Strategic retail buying and merchandising professional with over 11 years in apparel and accessories. Expertise in assortment planning, vendor negotiations, and inventory management has driven revenue growth and profitability. Proven leadership in capital campaigns and fundraising initiatives enhances ability to identify growth opportunities and cultivate partnerships.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Development Director
ST. PAUL THE APOSTLE CATHOLIC CHURCH AND SCHOOL
Grand Rapids, MI
07.2022 - Current
- Directed a $4.72M capital campaign through donor engagement, event coordination, donor follow-up and community outreach.
- Generate approximately $400K annually through fundraising events.
- Manage an education endowment with a current balance of $4.1M to provide tuition assistance, maintaining school operating expenses and sustaining quality educators.
- Generated $400K annually through strategic fundraising events.
- Analyzed donor activity, giving trends, and campaign performance to inform strategic decisions and enhance revenue planning.
- Manage CRM information and utilize data to identify trends, opportunities, and areas for improved engagement and revenue.
- Manage an education endowment with a current balance of $4.1M to provide tuition assistance, maintaining school operating expenses and sustaining quality educators.
- Develop marketing communications, impact reports, event materials, and engagement strategies based on audience needs and organizational objectives.
- Developed a school spirit store website and selected merchandise assortments aligned with the school’s brand, customer base, and identity.
Retail Buyer & Stylist
LEIGHS OF WEST MICHIGAN
Grand Rapids, MI
01.2011 - 06.2022
- Managed buying and merchandising for apparel and accessories, overseeing assortment development, product selection, purchasing, inventory management, vendor relationships, and profitability.
- Developed product assortments based on customer preferences, market trends, seasonality, product performance, and business objectives.
- Negotiated vendor pricing and terms to secure competitive costs while maintaining product quality, assortment objectives, and profitability.
- Managed vendor relationships and purchase orders, ensuring timely delivery, appropriate inventory levels, and adherence to purchasing budgets.
- Evaluated vendor and product performance across merchandising categories to pinpoint opportunities for enhancing sales and profitability.
- Attended trade shows and industry conferences to research emerging trends, new products, brands, and competitive opportunities.
- Applied market knowledge and customer insights to make informed product and buying decisions.
- Provided personalized styling and customer service, cultivating strong client relationships and gaining insights into customer preferences and purchasing behavior.
Education
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) - Apparel Merchandising and Marketing
Central Michigan University
Mount Pleasant, MI05.2003
Skills
- Nonprofit Fundraising
- Community Outreach Programs
- Vendor relations
- Grant Negotiation
- Inventory management
- Revenue growth
- Market analysis
- Fundraising Performance Analysis
- Event Marketing Strategy
- Financial management
- Customer insights
- Donor Engagement Strategy
- Microsoft Office
- Google Workspace
- OneCause software
Personal Information
Title: RETAIL BUYING & CATEGORY MERCHANDISING | VENDOR RELATIONS | REVENUE & PROFITABILITY
Timeline
Development Director
ST. PAUL THE APOSTLE CATHOLIC CHURCH AND SCHOOL
07.2022 - Current
Retail Buyer & Stylist
LEIGHS OF WEST MICHIGAN
01.2011 - 06.2022
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) - Apparel Merchandising and Marketing
Central Michigan University