Kalea Dunkleman
Pasadena,CA
Summary
A dedicated advancement and admissions administrator who propels organizations to achieve their enrollment and fundraising goals through analyzing data, proven communications strategies, and personal connections. A creative executive whose work ensures long-term viability and success by implementing strategies that promote increased interest, heightened brand-awareness, and cross-departmental collaboration. A strategic thinker who is adept at major gift planning, donor stewardship, and direct asks at all giving levels. Constantly utilizing over 15 years experience in the communications field to focus on telling a story and ensuring that strategic communications and marketing practices are fluid throughout. Passionate for creating meaningful engagement alliances. Tech-savvy and engagement-focused professional proficient in collateral creation, digital media platforms, website design, and online channels. Proficient in demonstrating success in shaping public perception via written marketing materials, conceptualizing design assets, developing brand identities, and ensuring consistent messaging both internally and externally.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Enrollment
High Point Academy
Pasadena, California
04.2026 - Current
- Created a new enrollment funnel and strategy to rework a decades-old system from top to bottom
- Initiated new events, designed inaugural social media ads, launched a parent ambassador program, brought back our open house, and broadened our outreach
- Utilized data and proven enrollment strategies to increase our applications 24% within the first year
- Focused on coordinated, high-touch outreach initiatives to a diverse blend of families that increased our impact and led to positive word of mouth
- Analyzed enrollment data and our unique position in the marketplace to identify trends and inform strategic decision-making
- Reimagined and facilitated open house, tours, and additional engagement events for prospective students and families.
- Trained and mentored admissions staff on effective techniques and procedures
- Created print and digital collateral to promote our program
- Prepared reports detailing enrollment statistics for Board meetings
Director of Advancement & Admissions
Children's Community School
Los Angeles, CA
07.2021 - 02.2025
- Led all aspects of the Advancement and Admissions programs, from collateral creation and cultivating relationships to planning outreach and ensuring we surpassed performance metrics.
- Developed and implemented comprehensive fundraising and admissions plans to increase enrollment and donations
- Successfully cultivated, solicited, and stewarded prospects at major gift levels and planned giving structures
- Managed a network of volunteers to assist with admissions and fundraising activities, including our Annual Fund co-chairs and admissions ambassadors.
- Analyzed donor data to identify trends in giving patterns, and develop strategies for increasing philanthropic support.
- Built an alumni engagement program and created the first Homecoming event for the school, in addition to organizing galas and other annual fundraisers.
- Cultivated relationships with major donors and prospective families
- Implemented direct mail campaigns targeted at specific donor segments, in addition to identifying ask amounts for individual families.
- Developed marketing materials (curriculum map, webpages, social media campaigns, annual reports, and more) to highlight the school's program and successes.
- Represented the school at conferences and stayed abreast of industry trends.
- Managed relationships with current donors to ensure ongoing financial commitments, and maintained personal relationships with all new families throughout their time at the school.
- Served as the Secretary of the Corporation and was on the Governance Committee to identify potential new trustees.
Senior Communications Specialist
Freelance
Los Angeles, CA
03.2019 - 02.2020
- Spearheaded all outward-facing and internal communications, pitched compelling story ideas, forged relationships between brands and the media, identified strategic partnerships, and ensured all social media content was engaging and unique to each platform leading to media placements in A-list outlets
- Created and maintained client websites- design, content development, and functionality - in order to promote their visual image and voice
- Implemented results-driven multimedia communications plans to increase an organization's impact, including a focus on SEO and monitoring website analytics
- Directly contributed to increased revenue by curating engaging events, dynamic marketing materials, media/tastemaker mailings, pop-ups, and sold-out launches that moved the needle
Vice President
The Door
Los Angeles, CA
03.2018 - 12.2018
- Constructed engaging content for various platforms to include websites, blogs, newsletters, social media, and press releases
- Worked with multiple constituencies to support the overall communications objectives from Executive level leadership to neighborhood partners
- Identified key brand supporters via innovative use of target marketing, relationships, and demographic research
- Managed multiple projects and tasks simultaneously while managing client expectations.
Executive Director
Wagstaff Worldwide
Los Angeles, CA
08.2011 - 05.2016
- Strengthened consumer engagement and broadened audience by formulating fresh editorial vision for e-newsletters, websites, and event marketing
- Built the national profile of acclaimed culinary personalities by further developing their unique messages and diversifying their press coverage
- Strengthened and expanded the reputations of hospitality industry institutions by generating positive, in- depth coverage
- Identified, pursued, and signed new clients representing an increase in lifetime revenue for the firm
Education
MFA in Musical Theatre- Candidate
New York University
New York, NYBachelor of Arts - English & Theatre Arts
Boston College
Chestnut Hill, MAHigh School Diploma -
Westridge School For Girls
Pasadena, CASkills
- Superb oral and written communications
- Self-starter who thrives working individually and on a team
- Dynamic interpersonal skills and a natural leader
- Leadership messaging and speechwriting
- Social media management and website design
- Event ideation and execution
- Mastery of Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Creative Suite, Raiser's Edge, and Blackbaud
- Fluid editing skills informed by AP Style and Chicago Manual of Style
- Extremely efficient work habits coupled with the ability to manage several tasks
Accomplishments
- 2022- InspirED Brilliance Silver Award for Excellence in Social Media Marketing
Affiliations
- 2026 E3n Enroll 2026 Conference- Speaker
Timeline
Director of Enrollment
High Point Academy
04.2026 - Current
Director of Advancement & Admissions
Children's Community School
07.2021 - 02.2025
Senior Communications Specialist
Freelance
03.2019 - 02.2020
Vice President
The Door
03.2018 - 12.2018
Executive Director
Wagstaff Worldwide
08.2011 - 05.2016
MFA in Musical Theatre- Candidate
New York University
Bachelor of Arts - English & Theatre Arts
Boston College
High School Diploma -
Westridge School For Girls