Karla Kail
Central Florida
Summary
Results-driven fundraising and development professional with over 15 years of experience leading comprehensive development strategies for nonprofit organizations, arts institutions, and community initiatives. Proven track record of exceeding fundraising goals—successfully managing campaigns, cultivating major gifts, securing corporate sponsorships, and executing high-impact events. Skilled in donor relations, strategic planning, board and volunteer engagement, and team leadership. Passionate about building meaningful relationships and fostering community support to drive organizational growth.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
Work History
Owner, Consultant
Kail Consulting
09.2021 - Current
- Conducted analysis of organizational structure and evaluated effectiveness.
- Identified areas for improvement and developed action plans for leadership, staff, and volunteers.
- Coordinated logistics for special events and major donor receptions to enhance engagement.
- Formulated strategic plans for capital and annual campaigns targeting stakeholders.
- Collaborated with leadership to attract new individual, corporate, and major donors.
Director of Development
Rescue Outreach Mission
01.2023 - 05.2025
- Oversaw strategies for cultivating, soliciting, and retaining donors through major gifts and sponsorships.
- Developed sponsorship packages and opportunities that increased funding and engagement.
- Achieved revenue growth of 33% in first fiscal year through targeted initiatives.
- Launched signature event, Rescue on the River, enhancing community involvement.
- Secured largest grant and gift in organization history totaling $1M over three years.
Director of Development
Orlando Shakes
05.2022 - 01.2023
- Oversaw strategies for cultivating, soliciting, retaining, and upgrading donors through various funding sources.
- Increased net proceeds of Orlando Shakes Gala by 29% within one year.
- Developed sponsorship packages and opportunities to enhance funding prospects.
- Facilitated Board participation in donor engagement initiatives for cultivation and acknowledgment.
- Mentored and supervised development staff, providing feedback and setting annual performance goals.
- Executed strategic plan raising over $500,000 via United Arts of Central Florida annual campaign.
- Collaborated with departments to plan and execute key events including galas and donor receptions.
- Identified funding needs across Orlando Shakes departments to support organizational goals.
Director of Philanthropy
The Sharing Center
09.2021 - 02.2022
- Identified and cultivated prospects and current donors for unrestricted major gifts through Moves Management.
- Managed a portfolio exceeding 200 individuals, corporations, and faith partners.
- Raised over $600,000 during tenure at The Sharing Center.
- Developed sustainable relationships with key stakeholders to engage and guide them toward additional contributions.
- Created tailored presentations and proposals for donor solicitations.
- Authored foundation and government grant applications to secure funding.
Senior Development Manager
American Cancer Society
09.2020 - 09.2021
- Achieved revenue target exceeding $800,000 through two major events: Orlando Cattle Baron's Ball and Tee Up for Life Golf Tournament.
- Developed strong relationships with key partners, organizations, corporations, and individuals.
- Managed volunteer engagement, retention, recognition, and pipeline development to strengthen community involvement.
- Recruited and trained volunteers to enhance fundraising efforts and meet revenue objectives.
- Implemented best practices for revenue growth based on customer feedback and experience surveys.
- Encouraged creativity and innovation to identify new revenue opportunities.
- Fostered high-impact relationships with volunteers and leadership roles to maximize event success.
Associate Director, Development
Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts
08.2018 - 09.2020
- Identified and cultivated prospects for unrestricted major gifts supporting Arts For Every Life and Phase 2 Capital Campaigns.
- Managed portfolio of over 300 Founding Donors, Annual Donors, and theater patron prospects.
- Raised $1,000,000 annually through strategic fundraising initiatives.
- Collaborated with Board Members to cultivate relationships with community advocates and leaders.
- Coordinated donor stewardship programs, including Annual Donors' Appreciation Gala and Arts Education in Action Reception.
- Established sustainable relationships with key stakeholders and major donors to encourage further contributions.
Assistant Director of Development
Camp Boggy Creek
09.2015 - 08.2018
- Generated $5,000,000 in unrestricted gifts through strategic donor identification and engagement.
- Developed and executed a comprehensive donor retention and stewardship plan.
- Created and managed communication strategies to elevate Camp Boggy Creek's mission and events.
- Launched Camp's inaugural S'more than a Camp tour series to attract new donors.
- Contributed to Camp's 20th Anniversary celebrations, raising over $1,000,000 at The Joy of Camp Gala.
- Researched and authored marketing materials including newsletters, flyers, brochures, and annual reports.
- Managed social media efforts, collaborating with departments to enhance fundraising awareness.
- Led a team of eight professionals across various roles in Marketing and Development.
