Heidi Ann Coates
Sterling Heights,MI
Summary
Dynamic philanthropic leader with a 38-year track record of driving impactful initiatives, building strategic relationships, and exceeding fundraising goals. Expertise in collaboration and advisory roles enhances institutional support and engagement.
Overview
39
39
years of professional experience
Work History
AVP Foundation Relations and Strategic Initiatives
Wayne State University
Detroit, MI
05.2024 - 07.2025
- Established interdisciplinary fundraising strategies and implemented plans across multiple schools, colleges, and units to raise individual, foundation, and corporate funds for key initiatives during the silent phase of the university's comprehensive campaign.
- Cultivated and solicited principal-level foundation gifts at the seven-figure and above level, and stewarded several national and local funders in partnership with university leadership.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to align project goals and objectives.
AVP Office Business Engagement/Strategic Partners
Wayne State University
Detroit, MI
04.2023 - 05.2024
- At the request of President M. Roy Wilson led work with his cabinet members to create a central office responsible for establishing and implementing strategies to break down institutional silos, with the aim of increasing philanthropic and other support to further the university's urban-serving teaching and research goals.
- Promoted to Sr. AVP of Office of Business Engagement and Strategic Initiatives.
AVP, Corporate and Foundation Relations
Wayne State University
Detroit, Michigan
10.2012 - 03.2023
- Established and managed the university's corporate and foundation relations department to engage faculty and staff to raise $192 million from local, national, and global corporations and foundations.
- Served in development leadership throughout the Pivotal Moments comprehensive campaign and exceeded the goal, raising a total of $776 million.
- Directed a staff of 14 to create and implement fundraising plans; worked with the Office of the Vice President of Research to establish and implement policies and procedures to improve collaboration; supported and wrote submissions and reviews of over 250 proposals annually; created a prospect research program and tracking systems; and implemented solicitation and stewardship plans for 13 schools in collaboration with deans and faculty.
- Served as a key advisor to the president, provost, and vice presidents to establish and implement strategies to strengthen relationships and increase support from corporations, foundations, and executive leaders.
- Convened stakeholders to negotiate public-private partnerships and secure broad support at the six-seven figure level for key initiatives.
Development and Marketing Director
The Greening of Detroit
Detroit, Michigan
10.1998 - 10.2012
- Responsible for all fund development activities, including board of directors and leadership training and management, volunteer and donor relations, campaign development and implementation, principal giving, major gifts, annual fund, foundation and corporate gifts and sponsorships, government grants, and special events to raise annual support of $7 million.
- Secured restricted project support of $15 million to implement reforestation projects, urban agriculture programs, workforce development initiatives, and environmental education efforts throughout Detroit, in partnership with the City of Detroit and Detroit Public Schools.
- Worked with the board of directors to establish a marketing committee, and created and implemented an organizational communications plan and social media campaign to increase giving and recruit 4,000 volunteers annually.
Asst. Director-Foundation/Government Relations
Detroit Symphony Orchestra
Detroit, MI
10.1998 - 10.1999
- Prepared written proposals, applications, and supporting documents for annual operating support from fifty foundations and three government agencies, raising $4.7 million.
- Managed the capital campaign foundation and government grants, including the City of Detroit Block Grant for Orchestra Hall's restoration.
- Established prospect research and developed briefs for corporate, foundation, and individual giving.
Development Director
Detroit Artists Market
Detroit, MI
06.1994 - 09.1998
- Created a first-time development program and worked with the board of directors and volunteers to raise annual operating support of $1.2 million from individuals, corporations, and foundations.
- Raised restricted project support of $144,000 for young and emerging artists seeking to create and exhibit new works of contemporary art.
- Managed and developed strategies for the VanDusen Endowment Challenge Campaign in partnership with the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan to establish the organization's first endowment.
Assoc. Development Director/Legislative Liaison
Concerned Citizens for the Arts in Michigan
Detroit, MI
11.1989 - 06.1994
- Worked with the Michigan Council for the Arts to create a statewide strategic plan used to advocate and lobby for increased government funding, and the launch of a millage campaign.
- Worked with the committee to host the annual Governor's Arts Awards, a statewide fundraising event recognizing accomplished Michigan artists, performers, and writers, attracting over 1,000 guests annually.
- Developed and launched the first-time annual fund campaign, increasing giving by 195%.
Asst. Director Community Programs/Financial Coordinator
Michigan Opera Theater
Detroit, MI
09.1986 - 02.1988
- Worked with the artistic director and the director of community programs to establish education programs and fundraising strategies for the Dayton Opera, Opera Pacific, and Michigan Opera Theater's education departments, and supported the mainstage productions.
- Created budgets and maintained accounting systems for a statewide residency tour, the Overture to Opera company, and over 300 education and outreach activities annually.
- Established and managed a statewide funding research and grant preparation service for school districts and non-profit organizations.
Education
Bachelor of Music - Music Industry Management/Vocal Music Performance
Wayne State University
Detroit, MI12-1986
Skills
- Philanthropic leader for thirty-eight years, established and fostered strategic relationships with individuals, corporations, foundations, institutional leaders, and civic leaders to raise crucial support for causes ranging from the arts and the environment to higher education
- Key advisor and trusted consultant to boards of directors, institutional leaders, non-profit organizations, government officials, and colleagues
- Highly effective and entrepreneurial director and supervisor responsible for managing internal and external teams to exceed ambitious goals
- Lead negotiator of intricate public-private partnership agreements
- Skilled convener of diverse stakeholders and an ability to foster respect and realize positive outcomes
- Enthusiastic team player, strategic planner, creative problem solver, and passionate learner
Affiliations
- Metropolitan Detroit Chorale Board Member/Artistic Staff
- McREST Homeless shelter volunteer/St. Mark Lutheran Church
- Previous Connect 313 Board Member
- Association of Fundraising Professionals
- Network of Corporate Relations Officers (NACRO)
- INFORUM
Accomplishments
- 2023 Crains Notable Leaders in Fundraising award recipient
- Wayne State University Presidential Strategic Planning Committee member
- Wayne State University Social Justice Action Committee member
- Wayne State University/City of Detroit Detroit Health Summit Committee member
- Wayne Women Lead mentor
Timeline
AVP Foundation Relations and Strategic Initiatives
Wayne State University
05.2024 - 07.2025
AVP Office Business Engagement/Strategic Partners
Wayne State University
04.2023 - 05.2024
AVP, Corporate and Foundation Relations
Wayne State University
10.2012 - 03.2023
Development and Marketing Director
The Greening of Detroit
10.1998 - 10.2012
Asst. Director-Foundation/Government Relations
Detroit Symphony Orchestra
10.1998 - 10.1999
Development Director
Detroit Artists Market
06.1994 - 09.1998
Assoc. Development Director/Legislative Liaison
Concerned Citizens for the Arts in Michigan
11.1989 - 06.1994
Asst. Director Community Programs/Financial Coordinator
Michigan Opera Theater
09.1986 - 02.1988
Bachelor of Music - Music Industry Management/Vocal Music Performance
Wayne State University
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