KAREN NORDGREN

Uniting leadership and resources to create lasting change that will improve lives in Lake County.

• Maintain knowledge of United Way Database
• Utilize campaign data programs to capture meaningful and timely data to determine campaign progress and success
• Track campaign results and conduct on-going follow-up with accounts
• Prepare various reports relating to campaign functions. Evaluate and analyze past campaign performance in assigned portfolio
• Plan and implement strategies to improve account performance
• Serve as primary contact between accounts and United Way, maintaining a positive relationship with each company
• Present at company and community events and other functions as required
• Attend various fundraising activities and special work-related events, including those outside regular business hours
• Work closely with Campaign and Community Impact staff members to improve outreach, engagement and connection to mission among workforce donors including leadership
• Work closely with the staff on all aspects of donor stewardship, cultivation and solicitation to enhance a successful individual workforce campaign
• Cultivated strong relationships with community partners to enhance program visibility and engagement.
• Managed project budgets, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and resource allocation.
• Actively participated in networking events within the industry, expanding professional connections and generating leads.
• Cultivated long-term relationships with key stakeholders in assigned accounts, fostering trust and loyalty among clients.
• Fostered lasting relationships with customers through effective communication and quick response, resulting in long-term loyalty and expanded client base.
• Developed and maintained strong working relationships with professionals within assigned territory.
• Kept detailed records of daily activities through online customer database.

City of Hope is a National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, and one of the most advanced medical and research facilities in the world.

• Managed City of Hope Walk for Hope which involved more than 2,500 volunteers and raised more than $400,000 each year
• Managed City of Hope Chicago Midwest Region volunteers which includes 18 Auxiliary Groups (approximately 400 volunteers) in their event planning and fundraising efforts
• Managed annual Packaging Golf Outing
• Cultivated relationships with major gift donors
• Assisted in the planning, management and coordination of campaign efforts and fundraising events
• Created and designed industry journals for fundraising events
• Created and designed newsletters, brochures, flyers and general correspondence for events
• Provided general support and direction for corporate and volunteer leadership groups
• Represented City of Hope at meetings and events
• Collaborated with marketing teams to create compelling communication materials for fundraising campaigns.
• Conducted thorough prospect research to identify new funding opportunities and expand the organization''s reach.
• Maintained accurate records of donor interactions in database systems to ensure efficient follow-up and stewardship efforts.
• Organized successful events to engage supporters, promote awareness of the organization''s mission, and generate revenue.
• Managed a diverse portfolio of major gift prospects, cultivating relationships to secure significant contributions.

Lambs Farm is a private, non-profit organization serving adults with developmental disabilities.

• Managed all special events including Arts & Crafts event with over 600 vendors at the Rosemont Horizon
• Coordinated scheduling and assignments for over 100 volunteers, ensuring optimal resource allocation.
• Fostered strong relationships with community partners to expand volunteer recruitment efforts.
• Worked with directors and managers to identify volunteer needs for special events, resale shops, pet shop, country store, farmyard, restaurant and general office support
• Managed all volunteer programs and recruitment of volunteers
• Developed volunteer training program
• Maintained volunteer database
• Provided volunteer supervision including conflict resolution involving volunteers

CNA is one of the largest U.S. Insurance companies with 10,000 employees and 68 branch offices.

• Managed Corporate Contributions Program
• Implemented best practices in program evaluation to drive continuous improvement initiatives.
• Served on CNA Foundation Contributions Committee
• Managed Community Involvement Grant Program with Regional Presidents throughout country
• Supervised nationwide Employee Volunteer Activities Council
• Managed and implemented KaBOOM!/CNA Playground Project throughout the country (built 75 new playgrounds utilizing corporate and community volunteers)
• Supervised and managed relationship with Adopt-A-School Program
• Managed and implemented Rebuilding Together volunteer projects throughout country
• Worked closely with trustees and grantees to develop goals, approaches, initiatives and evaluations of grants.
• Developed comprehensive communication plans to effectively disseminate information about programs to relevant parties.
• Developed and managed budgets for multiple projects, ensuring optimal resource allocation and financial sustainability.
• Promoted the organization''s mission by actively participating in networking events and representing the organization at conferences or seminars.
• Collected, arranged, and input information into database system.
• Generated reports detailing findings and recommendations.

NHS is a non-profit organization working to rebuild low- and moderate-income neighborhoods in the City of Chicago that are experiencing deterioration and disinvestment.

• Monitored operations of Resource Development Systems
• Coordinated community outreach programs to increase awareness of housing services and resources.
• Developed educational materials for workshops on homeownership and financial literacy.
• Cultivated relationships with community, business and local civic leaders in order to draw attention to institutions and bring in new donors and volunteers.
• Researched possible grants and created proposals to submit along with grant applications.
• Assisted with the development and implementation of annual and long-range plans to meet goals established in the operating budget
• Assisted with the development of project funding
• Implemented special campaigns
• Attended special events, acting as client representative and making new contacts with possible donors.
• Created fundraising strategies tied to institution's mission, programs and goals.
• Streamlined the grant application process, securing more funding opportunities for organizational growth.

• Managed CNA Matching Gift Program
• Implemented and managed In-Kind Contributions Program
• Established CNA Employee Volunteer Program
• Created and implemented CNAs Adopt-A-School Program
• Coordinated monthly employee Chicago Local School Council activities
• Created CNAs first Voters Registration drive in Cook County
• Built strong relationships with partners and stakeholders, fostering a collaborative environment for program success.
• Facilitated workshops and training sessions, enhancing participant skills and knowledge in key areas.
• Managed records for all programs and kept meticulous notes in system regarding changes and plan alterations.
• Reviewed all departmental materials, correcting errors, and making sure documents were ready for publication.
• Planned and coordinated logistics and materials for board meetings, committee meetings, and staff events.
• Proofread and edited documents for accuracy and grammar.