Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Websites
Timeline
James E. Ciszewski

James E. Ciszewski

Individual Giving and Special Events Officer
Jersey City,NJ

Summary

Dynamic fundraising professional with a proven track record, excelling in client relationship management and strategic partnerships. Successfully launched multi-channel campaigns, enhancing donor engagement and retention. Proficient in Salesforce, I thrive in project management and event planning, driving significant revenue growth through innovative strategies and compelling storytelling.

Overview

12
12
years of professional experience

Work History

Individual Giving and Special Events Officer

New York Cares
New York
01.2025 - 03.2025
  • Developed and executed multi-channel annual giving campaigns (email, direct mail, social, phone) targeting mid-level donors giving under $1,000, raising significant unrestricted revenue.
  • Wrote compelling copy and segmented appeals based on donor behavior and engagement history, leading to higher open rates, donor retention, and revenue growth.
  • Conducted A/B testing on subject lines, messaging, and send timing using Mailchimp to optimize performance and inform future strategy.
  • Partnered with Communications and Programs teams to align messaging with organizational campaigns like National Volunteer Week, Stand with Students, and Brews and Views, strengthening brand integration and supporter engagement.
  • Managed a coordinated donor communications calendar and ensured messaging consistency across departments.
  • Identified and cultivated mid-level donors for upgrade into major giving pipeline, supporting long-term revenue growth.
  • Launched and managed a peer-to-peer giving program (“Cares Champions”) to expand reach and deepen donor engagement.
  • Oversaw annual fundraising appeals, including direct mail, email, monthly giving, workplace giving, and matching gift solicitations.

Philanthropic Giving Manager (Contract)

Teachers College, Columbia University
New York
01.2025 - 03.2025
  • Supported APV in executing strategies for high-net-worth donors, helping drive major revenue through coordinated portfolio management and strategic planning.
  • Maintained donor database, tracked communications, and coordinated internal workflows, including portfolio assignments, approval processes, and fundraising timelines.
  • Drafted donor correspondence, proposals, and stewardship reports; prepared meeting materials and briefings; and managed vendor relationships for planned giving programs.

Manager of Individual Giving

INCLUDEnyc
New York
07.2022 - 11.2024
  • Oversaw all aspects of donor cultivation and solicitation efforts, including direct mail, digital appeals, social media fundraisers, third-party charitable giving partnerships, and special events.
  • Cultivated relationships with a portfolio of 100 major stakeholders, securing major donations and corporate support.
  • Developed engaging fundraising campaigns that utilized a variety of channels to secure new donors and cultivate existing ones.
  • Conceived and managed special events, such as INCLUDEnyc’s 40th Anniversary, Annual Breakfast Fundraiser, and Inaugural 5K Event.
  • Collaborated with communications and operations teams to create fundraising materials and support Individual Giving strategies.
  • Established new CRM processes and protocols, and trained employees on these new systems.
  • Co-chaired Employee Resource Group, hosted monthly meetings, and organized annual event.

Development Coordinator

Women in Need, Inc. (WIN)
New York
11.2018 - 06.2022
  • Provided support planning and coordinating vendor payments for high-profile special events, including the junior board event "The WIN Impact Party" and the annual gala "The Way to Win Dinner".
  • Developed and implemented a strategic fundraising plan, including creating content, cultivating community partnerships, coordinating mass mailings, tracking revenue and expenses, and ensuring timely donor acknowledgments.
  • Drafting donor acknowledgments, campaign mailing to existing and potential major gift donors on behalf of Former Speaker of the New York City Council, and current WIN CEO Christine Quinn.

Development Associate, Donor Relations

The Archdiocese of New York
New York
04.2018 - 10.2018
  • Supported the planning and execution of the annual Alfred E. Smith Memorial Foundation Dinner, a high-profile event that raised $3.8 million in 2018.
  • Developed and implemented fundraising event and campaign strategies, including goals, vendor management, and timeline coordination.
  • Created marketing materials to promote campaigns and events, such as invitations, brochures, and pledge forms.

Account Manager

The New York Blood Center
New York
09.2013 - 04.2017
  • Planned and executed blood drive events for 250+ accounts annually, engaging over 10,000 participants across diverse sectors including tech, healthcare, education, media, law enforcement, and community-based organizations.
  • Managed and cultivated a client portfolio, partnering with senior leadership to improve the donor experience, streamline operations, and increase donation outcomes.
  • Analyzed account performance and drive history to develop tailored strategies that boosted donor turnout and improved blood collection results.

Education

Certificate - Nonprofit Management

Manhattan College, New York, NY
10.2021

Bachelor of Arts - History

The Catholic University of America, Washington, DC
05.2012

Skills

  • Client relationship management
  • Social media strategy
  • Strategic partnerships
  • Public speaking
  • Project management
  • Event planning
  • Salesforce and Razor's Edge proficiency
  • Microsoft Office expertise

Timeline

Individual Giving and Special Events Officer - New York Cares
01.2025 - 03.2025
Philanthropic Giving Manager (Contract) - Teachers College, Columbia University
01.2025 - 03.2025
Manager of Individual Giving - INCLUDEnyc
07.2022 - 11.2024
Development Coordinator - Women in Need, Inc. (WIN)
11.2018 - 06.2022
Development Associate, Donor Relations - The Archdiocese of New York
04.2018 - 10.2018
Account Manager - The New York Blood Center
09.2013 - 04.2017
Manhattan College - Certificate, Nonprofit Management
The Catholic University of America - Bachelor of Arts, History

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