Kerry Smart
Oakland,ME
Summary
Results-driven development professional with over a decade of experience in nonprofit fundraising, program development, and community outreach. Proven ability to cultivate major gifts, organize successful fundraising events, and manage donor relationships. Skilled in leading teams, developing strategic partnerships, and driving fundraising growth through a focus on innovation and donor engagement.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Development
Travis Mills Foundation
Mount Vernon, ME
01.2025 - Current
- Led fundraising strategies to enhance donor engagement and increase revenue streams.
- Developed comprehensive development plans aligning with organizational goals and mission.
- Managed high-performing teams, fostering collaboration and professional growth among staff.
- Implemented data-driven approaches to optimize donor retention and acquisition efforts.
- Cultivated relationships with key stakeholders, enhancing partnerships and community involvement.
- Directed strategic initiatives for capital campaigns, achieving ambitious fundraising targets.
- Analyzed market trends to inform strategic planning and development opportunities.
- Enhanced donor relationships with personalized communication plans and regular updates on project progress.
- Increased fundraising revenue by implementing innovative donor engagement strategies and targeted campaigns i.e. Alive Day Campaign, Annual Appeal, Third-party and expanding on the five Signature Events.
- Collaborated with Travis Mills Foundation teams and Warrior PATHH guides to align programmatic objectives with funding priorities for maximum impact.
- Successfully planned and executed five signature events that raised awareness about the organization''s mission while generating new sources of support generating close to a million dollars.
- Negotiated beneficial partnerships with corporate sponsors, securing significant in-kind contributions and enhancing the organization''s visibility.
- Collaborated with marketing and communications teams to create compelling fundraising materials that resonated with diverse audiences.
- Implemented data-driven decision-making processes in order to make informed choices regarding fundraising strategies.
- Secured major gifts from high-profile donors by establishing strong relationships and demonstrating impactful use of contributions.
- Drove significant increases in fundraising revenue by developing and implementing strategic donor engagement plans through signature events; third party events; annual appeal and donor stewardship.
- Used a Boston marketing initiative to grow relationships and reach with the Boston Bruins Foundation; Boston Celtics; TD Bank and major donors in the Boston area.
Program Manager for HAIBI and Professional and Career Development
Thomas College
10.2022 - Current
- Execute entrepreneurial programming in collaboration with Greenlight Maine and the Top Gun program to foster student innovation and business development
- Provide comprehensive advising to current students on internships, employment opportunities, resume writing, and interview skills to enhance their career prospects
- Teach and guide first-year students in the FY 110 seminar class, facilitating their transition to college life and equipping them with essential skills for academic success
- Work closely with the international student population, assisting them in seeking employment opportunities and providing cultural sensitivity training to enhance their career readiness
- Facilitate the Golf Guarantee program, teaching seniors and graduate students the fundamentals of golf and the importance of networking as part of their professional development.
Assistant Development Officer for Athletics/Development Officer for Athletics
Thomas College
12.2012 - 10.2022
- Orchestrated a comprehensive Friends and Family appeal campaign across all sports
- Established and managed the annual Terrier Tee Off Golf Tournament for 8 years, growing revenue from $2,000 to $15,000
- Directed a prospect portfolio of over 100 donors, increasing donor giving by nearly 11% from FY '21 to FY '22
- Achieved a 35% increase in athletic fundraising from FY '21 to FY '22
- Designed and implemented a sponsorship program for signage across campus athletic fields and gym
- Cultivated relationships with local businesses, resulting in donations and sponsorships for various campus events and initiatives
- Collaborated with coaches to develop customized fundraising plans for their respective programs through alumni and donor outreach and stewardship
- Contributed to the planning and execution of various successful events, including the Lunder Golf Scholars Invitational (grossing over $150,000 in 2022), Day of Giving (over 1,500 donors and nearly $800,000 in 2022), Homecoming and Family/Friends Weekend (for 10 years), Mud Run (for 9 years), and Golf Guarantee Program
- Managed and coordinated numerous stewardship events, alumni gatherings, and actively participated in the collaboration of alumni professional groups.
Head Men's and Women's Cross-Country Coach
Thomas College
04.2008 - 12.2019
- Administered all aspects of the Men's and Women's Cross Country Teams
- Successfully expanded the Men's program to 10 student-athletes
- Recruited prospective student-athletes
- Mentored and coached award-winning athletes, including Rookies of the Year, Male Runner of the Year, and multiple All-Conference student-athletes
- Coached the Female Scholar Athlete of the Year, Alyssa Maggi
- Led a team from last place to sixth in the conference.
Director of PR/Development
St. John Regional Catholic School
08.2008 - 12.2012
- Developed and executed a comprehensive marketing and promotion plan for the school
- Led fundraising and development efforts, working closely with local businesses to secure donations
- Coordinated the school's largest fundraiser
- Cultivated relationships with the local community through involvement in the Chamber of Commerce and local boards
- Oversaw and managed social media platforms, including websites and Facebook.
Education
M.Ed. Incomplete - Higher Education Administration
University of Maine
B.A. - Broadcast Journalism
University of Maine
05.1993
Skills
- Fundraising expertise
- Business development and planning
- Community Engagement
- Partnership and Team Building
- Networking
- Donor Cultivation and Stewardship
Timeline
Director of Development
Travis Mills Foundation
01.2025 - Current
Program Manager for HAIBI and Professional and Career Development
Thomas College
10.2022 - Current
Assistant Development Officer for Athletics/Development Officer for Athletics
Thomas College
12.2012 - 10.2022
Director of PR/Development
St. John Regional Catholic School
08.2008 - 12.2012
Head Men's and Women's Cross-Country Coach
Thomas College
04.2008 - 12.2019
B.A. - Broadcast Journalism
University of Maine
M.Ed. Incomplete - Higher Education Administration
University of Maine
PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
- United Way of Kennebec Valley, Campaign Co-Chair 2024
- United Way of Kennebec Valley, Board of Directors Chair 2025
- Volunteer Maine Foundation – Board of Directors (past)
- Waterville Women's Club – member
- Mid Maine Chamber of Commerce Member
- Kennebec Valley Chamber of Commerce Member