Jerri L. Schooley
Fort Worth
Summary
Fundraising professional with a strong track record in developing strategic initiatives and managing projects to enhance fundraising efforts. Expertise in aligning action plans with institutional objectives to drive successful outcomes. Committed to embracing change and implementing improvements for optimal results.
Overview
33
33
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Assistant Vice President for Development & Strategic Partnerships
Texas A&M Foundation, College Station, Texas
College Station
06.2023 - Current
- Company Overview: An incorporated 5013 entity serving as the fundraising organization supporting Texas A&M University, a comprehensive research university with an enrollment of 72,000 and a former student base exceeding 600,000
- Responsible for leading principal and major gift fundraising to support the construction and development of a new Texas A&M innovation campus in downtown Fort Worth. Work in collaboration with the leadership teams of the Texas A&M System, Texas A&M University, Texas A&M Foundation, and the Fort Worth/Tarrant County Innovation Partnership, a location business and civic partner, to align capital fundraising with the strategic goals and aspirations for the new Texas A&M-Fort Worth campus.
- Texas A&M-Fort Worth is the anchor for a technology and innovation district planned around the City of Fort Worth’s proposed innovation district. The campus will provide research and education coupled with workforce development and private industry engagement.
- Notable Accomplishments:
- - Launched a $40 million fundraising initiative to support the first phase of a multi-disciplinary innovation campus and silent phase of a broader capital campaign. Within 18 months, gifts and pledge commitments secured exceed $23.5 million (60% of goal).
- - Developed marketing and solicitation collateral, including campus positioning statement, case for support, campus brochure, presentation deck, and solicitation proposal.
- - Recruited 20-member council to serve as project champions, ambassadors, and advisors.
- - Executed two community information sessions to communicate the scope, plans, construction, academic programs, economic impact and aspirations of Texas A&M-Fort Worth. Attendance for these sessions exceeded more than 150 participants including foundation representatives, business and industry leader, project stakeholders, and community advocates.
Vice President for University Advancement
Texas Wesleyan University, Fort Worth, Texas
Fort Worth
03.2020 - 07.2023
- Company Overview: A private liberal arts university with an enrollment of 2,600 and an alumni base of approximately 20,000
- Responsible for overseeing fundraising goals and accomplishing objectives as defined by the Board of Trustees, President, and executive staff. Worked with the President, Board, senior administration, and faculty to develop engagement strategies to cultivate and solicit principal and major gifts. Served as an advisor in all advancement endeavors of the University. Managed an advancement team of twelve, including development operations, alumni relations, advancement services, foundation relations, and sponsored research.
- Notable Accomplishments:
- - FY21 - Completed a $2M capital campaign for the Graduate Program in Nurse Anesthesia Simulation Lab; exceeded the annual Wesleyan Fund goal by 12%, raising $678,000; exceeded new philanthropy goal (outright gifts and new pledges) by 8%, raising more than $4.9 million; and completed a fundraising feasibility study which included 129 personal interviews and 302 online surveys.
- - FY22 - Launched leadership phase of Engage. Inspire. Invest. A Comprehensive Campaign with a tentative working goal of $40.375 million; increased outright gifts and new pledges in 2021-22 to $15.1 million, setting a historic record for the University and exceeding the previous year’s new philanthropy by 67%.
- - FY23 - In two years, secured more than 74% ($30 million) of the Engage. Inspire. Invest. Comprehensive Campaign.
Associate Vice President for University Advancement
Texas Wesleyan University, Fort Worth, Texas
Fort Worth
03.2015 - 06.2018
- Responsible for implementing fundraising tactics, and supervising the day-to-day operations of the annual fund, major gifts, and planned giving programs. Worked in partnership with the President, Vice President for University Advancement, development staff, and other campus leaders to identify and engage potential major donors, and develop strategies to solicit contributions. Supervised and coached a development team of three, Senior Director of Development, Director of the Annual Fund, and Development Coordinator. Served as a liaison between the Athletic Department and the Office of Advancement, providing support and assistance to Athletic fundraising.
