Fundraising Strategy Development
Heather Sipes
Executive Director
Galesburg,IL
Summary
Accomplished nonprofit professional with over five years of experience in fundraising, donor relations, and development. Proven success in securing grants, managing donor life cycles, and implementing strategic fundraising initiatives. Exceptional communication skills with a talent for crafting compelling narratives that engage diverse audiences. Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, donor management platforms, and digital collaboration tools.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
2
2
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Executive Director
Galesburg Public Library Foundation
06.2019 - Current
- Developed and executed comprehensive fundraising strategies, including multi-channel campaigns, planned giving, and special events.
- Managed the donor life cycle by cultivating relationships, overseeing donor stewardship programs, and implementing appreciation initiatives that enhanced donor retention rates.
- Established and chaired the Fundraising Committee, setting and achieving annual development goals.
- Collaborated with the Board of Directors to align fundraising efforts with organizational objectives and strategic plans.
- Served as the primary spokesperson, effectively communicating the organization's mission and impact to stakeholders and the broader community.
Administrative Assistant
Galesburg Public Library
10.2016 - 10.2023
- Streamlined invoice processing procedures to ensure timely payment of vendors while minimizing errors in financial records.
- Maintained comprehensive records in compliance with retention policies, facilitating efficient information retrieval.
- Prepared materials for board meetings, recorded minutes, and managed official correspondence.
- Coordinated office supply inventory management, proactively ordering necessary items before depletion to avoid workflow disruptions.
- Streamlined office operations, implementing digital file management systems to reduce paper use and increase efficiency.
- Skilled in parliamentary procedure and proficient in using Robert’s Rules of Order to facilitate organized and effective meetings.
Accounts Payable/Customer Service
Office Speacialists, LLC
11.2007 - 05.2011
- Composed and distributed correspondence, managed customer databases, and provided administrative support to department managers.
- Processed invoices and managed accounts, ensuring timely payments and financial accuracy.
- Coordinated service appointments, facilitating seamless operations between clients and technical teams.
- Maintained organized records.
Education
Associate of Science -
01.2018 - 12.2019
Certification - Principles & Techniques of Fundraising
04.2025 - Current
Comprehensive course teaches the essential skills of effective fundraising. Focuses on proven fund development tools, enhancing fundraising abilities, and creating a strategic fundraising plan to drive organizational growth.
Certification - Fundraising Certificate Program
10.2022 - 12.2022
Basics of fundraising in key focus areas including:
- Donor Research
- Securing the Gift
- Relationship Building
- Volunteer Involvement
- Leadership and Management
- Ethics and Accountability
- Donor-centric communication
- Integrated, multi-channel fundraising program
Skills
Grant Management
Donor Cultivation and Stewardship
Direct Mail and Online Campaigns
Event Planning and Coordination
Financial Management and Budgeting
CRM Systems (eg, Bloomerang, Qgiv, Network for Good)
Microsoft Office Suite and Google Workspace
Effective Communication
Relationship Building
Strategic Planning
Leadership and Team Management
Adaptability and Problem-Solving
Attention to Detail
Ethical Decision-Making
Accomplishments
Galesburg Chamber of Commerce’s Five Over Forty Award (2024): Recognized for significant contributions to the community and professional excellence.
Affiliations
- Galesburg Rotary: Active Member (2024 – Present)
- CASA of West Central IL: Board Secretary (2024 – Present)
- Altrusa: Treasurer (2023 – Present)
- Women in Leadership: Member (2022 – Present)
- NAWBO: Member (2022 – Present)
- Galesburg Chamber of Commerce Ambassador: Secretary (2024 - Present)
Timeline
Indiana University - Certification, Principles & Techniques of Fundraising
04.2025 - Current
Temple University - Certification, Fundraising Certificate Program
10.2022 - 12.2022
Executive Director - Galesburg Public Library Foundation
06.2019 - Current
Carl Sandburg College - Associate of Science,
01.2018 - 12.2019
Administrative Assistant - Galesburg Public Library
10.2016 - 10.2023
Accounts Payable/Customer Service - Office Speacialists, LLC
11.2007 - 05.2011
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