Director of Development Operations
Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida
04.2014 - 09.2015
- Ensured daily administrative support for Development Department through management of Database Administrator, Events Coordinator, and Development Associate.
- Oversaw operations of all campaigns and organizational initiatives to achieve strategic objectives.
- Developed annual stewardship strategy to enhance donor engagement and retention.
- Implemented portfolio and prospect management systems aligned with individual staff goals.
- Provided development staff with continuously updated lists of major gift prospects based on philanthropic capacity.
- Created strategic project plans for six Faces of the Future Fundraising breakfasts and Celebrate The Children Auction & Dinner, ensuring defined fundraising goals through budget management and event logistics.
- Coordinated compliance and sponsor benefits to maintain stakeholder satisfaction.
- Collaborated with Volunteer Manager and Director of Operations to address event needs, including performing groups and volunteers.
Development Coordinator
Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida
07.2011 - 04.2014
- Cultivated relationships with community leaders, donors, sponsors, and volunteers to inspire support for Coalition.
- Identified potential individual and corporate donors to expand fundraising opportunities.
- Developed stewardship and acknowledgment programs for individual, major, and corporate giving.
- Planned major events like Hearts of Gold and Doug Spencer Golf Challenge, raising nearly $500,000 annually.
- Recruited and cultivated volunteer fundraisers for Doug Spencer Golf Challenge and Table Captains for Journey Home Breakfast.
- Created organizational standards and implemented training for Donor Perfect database management.
- Managed donation processing, including database analysis, reporting, and tracking.
- Presented public speaking engagements to share Coalition’s mission with community leaders and sponsors.
Exhibitor Services Representative
Freeman Company
08.2007 - 10.2011
- Managed over 50 accounts annually for placement and decorating services at major trade shows.
- Oversaw client selections for decorations, freight handling, and labor scheduling for booth installation.
- Coordinated audits for all services, ensuring accurate invoicing and processing of client payments.
- Recognized with Service Hero award in February 2009 for exceptional service.
Event Coordinator
Orlando Arts & Cultural Alliance
01.2011 - 08.2011
- Executed marketing and solicitation initiatives for local art organization at Red Chair Affair.
- Organized unique packages and experiences for silent auction to maximize fundraising.
- Developed and implemented marketing strategies to enhance engagement for ticket sales and online auction.
- Coordinated production needs and schedules for media director to ensure smooth operations.
- Led committee and volunteers to successfully manage day-of event activities.
Box Office & Audience Development Assistant
Bach Festival Society of Winter Park
01.2011 - 07.2011
- Managed patron database and daily ticket sales; prepared comprehensive income reports.
- Cultivated relationships with current and prospective patrons to enhance engagement.
- Identified and recruited local middle and high school students for Summer Music Program.
- Coordinated registration and daily logistics for Summer Music Program under Music Director's guidance.
Entertainer
The Walt Disney World Company & Universal Studios Orlando
01.2002 - 08.2007
- Performed in stage shows such as Perfectly Princess Tea Party, Beauty & The Beast, and Main Street USA at Walt Disney and Beetlejuice's Graveyard Revue at Universal Studios Orlando.
- Managed Give Kids The World special meet & greets.
Education
Bachelor of Fine Arts - Musical Theatre
University of Central Florida
01.2002
Bachelor of Fine Arts Musical Theatre
Ithaca College
Skills
- Fundraising and donor relations
- Event planning and execution
- Marketing and social media strategy
- Community engagement
- Strategic planning
- Volunteer and board oversight
- Budget management
- Database administration
- Microsoft Office proficiency
- Google Workspace expertise
Timeline
Director of Development
Rescue Outreach Mission
01.2023 - 05.2025
Director of Development
Orlando Shakes
05.2022 - 01.2023
Owner, Consultant
Kail Consulting
09.2021 - Current
Director of Philanthropy
The Sharing Center
09.2021 - 02.2022
Senior Development Manager
American Cancer Society
09.2020 - 09.2021
Associate Director, Development
Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts
08.2018 - 09.2020
Assistant Director of Development
Camp Boggy Creek
09.2015 - 08.2018
Director of Development Operations
Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida
04.2014 - 09.2015
Development Coordinator
Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida
07.2011 - 04.2014
Event Coordinator
Orlando Arts & Cultural Alliance
01.2011 - 08.2011
Box Office & Audience Development Assistant
Bach Festival Society of Winter Park
01.2011 - 07.2011
Exhibitor Services Representative
Freeman Company
08.2007 - 10.2011
Entertainer
The Walt Disney World Company & Universal Studios Orlando
01.2002 - 08.2007
Bachelor of Fine Arts - Musical Theatre
University of Central Florida
Bachelor of Fine Arts Musical Theatre
Ithaca College
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