Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Certification
Timeline
Volunteer Work
Clifton Strengths
References
Generic
Jess Legaspi

Jess Legaspi

Development
Goodyear,Arizona

Summary

Strategic fundraising and partnership expert with experience in developing donor-centered programs that enhance revenue and strengthen relationships. Demonstrated success in nonprofit development and stakeholder engagement, with a focus on aligning mission and message for maximum impact. Recognized for effective problem-solving and a collaborative, data-driven approach to achieving partner success.

Overview

17
17
years of professional experience
2
2

Certificates

Work History

DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT

Dress For Success Phoenix
Phoenix, AZ
09.2024 - Current
  • Launched a comprehensive individual giving program; acquired 28 new donors, and re-engaged 10 lapsed donors within 6 months.
  • Led cross-functional collaboration across events, social media, volunteer engagement, and donor strategy to enhance supporter experience.
  • Developed a donor segmentation strategy and retention-focused outreach that generated over $24,000 in new gifts.
  • Created scalable processes for donor stewardship and communications, informed by data insights.
  • Managed corporate engagement, driving both in-kind support and financial partnerships.

LEGACY GIVING MANAGER

Phoenix Rescue Mission
Phoenix, AZ
09.2023 - 09.2024
  • Create and manage the implementation of a robust legacy giving program, including marketing and stewardship plans.
  • Maintain a portfolio of 60 current legacy donors and 200 prospective legacy donors.
  • Develop marketing and lead generation plans to engage prospective donors.
  • Collaborate with the marketing team to create compelling legacy giving materials to increase donor engagement and awareness.
  • Oversee the administration of bequests, life insurance policies, and other planned giving vehicles.

LEADERSHIP GIVING OFFICER, MAJOR LEVEL

Phoenix Rescue Mission
Phoenix, AZ
08.2021 - 08.2023
  • Pioneer fundraising assignments related to cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding major givers as a new initiative and program.
  • As Development Subcommittee Chair, created new product to help Board Members and partners understand and experience our programs.
  • 8 donors recovered for $53,685 in one year.
  • 55 donors increased for $442,372 in one year.
  • Maintain Portfolio of 150+ donors, $1.5 Million value.
  • Build data-driven OKRs for Major Gift Team.
  • Create annual strategic plans for all portfolio donors.
  • Created playbooks and documentation to ensure scalable practices across team.

LEADERSHIP GIVING OFFICER, MID-LEVEL

Phoenix Rescue Mission
Phoenix, AZ
04.2021 - 08.2021
  • Take initiative to deepen current donor relationships and forge new ones to grow the major gift pipeline.
  • Revise Mid-Level team policy/procedure standards.
  • Maintain portfolio of 500+ donors.
  • Steward donors through effective communication and relationship.
  • Collaborate to use retention-based philanthropy practices.
  • Assist with creative for reporting impact to partners.

OPERATIONS MANAGER

Agua Fria Food & Clothing Bank
Avondale, AZ
04.2019 - 04.2021
  • Implement the right processes and practices across the organization to better serve vulnerable families and individuals experiencing homelessness.
  • Coordinated Virtual Annual Fundraiser, raised over $50,000 in one day.
  • Wrote grants and secured funding.
  • Built relationship with donors.
  • Initiated outdoor service policies/procedures amid COVID-19 closures.
  • Project Management of clothing bank renovation.

FOUNDER AND PHOTOGRAPHER

Jess Legaspi Photography
Goodyear, AZ
04.2011 - 04.2020
  • Empower individuals to feel comfortable in their own skin through an outstanding photographic experience.
  • Provide a high-quality experience for all.
  • Brand marketing videos, photographs, graphics, and editing.
  • Sales and customer service.
  • Website maintenance.
  • Daily business operations.

OFFICE MANAGER

Shepherd of the Valley
Phoenix, AZ
04.2009 - 03.2011
  • Managed enrollment, parent communication, scheduling, and payment processing.
  • Conducted school tours and supported recruitment, contributing to steady enrollment.
  • Assisted teachers with classroom support, especially for students needing extra care.
  • Created a welcoming, organized front office environment for families and staff.

ASSISTANT STORE MANAGER

Wet Seal
Phoenix, AZ
06.2008 - 04.2009
  • Led and coached sales associates to meet performance goals.
  • Assisted with hiring, onboarding, and scheduling to maintain optimal staffing levels.
  • Supported daily store operations, including opening/closing procedures, inventory control, and visual merchandising.
  • Managed sales floor, resolved customer issues, and ensured a positive shopping experience.
  • Monitored KPIs and assisted Store Manager in achieving revenue and productivity targets.

Education

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE - BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION

Arizona Christian University
Phoenix, AZ

Skills

  • Strategic planning
  • Donor engagement strategies
  • Volunteer management
  • Event management
  • Communication skills
  • Impact reporting
  • Major gifts cultivation and fundraising
  • Creative problem-solving
  • Project management
  • Relationship management

Accomplishments

  • 2025 Nominee, Athena Award - Young Professional
  • 2023 Alumni, Leadership West
  • 2020 Alumni, Women Speakers Collective

Certification

  • Foundations of Project Management, Google - June 2023
  • Major Gift Fundraisiers, Veritus Group Academy - June 2022

Timeline

DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT

Dress For Success Phoenix
09.2024 - Current

LEGACY GIVING MANAGER

Phoenix Rescue Mission
09.2023 - 09.2024

LEADERSHIP GIVING OFFICER, MAJOR LEVEL

Phoenix Rescue Mission
08.2021 - 08.2023

LEADERSHIP GIVING OFFICER, MID-LEVEL

Phoenix Rescue Mission
04.2021 - 08.2021

OPERATIONS MANAGER

Agua Fria Food & Clothing Bank
04.2019 - 04.2021

FOUNDER AND PHOTOGRAPHER

Jess Legaspi Photography
04.2011 - 04.2020

OFFICE MANAGER

Shepherd of the Valley
04.2009 - 03.2011

ASSISTANT STORE MANAGER

Wet Seal
06.2008 - 04.2009

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE - BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION

Arizona Christian University

Volunteer Work

West Valley Regional Chamber, Marketing Committee

July 2025 - Present

Leadership West, Alumni Engagement

June 2023 - Present

Women Speakers Collective, Global Partnerships

June 2023 - September 2024

Compass Church, Director of Women's Development

January 2016 - October 2019

Clifton Strengths

  • Activator
  • Command
  • Communication
  • Ideation
  • Strategic

References

References available upon request.

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