KELLY MESSMER
Granger,IN
Summary
Dynamic fundraising professional with a proven track record at UC Irvine Health, excelling in donor cultivation and retention. Successfully directed a $2M annual giving program, enhancing stakeholder collaboration and implementing strategic direct mail campaigns. Adept at budget management and event planning, driving significant revenue growth and volunteer engagement.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Annual Giving
UC Irvine Health
01.2015 - 01.2017
- Company Overview: University of California, Irvine
- Managed a donor portfolio and identified pipeline opportunities for major gift cultivation.
- Created a grateful patient annual giving program in collaboration with HIPAA/Privacy staff and development leadership.
- Directed a $2M annual giving program, reestablishing donor communications through direct mail and fundraising campaigns.
- Oversaw a $1M budget and managed 2 staff members handling third-party fundraising, online giving, memorial giving, employee campaigns, and stewardship.
- Implemented direct response fundraising strategies supporting multiple UC Irvine Health initiatives, leading to cutting-edge donor communications.
- Project-managed 12 direct mail communications per year, totaling 125,000 pieces.
- Analyzed program metrics to evaluate success and inform strategy.
- University of California, Irvine
Special Events Manager
Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
Alexandria, VA
01.2013 - 01.2014
- Company Overview: National Capital Area
- Managed 4 campaigns totaling $3.8M in annual revenue, including IHOP, School & Youth, Student of the Year, and Light the Night.
- Oversaw Northeast IHOP campaign growth of 58% over two years, managing 3 staff across 5 states.
- Recruited and secured 100 schools for the School & Youth program within three months.
- Organized 40+ volunteers for the inaugural Student of the Year campaign.
- National Capital Area
Donor Relations Associate
Beaufort Memorial Hospital Foundation
Beaufort, SC
01.2012 - 01.2013
- Executed annual giving programs including capital campaigns, direct mail appeals, individual giving, stewardship, and special events.
- Led employee campaign presentations raising $1M+ for the Bruce and Sarah Pratt Emergency Center.
- Researched and cultivated major gift prospects ($10,000+) and donor pipeline.
- Solicited gifts of $1,000+ from grateful patients and corporations.
Marketing and Sales Manager
Beaufort Regional Chamber of Commerce
Beaufort, SC
01.2011 - 12.2011
- Company Overview: Tourism Division
- Conducted market research to inform social media, travel trends, and competitive analysis.
- Managed partner materials and product placement across multiple platforms.
- Strategically budgeted annual media plan, including Southern Living, Coastal Living, Garden & Gun, and Facebook Ads.
- Co-created and submitted a state tourism advertising grant awarded $253,000 for marketing initiatives.
- Tourism Division
Training and Development Specialist
Savannah River Site
Aiken, SC
01.2009 - 12.2011
- Designed and delivered classroom and web-based training for new and existing employees.
- Managed training budgets, schedules, and monthly newsletters.
- Analyzed departmental training needs and developed solutions to enhance workforce development.
Education
Fundraising Management Certificate -
Indiana University
01.2015
B.A. - Sociology, Psychology
Augusta University
Augusta, GA01.2005
Skills
- Donor Cultivation & Retention
- Annual Giving & Capital Campaigns
- Direct Mail Fundraising
- Budget Management & Strategic Planning
- Stakeholder Collaboration
- Event Planning & Volunteer Management
- Marketing & Social Media Strategy
- Volunteer recruitment
- Campaign analysis
Timeline
Director of Annual Giving
UC Irvine Health
01.2015 - 01.2017
Special Events Manager
Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
01.2013 - 01.2014
Donor Relations Associate
Beaufort Memorial Hospital Foundation
01.2012 - 01.2013
Marketing and Sales Manager
Beaufort Regional Chamber of Commerce
01.2011 - 12.2011
Training and Development Specialist
Savannah River Site
01.2009 - 12.2011
Fundraising Management Certificate -
Indiana University
B.A. - Sociology, Psychology
Augusta University
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