JASON BENNETT WARD
Philadelphia,PA
Summary
Seasoned fundraising executive with a proven track record of elevating philanthropic revenue. As an expert in donor cultivation and CRM management, I excel at strategic planning and high-level donor communications. I am skilled in event planning and leveraging data-driven strategies for growth. I collaborate cross-departmentally and across large organizations to uncover the core storytelling that motivates donors' hearts and minds.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Institutional Advancement
Academy of Vocal Arts
Philadelphia, PA
04.2023 - Current
- Oversee all fundraising activities and staff of 4
- Generate more than $2.5 million in annual revenue
- Increased major donor ($5,000+) portfolio by 22%
- Recruited 6 new board members not previously in the pipeline
- Implemented prospect management processes and procedures resulting in the largest single gift in AVA's history
- Grew low and mid-level donor households by 44% and revenue by 35%
Lecturer - Artist Administration & Museum Leadership
Drexel University
Philadelphia, PA
05.2017 - Current
- Topics covered: Digital Fundraising techniques, CRM history and usage in nonprofits, Digital Marketing and Patron Development practice and principals
Digital Membership Manager
WHYY, Inc.
Philadelphia, PA
08.2022 - 04.2023
- Managed 2 direct reports and department budget of $75,000
- Oversee all digital communications to the Philadelphia region's largest membership file (130,000+), including enewsletters and solicitations, SMS and MMS campaigns, digital advertising, and website presence
- Achieved 6% year-over-year digital revenue growth
Vice President of Institutional Advancement
The Philly POPS
Philadelphia, PA
07.2021 - 08.2022
- Manage 5+ direct reports and departmental budgets over $1.2 million
- Oversee all patron-derived revenue from Development and Marketing, Media Relations, and PR
- Generate more than $5 million in revenue
- Planning and implementing all digital and creative resources, advertising, and promotions, paid and earned media, public relations, social media, and individual giving campaigns
- Content management and creation of new business opportunities for touring and marketing original content, institutional advancement through the implementation of branding, and digital cultivation strategies
Director of Constituent Engagement
Curtis Institute of Music
Philadelphia, PA
10.2017 - 06.2021
- Oversaw annual giving, marketing, and audience engagement
- Managed a portfolio of 50 alumni and volunteers
- Annual giving increased from $3.2 million to $5.6 million over 3 fiscal years
- Structured Curtis' first digitally integrated international direct response program, incorporating designed pieces, digital campaign integration with social media, google retargeting ads, USPS Informed Delivery, call centers, and Volunteer fundraising
- Alumni and Parent funds increased 150%, with new and increased gifts representing 22% of total funds raised
- Oversaw budgets totaling more than $600,000 and manage 2+ full-time staff
- Created Curtis' first multi-channel marketing and communications plan; 15% rise in e-mail open rates and a 20% growth in CTO rates
- Collaborated with Admissions to incorporate alumni in the admissions process through the creation of a nationally unique alumni referral pilot program
Director of External Affairs
The Philly POPS
Philadelphia, PA
01.2015 - 10.2017
- Drove revenue growth 70%+ over 3 fiscal years and oversaw all development operations
- One full-time direct report, one part-time direct report, and 3 interns
- Created annual giving campaign
- Successfully reenergized broad-base fundraising efforts, the number of unique donors grew 210% over two years
- Organized and directed a year-round program major gifts program, and cultivated new prospects; 67% increase in revenue and 25% increase in new major donors over 2 fiscal years
- Executed all Special Projects for the POPS, including Galas, Educational Concerts, and partnership opportunities, raising over $3 million total in contributed revenue
Program Coordinator, Learning & Leadership Development
The League of American Orchestras (LAO)
New York, NY
10.2013 - 12.2014
- Supported content development and logistics for the League's 800-attendee national conference
- Redesigned curriculum and oversaw on-site seminar logistics for Emerging Leaders Program, Essentials of Orchestra Management Seminar, attendance and applications rose 25%
- Coordinated administration of two national grant programs for member orchestras in Education and Community Engagement and Board Governance, approximately $430,000 awarded
Education
Certificate - Digital Marketing
Drexel University, Goodwin School of Professional Studies
Philadelphia, PAPrinciples - Fundraising
Villanova University, College of Professional Studies
Villanova, PAMaster of Music - French Horn Performance
University of North Carolina School of the Arts
Winston-Salem, NCBachelor of Music - French Horn Performance
University of North Carolina School of the Arts
Winston-Salem, NCSkills
- Donor relations & Stewardship
- Planned Giving
- Prospect Managment Research
- Major Gifts Programs
- Annual Giving & Membership
- Staff Development
Timeline
Director of Institutional Advancement
Academy of Vocal Arts
04.2023 - Current
Digital Membership Manager
WHYY, Inc.
08.2022 - 04.2023
Vice President of Institutional Advancement
The Philly POPS
07.2021 - 08.2022
Director of Constituent Engagement
Curtis Institute of Music
10.2017 - 06.2021
Lecturer - Artist Administration & Museum Leadership
Drexel University
05.2017 - Current
Director of External Affairs
The Philly POPS
01.2015 - 10.2017
Program Coordinator, Learning & Leadership Development
The League of American Orchestras (LAO)
10.2013 - 12.2014
Certificate - Digital Marketing
Drexel University, Goodwin School of Professional Studies
Principles - Fundraising
Villanova University, College of Professional Studies
Master of Music - French Horn Performance
University of North Carolina School of the Arts
Bachelor of Music - French Horn Performance
University of North Carolina School of the Arts
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