- Notable Accomplishments:
- - Increased the number of annual fund donors by 22% from 907 in 2015 to 1162 in 2018
- - Increased alumni giving by 19% from $32 in 2015 to 1156 in 2018
- - Increased annual fund gifts by 17% from $476,000 in 2015 to $572,000 in 2018
- - Increased annual fund gifts in 2016 to $725,000; a record for the University and exceeding the previous year’s support by 34%
- - Increased alumni giving in 2016 to 1237 (approx. 8% of alumni base); a record for the University and exceeding the previous year’s participation by 25%
- - Aided the President and Vice President for Advancement in raising $20.25 million in philanthropic support for the Martin University Center; resulting in a 150% increase to the University’s annual average of private philanthropy in three years
- - Coordinated the Annual Fort Worth Business Hall of Fame, a collaborative partnership with the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce and Fort Worth Business Press, resulting in event proceeds of over $350,000 to support scholarships in the School of Business
Assistant Vice President for Major Gifts
Texas A&M Foundation, College Station, Texas
College Station
06.2014 - 03.2015
- Responsible for leading the major gift fundraising initiative for a comprehensive health science center comprised of six academic components - medicine, dental, nursing, pharmacy, public health, and medical research. Served as the administrative liaison between the Health Science Center and the Texas A&M Foundation. Supervised and coached a development team of four, including three Major Gift Officers. Established campaign structure and plan for the Health Science Center’s Campaign to Transform Health, a first-ever comprehensive campaign.
- Notable Accomplishments:
- - Collaborated with the CEO/Executive Vice President, Academic Deans, and Major Gift Officers to define $100 million in funding priorities consistent with the goals of the Health Science Center
- - Developed campaign case brochure outlining the overarching objectives of the Health Science Center’s Campaign to Transform Health
- - Coordinated electronic wealth screening of more than 2500 prospect/donor records resulting in the identification of $195 million in giving potential
- - Strategized and conducted prospect/donor visits with the CEO/Executive Vice President, Academic Deans, and development team soliciting more than $12 million and raising $3 million in philanthropic support
Interim Vice President for Development
University of Texas, Arlington, Texas
Arlington
08.2013 - 05.2014
- Company Overview: A comprehensive research university with an enrollment of 33,000 and an alumni base of approximately 165,000
- Responsible for working with university leadership, the UT Arlington Development Board, and the Office of Development staff to raise operational and endowed funds. Supervised major gift fundraising, annual giving, gift planning, corporate and foundation relations, and advancement services. Staffed the UT Arlington Development Board, which is a volunteer leadership board that serves to advance the University through their active involvement, advocacy, and support. Served on the President’s administrative council.
- Notable Accomplishments:
- - Increased outright gifts and new pledges in 2012-13 to $22.6 million; a historical record for the University and exceeding the previous record by 20%
- - Increased by 400% the University’s annual average of private philanthropy in four years
- - Increased the number of major gift donors by 63% from 127 in 2009 to more than 200 by 2013
- - Increased the number of endowment funds by 60% from 353 in 2009 to 592 in 2013
- - Aided the President and Vice President for Development in raising $10 million in philanthropic support for the College Park Center Campaign
- - Key player in the University’s efforts to initiate its first comprehensive campaign; coordinated the scheduling of 100 feasibility study interviews with alumni, foundations, corporate representatives and other stakeholders
Associate Vice President for Development
University of Texas, Arlington, Texas
Arlington
03.2009 - 08.2013
- Responsible for providing direction to the major gift fundraising efforts through goal setting, strategic planning, team coaching, and the strengthening of relationships between the University and major gift prospects and donors. Worked collaboratively with university leadership, including the President, Provost, Vice President for Development, Academic Deans, and Athletic Director, to identify donor investment opportunities. Supervised nine Directors of Development, two Senior Researchers, and Coordinator of Prospect Management.
Sr. Director of Development for the College of Business
University of Texas, Arlington, Texas
Arlington
02.2007 - 02.2009
- Responsible for leading all fundraising efforts in the College of Business. Set fundraising goals, cultivated relationships, conducted solicitations, and reported solicitation and giving activity.
- Notable Accomplishments:
- - Raised $3 million in support for The Goolsby Leadership Academy
- - Secured 16 new endowed scholarships
- - Restructured and staffed a 40-member advisory council
- - Facilitated a peer-to-peer review process with two volunteer committees to identify potential new donors in the Dallas and Fort Worth areas
- - Organized the 2008 Business Week Executive Luncheon for more than 275 guests; the first major Business Week lunch event of its kind for the college
Executive Vice President
J. F. Smith Group, Inc., Auburn, Alabama
Auburn
11.1995 - 02.2007
- Company Overview: An independent fundraising consulting firm specializing in feasibility studies and campaign management
- Responsible for providing fundraising counsel and guidance to non-profit organizations. Trained, supervised, and evaluated a team of ten Project Managers. Managed external operations and client services, monitored quality controls, and assured consistency in operational standards. Clients included higher education, private and independent schools, social service agencies, and Christian ministries.
