Karen L. Smith
Hobe Sound,FL
Summary
Detail-oriented and mission-driven professional with a strong background in admissions, advancement, legal support, and community engagement. Demonstrated success in driving enrollment growth, strengthening donor and alumni relationships, and enhancing communication strategies across digital platforms. Expertise in event planning, campaign development, and relationship building within nonprofit and educational environments, supported by a results-driven approach and commitment to excellence. Recognized for discretion, empathy, and the ability to thrive in collaborative, fast-paced settings while effectively managing teams and streamlining processes to ensure a seamless admissions experience.
Overview
32
32
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Advancement and Communications
St. Clare Catholic School
03.2025 - Current
- Lead all fundraising efforts, alumni relations, and donor stewardship initiatives.
- Develop and implement comprehensive marketing and branding strategies.
- Manage and grow social media presence for both the school and church.
- Plan and execute major events, including school galas, open houses, and giving campaigns.
- Oversee all external communications, including newsletters, press releases, and donor messaging.
- Collaborate with school leadership to enhance community partnerships and enrollment visibility.
- Spearheaded initiatives aimed at diversifying the organization''s funding sources, reducing reliance on any one particular stream of revenue.
Director of Admissions and Community Relations
St. Clare Catholic School
07.2020 - 03.2025
- Grew enrollment by over 125 students through targeted outreach and family engagement strategies.
- Coordinated all Open Houses and campus tours, creating a welcoming and informative experience.
- Maintained complete and compliant student records per diocesan and state guidelines.
- Built strong relationships with prospective and incoming families.
- Led community outreach initiatives to raise visibility and promote the school's mission.
- Conducted regular evaluation of admission policies and procedures, making necessary adjustments to maintain alignment with institutional objectives.
- Served as primary contact for coordination of application screening and tracking, visit and interview arrangement and marketing communications.
- Increased enrollment rates by developing and implementing strategic recruitment initiatives.
- Served as a liaison between prospective students, families, faculty, and administration throughout the admissions process, facilitating seamless communication among all parties involved.
- Streamlined the admissions process for efficiency, resulting in faster response times for prospective students.
- Led training sessions for staff on best practices in admissions processes, enhancing consistency among team members.
- Coordinated efforts with financial aid office to provide comprehensive assistance and guidance for applicants seeking funding opportunities.
- Implemented data-driven decision-making strategies to optimize recruitment tactics and improve overall results.
Office Manager
St. Clare Catholic School
03.2018 - 06.2020
- Handled sensitive information with discretion, maintaining confidentiality of company documents and personnel records.
- Provided exceptional customer service when addressing client inquiries or concerns via phone calls or email correspondence.
- Maintained accurate financial records by reconciling accounts payable/receivable transactions regularly to ensure balanced budgets.
- Oversaw office inventory activities by ordering and requisitions and stocking and shipment receiving.
Staff Assistant
Office of the Attorney General
02.2017 - 03.2018
- Managed calendars, deadlines, and correspondence systems.
- Provided procurement support and handled administrative tasks.
- Acted as liaison between legal staff, clients, and external agencies.
Fiscal Technician / Child Support Specialist II
Harford County Office of Child Support Enforcement
05.2005 - 02.2017
- Conducted legal investigations and recommended case actions.
- Fostered strong relationships with court officials, attorneys, and clients.
- Recognized for exceptional service, attention to detail, and professionalism.
Police Communications Operator II
Maryland State Police
07.1996 - 05.2005
- Coordinated emergency response and dispatch operations.
- Honored as the 2004 Mid-Atlantic Chapter Police Dispatcher of the Year.
- Known for clear communication and reliable teamwork.
Training Supervisor
Bally Total Fitness
05.1993 - 07.1996
- Developed and implemented employee training programs.
- Led, coached, and supervised teams of 20-30 staff in a high-volume environment.
- Mentored new hires during their onboarding process, accelerating their integration into the company culture and work environment.
Education
High School Diploma -
The Catholic High School of Baltimore
Baltimore, MD05-1990
Skills
- Strategic Enrollment Growth
- Donor & Community Relations
- Campaign & Event Planning
- Social Media & Digital Communication
- Confidential Records Management
- Customer Service Excellence
- Written & Verbal Communication
- Collaborative Leadership
- Emotional Intelligence
- Volunteer management
- Board development
Accomplishments
- Collaborated with team of Administration and Support Staff in the development of Retention Strategies.
- Achieved growth of Church and school social media platforms through effectively helping with data analysis.
- Supervised team of Volunteers.
Timeline
Director of Advancement and Communications
St. Clare Catholic School
03.2025 - Current
Director of Admissions and Community Relations
St. Clare Catholic School
07.2020 - 03.2025
Office Manager
St. Clare Catholic School
03.2018 - 06.2020
Staff Assistant
Office of the Attorney General
02.2017 - 03.2018
Fiscal Technician / Child Support Specialist II
Harford County Office of Child Support Enforcement
05.2005 - 02.2017
Police Communications Operator II
Maryland State Police
07.1996 - 05.2005
Training Supervisor
Bally Total Fitness
05.1993 - 07.1996
High School Diploma -
The Catholic High School of Baltimore
Volunteer & Certifications
- - Certified Mental Health First Aid Responder
- - School Advisory Council Member, St. Clare Catholic School
- - Board Member, Havre de Grace Recreation Football
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