James Schmidt
Director Of Development
Lewes,DE
Summary
Innovative Director of Development with nearly 20 years of fundraising and management experience. Has a successful track record of meeting and exceeding measurable goals while nurturing a strong community in support of the organization's mission. Talented at leveraging staff and volunteer strengths, inspiring others, and leading by example.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Development
Cathedral School For Boys
San Francisco, CA
06.2005 - 08.2020
- Planned & implemented all school fundraising (over $50M over 15 years) including annual fund ($1.2M in 2020, increased by over 150%) & various capital/endowment campaigns (ranging from early $2M campaign to recent $20M effort);
- Increased major gifts ($10K+) significantly through targeted cultivation & stewardship efforts;
- Worked closely with Board of Trustees on strategic initiatives as part of school's leadership team;
- Hired and developed internal team of three, and managed freelance and external resources;
- Recruited & managed key volunteers to build community through various school programs and large-scale events, including annual Celebration/Auction, School's 50th and 60th Anniversaries, & several virtual gatherings (during pandemic);
- Managed & integrated efficient advancement systems for prospect research, donor management, and gift entry & acknowledgement (including Raiser's Edge);
- Oversaw effective marketing and communications strategies, including school website and magazine re-design and fiscal reporting;
- Wrote and submitted successful grant applications;
- Coordinated planned giving program and worked with donors to establish legacy opportunities;
- Created strategic partnerships with local organizations to further school's mission.
Associate Director of Development
The Urban School Of San Francisco
San Francisco, CA
03.2002 - 06.2005
- Supported successful fundraising (increasing AF & Auction revenue YOY);
- Coordinated community events (50+ volunteers and 350+ guests);
- Collected philanthropic, financial, and biographical information to compile detailed profiles on lead prospects;
- Provided writing & editorial assistance for various communications.
Executive Assistant to Head of Compliance
Enron Europe Limited
London, UK
11.2000 - 09.2001
Development Associate
Katherine Delmar Burke School
San Francisco, CA
12.1999 - 04.2000
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Film Studies & Business Administration
University of Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, PASkills
- Effective & Creative Fundraising
- Strategic Planning
- Systems Implementation
- Engaging Event Planning
- Strong Communication & PR
- Volunteer Recruitment & Training
Accomplishments
- Volunteer, CAMP Rehoboth Community Center (LGBT+ advocacy) 2022-present
- Volunteer, Rehoboth Beach Film Society (arts organization) 2020-2021
- Volunteer/Board Member, City Hope (serving marginalized SF community) 2016-2020
- Math Coach, MOEMS (Math Olympiads for Elementary & Middle Schools) 2017-2020
- Student Mentor, SMART (supporting underserved students) 2016-2017
- Member and National Conference Presenter (2012) for CASE/NAIS (Council for Advancement in Support of Education/National Association of Independent Schools) 2002-2020
- Planning Committee Member for ABADO (Association of Bay Area Development Officers) 2007-2016
- Member and Conference Presenter for CAPS (California Advancement Partnership for Schools) 2006-2016
- Board Member, The LAB (arts organization) 2008-2011
Timeline
Director of Development
Cathedral School For Boys
06.2005 - 08.2020
Associate Director of Development
The Urban School Of San Francisco
03.2002 - 06.2005
Executive Assistant to Head of Compliance
Enron Europe Limited
11.2000 - 09.2001
Development Associate
Katherine Delmar Burke School
12.1999 - 04.2000
Bachelor of Arts - Film Studies & Business Administration
University of Pittsburgh
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