- Notable Accomplishments:
- - Provided competent campaign counsel, collectively resulting in more than $55M in private philanthropic support (see attached list of clients)
- - Designed Microsoft Access database to assist clients with tracking and reporting prospect/donor management and solicitation activities
Development Coordinator
University of Missouri, Rolla, Missouri
Rolla
10.1994 - 10.1995
- Company Overview: A research university with an enrollment of 5500 and an alumni base of 20,000 from the School of Engineering
- Responsible for coordinating giving society communications and stewardship for the School of Engineering. Worked with senior development staff, faculty, department chairs, and dean to cultivation, solicitation, and steward annual fund donors.
- Notable Accomplishments:
- - Raised $40,000 through memberships to The Order of the Golden Shillelagh
- - Raised $10,000 to endow the Minority Engineering Management Scholarship
- - Raised $5,000 in support of the UMR Academy of Mechanical Engineers
- - Organized the establishment of the UMR Academy of Mechanical Engineers
- - Organized the establishment of the Dean’s Annual Giving Club for the School of Engineering
- - Coordinated the Spring `95 annual meeting of the UMR Corporate Development Council
Director of Financial Aid / Marketing Coordinator
Rolla Technical Institute, Rolla, Missouri
Rolla
06.1992 - 10.1994
- Company Overview: A vocational education institution providing skilled training and technical education for both secondary and adult students
- Responsible for managing and administering Title IV Federal Financial Aid programs, including Pell Grants and Student Loans. Additionally, led a ten-member marketing committee charged with the task of promoting a positive image of vocational education and encouraging community involvement. The marketing committee initiated an effort to change the name of the Rolla Area Vocational Technical School to its current name of Rolla Technical Institute.
Education
BBA - Marketing
University of Mary Hardin-Baylor
Belton, Texas12.1991
AA - Business
Temple College
Temple, Texas05.1989
Skills
- Fundraising strategy
- Major gifts solicitation
- Campaign management
- Prospect research
- Donor stewardship
- Financial analysis
Certification
- QuickBooks Online Certification, (October 2019)
- Certified Fund-Raising Executive, CFRE Professional Certification Board, (June 2000)
Volunteer Experience
Rotary Club of Fort Worth, Fort Worth, Texas, Present, Women’s Event Coordinator, Frontline Church, Ramstein, Germany (2019), Leadership Fort Worth, Class of 2017, Conference Program Chair, 2016 CASE District IV Conference, Dallas, TX, Major Gifts Track Chair, 2016 CASE District IV Conference, Dallas, TX, Rotary Club of East Fort Worth, President-Elect, Member (2016 – 2018), Council for the Advancement and Support of Education (CASE), Member (2007 - 2018), Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP), Member (1997-2014)
Training
- CASE District IV Conference, Austin, TX Presenter: Fundraising 101 (April 2015)
- UT System Seminar, Austin, TX Presenter: Basic Principles for Fundraising Success (February 2014)
- Council for the Advancement and Support of Education (CASE), Pittsburg, PA Chair: Workshop for Newcomers in Development (February 2013) Chair: Introduction to Solicitation (February 2013)
- Council for the Advancement and Support of Education (CASE), Denver, CO Faculty: Workshop for Newcomers in Development (March 2012) Faculty: Introduction to Solicitation (March 2012)
- Council for the Advancement and Support of Education (CASE), Providence, RI Faculty: Workshop for Newcomers in Development (March 2011) Faculty: Introduction to Solicitation (March 2011)
- Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP), Arlington, TX Faculty: Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) Review Course: Marketing and Communications for Fundraising and Development (June 2010)
- UT System Seminar, Austin, TX Presenter: Balance Fundraising (November 2008)
- CASE District VI Conference, St. Louis, MO Presenter: Characteristics of a Successful Development Officer (January 2006)
- The Center for Non-Profit Management, Dallas, TX Presenter: Characteristics of a Successful Development Director (September 2003)
