Jesa Townsend

• Oversaw strategic, operational, and financial management to align with mission of life-changing vision care.
• Worked with the highest levels of government officials.
• Reported to Board of Directors, driving organizational vision and overseeing daily operations.
  Secured diverse funding streams through major gifts, grants, and sponsorships.
• Enhanced visibility via innovative marketing strategies and grassroots initiatives, strengthening stakeholder relationships.
• Developed and evaluated data-driven programs addressing community needs and maximizing impact.
  Managed multi-million-dollar budget to ensure financial health and sustainability.
• Fostered an inclusive work environment by mentoring staff and promoting clear communication.
• Led strategic planning efforts to ensure long-term success and mission alignment.
• Worked with SEC to file amendments and achieve compliance targets.
• Performed risk assessments across multiple areas of operations in order to identify potential issues before they arise.
• Served as spokesperson at press conferences or interviews when needed.
• Reviewed monthly financial statements for accuracy before presenting them for approval by the board of directors.
• Strategized and implemented plans to transform and revitalize operations, capitalizing on emerging industry trends.
• Ensured legal compliance by staying abreast of relevant laws, regulations, standards, guidelines.
• Provided organizational leadership and collaborated with executive partners to establish long-term goals, strategies and company policies.

• Led cross-sector initiatives for nonprofits, cities, and institutions, achieving 86–96% ROI per project.

Secured funding from government agencies and philanthropic partners, fostering long-term collaborations.

• Designed public art and education interventions in cities such as Tempe, Salem, Jasper, Iowa City, Santa Ana, Anaheim (Disney Way), and Los Angeles

Partnered with over 38 cause-based organizations since receiving Heroes & Hearts award in 2012.

• Authored successful grant proposals resulting in six- and seven-figure awards across multiple states.

Presented policy and social impact work at prestigious forums, including National Academy of Sciences.

• Served on various boards and advisory councils, promoting mentorship, equity, and arts advocacy.
• Earned multiple fellowships and nominations for civic leadership contributions.
• Directed and coordinated work completed by junior consultants and other consultants.
• Reviewed all deliverables prior to release ensuring accuracy, completeness, quality assurance standards are met.
• Developed detailed project plans and timelines to ensure successful completion of projects.
• Performed cost and benefit analysis on proposed solutions to determine effectiveness.
• Analyzed key performance indicators to identify effective strategies.

Highlights: Secured over $190K in funding within first six months, covering salary expenses.Promoted to Senior Director after three months due to exceptional performance.

• Implemented major gifts pipeline and donor relations strategy to enhance fundraising efforts.
• Developed relationships with key community stakeholders, including local and regional funders.
• Identified and secured funding from new corporate and individual donors.
• Recruited and managed volunteers from corporations and service clubs for fundraising events.
• Monitored emerging social issues to inform community relations strategies.
• Executed regional and national marketing strategies to boost visibility of initiatives.
• Managed a team of development professionals responsible for meeting short-term and long-term philanthropic objectives.
• Provided leadership on capital campaigns by setting aggressive but achievable goals, creating plans of action, and managing timelines.

Developed and managed mentorship program, hosting workshops with industry leaders from Disney, Pixar, and more.

• Established two-tier donor relations program to enhance community engagement and funding.
• Acted as liaison for board members to strengthen partnerships and outreach efforts.
• Collaborated with campus stakeholders to create tailored communications and fundraising strategies.
• Identified operational enhancements through grant writing, generating new revenue streams and reducing costs.
• Facilitated equity panels and master classes featuring top animation professionals.
• Oversaw student assistance initiatives, providing comprehensive support services.
• Taught art history and communications courses, integrating narrative-driven art concepts into curriculum.

Reported to and mentored by the Vice President of Development.
Highlight: covered my salary in my first four weeks and secured a six figure federal grant in my first six months| oversaw a team of grant writers.

• Secured six-figure federal grant within first six months of tenure.
• Oversaw team of grant writers to enhance proposal quality and funding success.
• Generated and pitched innovative development content to drive engagement.
• Managed grants and communications to ensure alignment with organizational goals.
• Profiled Board members, donors, foundations, partners, and clients for storytelling initiatives.
• Supported Development department during restructuring to maintain operational effectiveness.
• Facilitated grant allocation and funding solicitation across Goodwill SF Bay operations.
• Supervised junior staff, providing guidance and professional development opportunities.

Enhanced donor relations and stewardship efforts, securing six-figure donations within first 90 days.

• Oversaw creation of grant proposals for local, state, and federal agency submissions.
• Directed fundraising team to consistently meet or exceed targets ahead of schedule.
• Evaluated existing programs to identify improvement areas and expansion opportunities.
• Organized donor information in a streamlined database system for efficient access.
• Collaborated with business and community members to boost awareness of fundraising initiatives.
• Coordinated special events, including galas, golf tournaments, and luncheons, to engage donors.
• Cultivated relationships with major donors, foundations, corporations, and other funding sources.
• Directed the preparation of reports on development activities for board members and other stakeholders.

• Developed and implemented innovative courses in Arts Advocacy, Social Justice, and Art Fundamentals.
• Designed and enforced hands-on, child-centered curriculum to enhance student engagement and learning.
• Incorporated relevant current events into lessons to connect students with real-world applications.
• Counseled students on academic goals and study habits to promote personal growth.
• Facilitated training sessions that encouraged active participation and collaboration among educators.
• Conducted research and collaborated within task force for professional development recommendations.
• Maintained subject expertise by attending conferences and workshops regularly.
• Hosted IA Open Mic! events to foster community engagement in performing arts.