KATHRYN ADAMS
Delmar,NY
Summary
Strategic Senior Director of Development with extensive experience in fundraising and project management. Led teams to achieve development goals while cultivating strong stakeholder relationships. Focused on driving organizational growth through effective planning and execution.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Director of Development, Southwest
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI)
Troy, NY
01.2024 - 05.2026
- Generate $1M+ annually in new commitments
- Conducted 8–12 donor visits monthly, advancing cultivation and solicitation strategies to strengthen relationships
- Generated $1M+ annually in new commitments, contributing to overall fundraising goals
- Developed and presented 100+ tailored proposals annually, enhancing donor engagement and support
- Partner with institutional leadership to align donor interests with strategic priorities
Vice President for Institutional Advancement
Russell Sage College
Troy, NY
01.2018 - 01.2024
- Tripled major gift revenue over five years through targeted donor strategy and team performance management
- Led all advancement functions including major gifts, planned giving, annual fund, alumni relations, and corporate/government partnerships
- Cultivated relationships with 150 major and principal gift prospects, enhancing donor engagement and support
- Advised on fundraising strategy and external relations as a member of the President's Cabinet.
- Facilitated trustee engagement and increased giving by supporting Board of Trustees committees.
- Represented College at regional and national events, broadening donor pipeline and increasing visibility
Associate Vice President for Institutional Advancement
Russell Sage College
Troy, NY
01.2011 - 01.2018
- Co-led strategy and execution of a $62M comprehensive campaign—the largest in institutional history
- Managed a portfolio of 200 major gift prospects ($50K+)
- Collaborated with President on strategic donor cultivation and solicitations, enhancing high-level engagement
- Executed planned giving marketing strategy that increased legacy commitments through targeted outreach
- Developed board training programs to enhance fundraising engagement and drive successful outcomes
Associate Director of Philanthropy
The Nature Conservancy
Albany, NY
01.2006 - 01.2011
- Designed and executed individualized donor strategies for high-net-worth individuals, increasing engagement and giving potential
- Managed portfolio of major gift prospects for $1B global campaign, enhancing donor relationships
- Partnered with senior leadership on principal gift cultivation and solicitations
- Collaborated with national fundraising teams to expand donor engagement, driving increased contributions
Associate Director of Annual Giving & Alumni Relations
Emma Willard School
Troy, NY
01.2000 - 01.2006
- Managed annual fund initiatives and alumni engagement programs
- Coordinated stewardship events and donor communications, strengthening donor relationships
- Recruited and trained volunteers, enhancing effectiveness of fundraising efforts
- Tracked and reported fundraising progress and outcomes, providing insights for future initiatives
Education
Bachelor of Arts - English Literature
St. Lawrence University
Canton, NY05-1995
Skills
- Major Gifts & Principal Gifts Strategy
- Capital Campaign Leadership
- Campaign strategy development
- Planned giving strategy
- Donor stewardship
- Prospect portfolio management
- Board & Trustee Engagement
- Strategic revenue growth
- Team Leadership & Staff Development
- Campaign Communications & Case Development
Timeline
Senior Director of Development, Southwest
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI)
01.2024 - 05.2026
Vice President for Institutional Advancement
Russell Sage College
01.2018 - 01.2024
Associate Vice President for Institutional Advancement
Russell Sage College
01.2011 - 01.2018
Associate Director of Philanthropy
The Nature Conservancy
01.2006 - 01.2011
Associate Director of Annual Giving & Alumni Relations
Emma Willard School
01.2000 - 01.2006
Bachelor of Arts - English Literature
St. Lawrence University