Julie Johnson
Colorado Springs,CO
Summary
I am a nonprofit marketing and fundraising executive with 20 years of experience building transformative partnerships and donor relationships that drive mission impact.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
Work History
Influence Architect
Authentic Advocates
05.2024 - Current
- At Authentic Advocates, I develop and execute personalized influence and marketing strategies for thought leaders, public speakers, and influencers
- I specialize in ideation, brand expansion planning, and public speaking preparation
- Additionally, I craft and write email journeys and marketing campaigns that drive growth
- Through strategic brainstorming and coaching, I help clients amplify their impact while maintaining authentic messaging that aligns with their values and resonates with their target audience
Senior Director of Development
Childcare Worldwide
Lynden, United States
11.2021 - 05.2024
- Led Development team overseeing all fundraising and marketing initiatives
- Designed and implemented a successful donor acquisition model and comprehensive fundraising strategy
- Managed P&L, seven-person team, and major donor portfolio while building and training speaker network
- Spearheaded website redesign with enhanced branding and checkout system and led CRM implementation initiative, resulting in increased acquisition rates
- Served on the corporate leadership team, developing long-term donor engagement strategies
Kid's Marketing Manager
Focus on the Family
Colorado Springs, United States
08.2019 - 11.2021
- Developed and executed 60+ integrated marketing strategies across major brands and campaigns
- Led digital strategy and content creation for Adventures in Odyssey, growing club memberships by 7,000 and increasing social media engagement by 80% with 50% follower growth
- Managed WordPress website generating 1M+ monthly hits
- Pioneered influencer marketing initiatives, notably for the Bring Your Bible campaign, where influencer partnerships drove over 50% of sign-ups in the first year
- Orchestrated digital events and cultivated relationships with authors, content teams, and high-profile influencers
- Spearheaded strategic partnerships across brands, ensuring deep organizational integration and timely project delivery
Associate Executive Director
Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
Greater Nashville Area, United States
01.2019 - 04.2019
- Led Nashville office operations and a three-person team, managing P&L while exceeding fundraising targets
- Achieved 430% over goal at the first event through strategic donor cultivation
- Developed a comprehensive Stewardship Plan to retain lapsing donors and engage the Board of Directors
- Created an annual development strategy focused on long-term donor relationships and corporate partnerships
- Demonstrated strong relationship management skills in cultivating major gifts and maintaining donor partnerships
Brand Relationships Manager
Vimala LLC dba ALECIA
Greater Nashville Area, United States
06.2016 - 11.2018
- Executive Producer of 'Purpose', a 7-episode TV series promoting mental and emotional wellness
- Served as a strategic advisor to CEO/Founder while leading HR initiatives and establishing corporate culture
- Built and managed sales teams while overseeing business partnerships and acquisition goals
- Led app launch strategy, digital content creation, and social media marketing campaigns
- Developed brand presentations and multimedia content across platforms
- Administered Salesforce CRM and managed cross-functional relationships
Founder & CEO
WatershedMGMT
Greater Nashville Area, United States
09.2013 - 07.2017
- Founded and led an artist management company, developing comprehensive career strategies and securing label partnerships
- Orchestrated funding for recording and video projects while managing talent bookings and finances
- Created personalized productivity systems and created and executed social media campaigns
- Drove project timelines and long-term artist development through strategic planning and relationship management
Regional Marketing Director
Compassion International
Greater Nashville Area, United States
05.2008 - 09.2013
- Generated $45M in lifetime revenue through over 21,000 child sponsorships, ranking #1 in marketing acquisitions for 2.5 consecutive years
- Secured and executed the organization's largest event contract (to that date), exceeding targets by 400% in the first year and consistently surpassing goals throughout tenure
- Cultivated a portfolio of 20+ top-tier relationships while developing marketing strategies with artists, spokespeople, and lead volunteers
- Leveraged entertainment and influencer partnerships to drive mission growth exponentially
- Planned and led international program exposure trips for spokespeople across Africa and the Americas to deepen their engagement and passion for ministry, engaged extensive volunteer networks and showcased organizational impact
Speaker and Event Manager
Compassion International
Greater Nashville Area, United States
07.2002 - 05.2008
- Generated $25M in lifetime revenue through 12,000 child sponsorships via strategic event management and speaker relationships
- Coached and motivated top-tier artists, spokespeople, and influencers to maximize mission impact and acquisition results
- Managed a portfolio of 30+ key relationships while continuously identifying and cultivating new partnerships
- Translated organizational mission into compelling narratives that drove loyalty and fundraising success
- Leveraged event networking to expand and deepen strategic partnerships
Education
Bachelor of Science - BS - Mass Communication/Media Studies with concentrations in Advertising and Public Relations
University of Minnesota at Moorhead
Skills
- Strategic campaign development and execution
- Digital and social media leadership
- High-profile relationship cultivation
- Public speaking and thought leadership coaching
- Data-driven team management
- Influencer relationship management
- Donor strategy development
- Marketing campaign leadership
- Building trust
- Stakeholder engagement
Differentiator
I forge authentic connections that deliver measurable value. Whether managing influencer relationships, developing donor strategies, or leading marketing campaigns, I naturally excel at reading situations and building trust. My extensive network and ability to connect meaningfully with diverse stakeholders consistently drives results.
Bio
Nonprofit partnerships and fundraising executive turning authentic relationships into mission impact | 20-year marketing & fundraising leader.
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Influence Architect
Authentic Advocates
05.2024 - Current
Senior Director of Development
Childcare Worldwide
11.2021 - 05.2024
Kid's Marketing Manager
Focus on the Family
08.2019 - 11.2021
Associate Executive Director
Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
01.2019 - 04.2019
Brand Relationships Manager
Vimala LLC dba ALECIA
06.2016 - 11.2018
Founder & CEO
WatershedMGMT
09.2013 - 07.2017
Regional Marketing Director
Compassion International
05.2008 - 09.2013
Speaker and Event Manager
Compassion International
07.2002 - 05.2008
Bachelor of Science - BS - Mass Communication/Media Studies with concentrations in Advertising and Public Relations
University of Minnesota at Moorhead