Jennifer Franz
Pittsburgh,PA
Summary
Strategic and results-driven fundraising leader with 20+ years of experience driving revenue growth, building donor relationships, and delivering high-impact campaigns for nonprofits. Proven success designing innovative initiatives, exceeding financial goals, managing multi-channel programs, and creating donor stewardship systems that deepen engagement.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Development
Cystic Fibrosis Foundation – Western Pennsylvania Chapter
01.2020 - 05.2025
- Founded the Community Challenge year-end giving campaign, uniting 10 community leaders to create a $65K matching pool in 2020; inspired $102K in community matched gifts.
- Expanded and sustained the program annually through 2024, raising $750K+ and attracting new donor families every year.
- Led Corporate Cup event fundraising to record success, securing 100% of sponsorship opportunities in both 2023 and 2024 by expanding sponsor packages and implementing competitive fundraising incentives.
- Increased team participation and donor engagement by introducing new outreach strategies, doubling fundraising points as an added motivator, and building stronger partnerships with regional companies.
- Developed innovative donor stewardship programs to engage grandparents of people with CF:
- Gratitude Days (2022) — mobilized grandparents as volunteers to thank high-level donors and sponsors through personal outreach, while generating social media buzz with posts from volunteers and recipients.
- Grampy Awards (2023) — designed and produced a FB Live awards event featuring videos submitted by families with CF, honoring grandparents with personalized awards and mailed recognitions.
- As event lead for Cycle for Life, negotiated with the City of Pittsburgh, trail partners, and vendors for an 80% reduction in event expenses, exceeding fundraising goals two years in a row and raising $195K+ total.
- Created a comprehensive donor acknowledgement process tailored by giving level and campaign, incorporating phone calls, handwritten notes, volunteer “why” messages, and personal videos from people with CF, families, and bereaved parents — resulting in highly meaningful, well-received recognition.
Marketing Project Coordinator
SAE International
01.2015 - 01.2019
- Managed operational strategy, vendor relations, and delivery for a $2.5M marketing budget.
- Led rapid implementation of Workfront project management software, scaling usage from 50 to 315 users in two years through training, adoption planning, and process optimization.
- Developed process improvements to reduce turnaround time, resolve system issues, and streamline workflows.
Director of Non-Profit Advancement
Multi Print Media
01.2013 - 01.2015
- Generated $100K+ in new nonprofit business revenue in first year through targeted client acquisition and contract negotiation.
- Counseled nonprofit leaders on fundraising and event strategies; created educational resources including 15 project-management training videos.
Director of Development
The ALS Association – Western Pennsylvania Chapter
01.2009 - 01.2013
- Raised $2.1M+ in four years through events, sponsorships, and individual giving campaigns.
- Increased annual corporate sponsorship by 350% for Walk to Defeat ALS(R), accounting for 75% of annual operating budget.
- Recognized by the CDC for innovative outreach and education campaign design.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Project Management
Bellevue University
Bellevue, NE01.2019
Skills
- Relationship builder
- Community creator
- Fundraising expertise
- Revenue projections
- Quality control
- Succession planner
Timeline
Director of Development
Cystic Fibrosis Foundation – Western Pennsylvania Chapter
01.2020 - 05.2025
Marketing Project Coordinator
SAE International
01.2015 - 01.2019
Director of Non-Profit Advancement
Multi Print Media
01.2013 - 01.2015
Director of Development
The ALS Association – Western Pennsylvania Chapter
01.2009 - 01.2013
Bachelor of Science - Project Management
Bellevue University
Similar Profiles
Christopher J. CollinsChristopher J. Collins
Volunteer at Cystic Fibrosis Foundation - Western PennsylvaniaVolunteer at Cystic Fibrosis Foundation - Western Pennsylvania
Bailee GoldmanBailee Goldman
Teen Advocate at Cystic Fibrosis Foundation- WNY ChapterTeen Advocate at Cystic Fibrosis Foundation- WNY Chapter
Jennie NilssonJennie Nilsson
Community Support Worker at Cystic Fibrosis Western AustraliaCommunity Support Worker at Cystic Fibrosis Western Australia
Talia JunTalia Jun
Nail Technician at Self-employedNail Technician at Self-employed
JUSTIN BAIERLJUSTIN BAIERL
Financial Advisor at Kades MargolisFinancial Advisor at Kades Margolis