Karen Sailer
Eagle River, WI 54521,WI
Summary
Accomplished Executive Director at Eagle River Historical Society, adept in strategic planning and community engagement. Spearheaded successful capital campaigns and fostered key relationships, driving organizational growth. Skilled in grant writing and public speaking, excels in transforming visions into achievements, demonstrating a proven track record of fiscal responsibility and stakeholder satisfaction.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
Executive Director
Eagle River Historical Society
05.2022 - 01.2024
- Worked closely with organizational leadership and board of directors to guide operational strategy.
- Oversaw financial management, ensuring fiscal responsibility and long-term sustainability for the organization. Added $100,000 endowment fund, established legacy fund with $50,000 in pledges in year one.
- Guided staff of 30 through periods of organizational change, maintaining morale and engagement during transitions.
- Forged strong relationships with board members, providing regular updates on organizational progress and soliciting their expertise when needed.
- Fostered work culture of collaboration and inclusion to increase morale and reduce turnover.
- Built relationships with donors, government officials and other organizations to secure funding and support for organization.
- Promoted a culture of continuous improvement by encouraging professional development opportunities for staff members.
- Represented organization to local public by giving presentations and speeches and participating in community events.
Development Director
Eagle River Historical Society
01.2016 - 01.2024
- Cultivated relationships with community, business and local civic leaders in order to draw attention to Eagle River Historical Society and bring in new donors and volunteers.
- Created fundraising strategies tied to the Society's mission, programs and goals.
- Spearheaded successful capital campaign projects contributing to facility improvements and expansion of services.
- Organized and spoke at events and galas.
- Researched possible grants and created proposals to submit along with grant applications.
- Created fundraising materials utilized on social media and websites and sent out in mass mailings.
- Maintained organization's social media accounts and websites, adding new, exciting content on consistent basis.
Director
Northwoods Center
05.2015 - 05.2021
- Developed business plan for small event center
- Created outreach plans to connect with community businesses and organizations
- Worked one-on-one with clients to plan and execute a range of private, public and commercial events
- Oversaw physical management of a building on the National Register
- Leveraged professional networks and industry knowledge to strengthen client relationships.
- Managed budgets effectively to ensure optimal use of resources while maintaining financial stability.
- Managed up to 20 incoming calls, emails and text messages per day.
Consultant
Freelance
01.2014 - 06.2015
- Evaluated client needs and expectations, establishing clear goals for each consulting engagement.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to successfully deliver comprehensive solutions for clients.
- Managed client relationships through regular check-ins and updates on project progress.
- Wrote comprehensive follow up reports
- Met with clients at conclusion of project to ensure satisfaction
- Met with up to five contacts per day
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Marketing
University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire
Eau Claire, WINo Degree - Grant Writing
Nicolet College
Rhinelander2014
No Degree - Event Management
Nicolet College
Rhinelander2015
Skills
- Community Engagement
- Program Management
- Strategic Planning
- Project Management
- Relationship Building
- Public Speaking
- Fundraising
- Grant Writing
- Written Communication
Timeline
Executive Director
Eagle River Historical Society
05.2022 - 01.2024
Development Director
Eagle River Historical Society
01.2016 - 01.2024
Director
Northwoods Center
05.2015 - 05.2021
Consultant
Freelance
01.2014 - 06.2015
Bachelor of Arts - Marketing
University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire
No Degree - Grant Writing
Nicolet College
No Degree - Event Management
Nicolet College
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