Kenneth J. Griffin
Indiana Wesleyan University
Marion,IN
35
years of professional experience
Development professional with extensive experience in driving organizational growth and strategic initiatives. Consistently fosters collaborative environments and delivers impactful results through adaptive leadership. Proven skills in stakeholder engagement and resource optimization.
Work History
Senior Development Officer
7 Years- Primary focus on major gifts($25,000 and above)
- Maintain portfolio of 75 donor constituent families in stages including qualification, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship
- Traveled within a six hour radius of Marion, IN and to southeast and southwest regions to engage with potential major gift donors
- Assist and coordinate cultivation strategies and solicitation with a variety of Academic Department chairs and Professors (Business, Education, Engineering, Nursing, School of Theology & Ministry, Wesley Seminary)
- Acted as major gift liaison between Advancement and Athletics administration and head coaches to assist with scholarships, capital improvements, and the new facility (I AM THIRD Arena).
- Coordinated cultivation strategies and solicitation efforts with Academic Department chairs and professors across multiple disciplines to enhance donor relationships
- Participated in regular group cultivation events (President’s Football and Basketball Suites) to invite qualified donors and prospects to attend.
- Engaged in group donor stewardship and solicitation events (scholarship banquet, concerts, President’s weekends).
- Represent the University at Wesleyan denomination district conferences during summers
Director of Development
7 Years- Primary focus on lead and major gifts for three successful separate capital campaigns of $6 million, $1.2 million and $8.5(Goal of $5.5M Financed $3M) Center for Arts and Science, Library and Field renovations, New Auditorium.
- Largest gifts solicited and secured along with Head of School during the three separate campaigns of $500,000, $1 million and $2 million.
- Multiple five and six figure gifts secured.
- Secured multiple five and six figure gifts, contributing significantly to overall campaign success.
- Coordinated naming opportunities and donor recognition across all campaigns.
- Oversee with development staff annual donor stewardship events, grandparents’ day, homecoming, new family events and several annual fundraisers designed to benefit the Annual Fund.
- The campaigns were 18 months, 1 year and 11 months respectively.
- Staff liaison for the development and endowment committee of the Board of Trustees.
Director of Major Gifts, Major Gifts Officer
5 Years- Engaged major givers capable of $25,000+ contributions over five years of a $50 million comprehensive campaign.
- Solicited planned gifts and facilitated bequests, enhancing funding opportunities.
- Worked with 125-150 donors throughout the country.
- Cultivated and solicited major donors alongside the Vice President of Advancement.
- Attended numerous campaign cultivation events nationwide with the College President.
Director of Development, Jr High Counselor
2 Years- Led fundraising efforts for $250,000 track renovation project, engaging community support and enhancing school facilities
- Oversaw the first annual Dade Christian Fashion Show and first Dade Christian Auction
- Counseled 7th and 8th grade students as Jr. High counselor, facilitating various developmental groups and providing individual counseling.
- Taught General Psychology to 11th/12 grade
- Taught 11th grade U.S. History
Athletic Director/ Physical Education Teacher
1 Year- Directed Middle School athletic program, managing 6 sports and 9 teams to enhance student engagement and physical fitness
- Instructed P.E. classes for 3rd-8th grade, promoting physical health and teamwork among students
- Coached boys soccer and boys basketball, fostering skill development and sportsmanship in young athletes
Guidance Counselor/Dean of Students
1 Year- Guided 11th and 12th grade students through college admission process, enhancing their readiness for post-secondary education
- Managed discipline for 9th-12th grade students, fostering a positive school environment and promoting student accountability
- Coached assistant varsity and head JV boys basketball teams, developing players' skills and teamwork
Case Manager/Counselor
4 Years- Worked as caseworker/counselor at day school for at-risk youth, interacting with public school and court-referred students.
- Acted as Lakeside court liaison to Montgomery County Juvenile Court System.
- Managed the program for the transition of students returning to various suburban Philadelphia school districts.
Caseworker
1 Year- Acted as caseworker for a foster care agency focusing on specialized foster children referred by Philadelphia and surrounding counties.
- Screened and recruited potential foster care families to enhance resource availability for children in need
- Documented and coordinated communications with county representatives, physicians, psychologists, school officials, and birth parents to support comprehensive case management
Education
M.S. - Higher Education
B.A. - Psychology
Skills
Major gifts fundraising
Client engagement
Networking
Collaborator
Excellent Communicator
Self-motivation
Learner
Timeline
Senior Development Officer
Indiana Wesleyan University
01.2019 - 01.2026Read More
Director of Development
Charlotte Christian School
01.2012 - 01.2019Read More
Director of Major Gifts, Major Gifts Officer
Houghton College
01.2001 - 01.2006Read More
Director of Development, Jr High Counselor
Dade Christian School
01.1999 - 01.2001Read More
Athletic Director/ Physical Education Teacher
Boca Raton Christian School
01.1998 - 01.1999Read More
Guidance Counselor/Dean of Students
The Christian Academy
01.1996 - 01.1997Read More
Case Manager/Counselor
Lakeside Educational Network
01.1992 - 01.1996Read More
Caseworker
The Children’s Choice
01.1991 - 01.1992Read More
West Chester University
B.A. from Psychology
Read More
West Chester University
M.S. from Higher Education
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