- Troy State University Phenix City, AL Faculty: Continuing Education 8-Week Program, Major Gift Fund-raising (Spring Semester 2002)
- Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Central Alabama Chapter, Montgomery, AL Presenter: Donor Cultivation: Moves Management (February 2001)
- Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) Presenter: Develop and present seminars on how to implement various principles and strategies for successful fundraising (1996-2007)
- Missouri Vocational Education Marketing Council (MOVECO), Rolla, MO Presenter: Promoting Positive School Image and Community Relations (1993-1995)
J.F. SMITH GROUP, INC. CLIENT LISTING
- Executive Counsel: 2002 – 2007
- The Oakridge School, Arlington, TX Securing the Legacy Phase II Campaign / Raised $1.3M
- Harding Academy, Memphis, TN Moving in Faith Campaign / Raised $1.4M
- Brentwood School, Sandersonville, GA Commitment to Excellence Campaign / Raised $300,000
- Wesleyan Christian Academy, High Point, NC Excellence by Design Campaign / Raised $1.7M
- Westminster Christian School, Miami, FL Building on the Foundation of Christ Campaign / Raised $1.6M
- Trinity School, Rutherfordton, NC Building On The Legacy Campaign / Raised $775,000
- Magnolia Heights School, Senatobia, MS Magnolia Reaching New Heights Campaign / Raised $2.4M
- Washington Christian Academy, Silver Spring, MD Building the Promise Campaign / Raised $2.2M
- Covenant Christian School, Tuscumbia, AL Moving Forward in Faith Campaign / Raised $345,000
- Jacksonville State University, Jacksonville, AL Power of 125 Campaign / Raised $23M
- Children’s Harbor, Alexander City, AL Building Bridges of Hope Campaign / Raised $2M
- The Oakridge School, Arlington, TX Securing the Legacy Phase I Major Gifts Program / Raised $2M
- Crossgate Christian Academy, Hot Springs, AR Gateway to Crossgate Campaign / Raised $700,000
- College Heights Christian School, Gallatin, TN Moving for in Faith Campaign / Raised $400,000
- Providence Academy, Johnson City, TN Trusting in God’s Providence Campaign / Raised $1.2M
- Restoration Academy, Birmingham, AL Restoring Hope Campaign / Raised $2.1M
- Auburn University Athletic Department, Auburn, AL The Legends Campaign / Raised $50M
- Campaign Project Manager: 1997 - 2002
- Briarcrest Christian School, Memphis, TN Moving Forward in Faith Campaign / Raised $3.2M
- Charlotte Christian School, Charlotte, NC To Champion a Meaningful Legacy Campaign / Raised $2.1M
- Evangelical Christian School, Memphis, TN Foundation for the Future Campaign / Raised $1.7M
- Harding Academy, Memphis, TN Enhancing the Legacy Campaign / Raised $1.4M
- St. Joseph Christian School, St. Joseph, MO The Nehemiah Project / Raised $1.5M
- Tipton Rosemark Academy, Millington, TN A Tradition of Excellence Campaign / Raised $550,000
- U.S.S. ALABAMA Battleship, Mobile, AL She Protected Past, Help Preserve Her Future / Raised $7.5M
- Wesleyan Christian School, High Point, NC Vision for Excellence / Raised $2.8M
- Junior Counsel: 1995 – 1997
- Evangelical Christian School, Memphis, TN Building on Excellence Campaign / Raised $1.6M
- Troy State University System, Troy, AL Campaign for Excellence / Raised $18M
Timeline
Assistant Vice President for Development & Strategic Partnerships
Texas A&M Foundation, College Station, Texas
06.2023 - Current
Vice President for University Advancement
Texas Wesleyan University, Fort Worth, Texas
03.2020 - 07.2023
Associate Vice President for University Advancement
Texas Wesleyan University, Fort Worth, Texas
03.2015 - 06.2018
Assistant Vice President for Major Gifts
Texas A&M Foundation, College Station, Texas
06.2014 - 03.2015
Interim Vice President for Development
University of Texas, Arlington, Texas
08.2013 - 05.2014
Associate Vice President for Development
University of Texas, Arlington, Texas
03.2009 - 08.2013
Sr. Director of Development for the College of Business
University of Texas, Arlington, Texas
02.2007 - 02.2009
Executive Vice President
J. F. Smith Group, Inc., Auburn, Alabama
11.1995 - 02.2007
Development Coordinator
University of Missouri, Rolla, Missouri
10.1994 - 10.1995
Director of Financial Aid / Marketing Coordinator
Rolla Technical Institute, Rolla, Missouri
06.1992 - 10.1994
BBA - Marketing
University of Mary Hardin-Baylor
AA - Business
Temple College
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