Kristen Wise
Bethesda,MD
Summary
Mission-driven nonprofit and grantmaking professional with extensive expertise in grants administration, strategic initiatives, operations, board relations, and stakeholder engagement within Catholic organizations. Recognized for strong institutional knowledge and exceptional relationship-building skills with congregation leaders and grantees, effectively leading complex projects while enhancing systems to support mission-centered growth. Proficient in grantmaking strategy, governance support, and operational oversight, demonstrating a deep commitment to serving aging religious women and men through collaborative leadership. Passionate about fostering impactful change and advancing the mission of faith-based organizations.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Grantmaking
SOAR!
Silver Spring, Maryland
07.2021 - Current
- Oversees and leads the SOAR! grantmaking program serving Catholic Sisters, Brothers, and Priests across the United States
- Directs all aspects of grant programs from pre application to grant close out including grants management system administration, application workflows, reporting systems, evaluation processes, compliance, and organizational data integrity
- Manages grant department programs and budget to execute initiatives and reach goals
- Assists with financial and administrative functions including accounts payable processing, preparation of documentation supporting annual audit activities, and administration of the online grantee payment platform
- Interviews, trains, supervises, and evaluates grantmaking staff while supporting professional development and operational continuity
- Has served as board liaison for more than 10+ years, supporting Board and Committee operations, coordinating meetings, administering the board information platform, maintaining board orientation materials, and assisting with implementation of strategic initiatives
- Conducts site visits and relationship-building meetings with congregational leadership and grantees nationwide
- Frequently represents SOAR! in webinars, outreach presentations, information sessions, and national conferences
- Supports administrative and operational initiatives including office relocation coordination, vendor and contract management, cloud storage administration, and oversight of IT and telecommunications vendors
Coordinator of Grantmaking
SOAR!
Washington, DC
07.2019 - 07.2021
- Managed grantmaking operations through administration of grants database, application process improvements, and preparation of impact reports
- Established a relationship-centered culture of grantmaking partnership by fostering responsive communication, transparency, technical support, and collaborative engagement with applicants throughout the grant lifecycle
- Responded to inquiries from prospective grant applicants and coordinated rapid-response and emergency funding requests
- Coordinated grant review activities and supported collaboration with the Board Grant Review Committee
- Mentored intern staff enhancing their professional development and performance within the organization
- Prioritized and managed multiple ad hoc projects simultaneously, ensuring all met their deadlines and objectives without compromising quality
- Managed vendor relationships to secure best quality of services and products for organizational needs
Executive Assistant to the President
SOAR!
Washington, DC
08.2015 - 07.2019
- Supported the President in daily organizational operations, including calendar management, travel coordination, and event logistics
- Served as liaison between the President and Board of Directors while maintaining a high level of professionalism and confidentiality
- Entered, maintained, and monitored grant application database to support accurate historical records
- Handled sensitive and confidential information with discretion and sound judgment
- Managed front office operations and served as primary office administrator and receptionist
- Coordinated organizational events and supported special projects and operational initiatives as needed
Director of Youth Ministry and Education
The Woodlands
The Woodlands, Texas
10.2002 - 05.2015
- Developed and directed engaging youth educational programs and adult volunteer initiatives that promoted leadership, faith formation, and community engagement
- Oversaw ministry fundraising campaigns including budgeting, event planning, logistics management, donor appreciation, and charitable giving records
- Managed office operations including staff supervision, department accounting, database record hygiene, written and verbal communication and correspondence
- Collaborated with parents, volunteers, and parish community members to create a supportive and inclusive environment for youth and ensured proper volunteer training and safe environment policy compliance
- Presented catechetical lessons and spoke at parish and archdiocesan events for youth, parents, and ministry leaders
- Provided pastoral care support while handling confidential, sensitive, and crisis-related situations with professionalism and discretion
Family Service Counselor
Forest Lawn Memorial Park
Beaumont, Texas
05.2000 - 03.2001
- Coordinated funeral and burial services, ensuring adherence to family wishes and regulatory compliance
- Guided families through funeral arrangement process, providing compassionate support and resources
- Educated families on funeral and memorialization choices available
- Assisted families through pre-arranged funeral planning and service options
- Office duties including appointment making, record keeping, filing, contract writing, and accounts receivable processes
Education
Associate of Applied Science - Funeral Service
Commonwealth Institute of Funeral Service
Houston, Texas11-2003
DEI in Leadership Certificate - Professional Education
Miami University
Oxford, OH10-2023
DEI Health Equity - Professional Education
Miami University
Oxford, OH10-2023
DEI Foundations - Professional Education
Miami University
Oxford, OH09-2023
Skills
- Grantmaking
- Industry knowledge
- Strategies and goals
- Relationship building
- Change management
- Organizational management
- Creativity and innovation
- Charismatic leader
Accomplishments
- Developed and implemented grantmaking strategies, overseeing the distribution of millions of dollars in funding annually
- Expanded the grant cycle frequency from annual to biannual and later helped transition the organization to a rolling grants model to improve responsiveness and accessibility
- Created a strategic outreach initiative to identify, engage, and build relationships with prospective grantees nationwide, increasing awareness of funding opportunities and expanding applicant engagement
- Pioneered the first online grants management system in SOAR! history for grantees and external reviewers, including data migration, change management, and leading onboard training
Affiliations
- PEAK Grantmaking
- GIA Grantmaking in Aging
- National Association of Professional Women
Timeline
Director of Grantmaking
SOAR!
07.2021 - Current
Coordinator of Grantmaking
SOAR!
07.2019 - 07.2021
Executive Assistant to the President
SOAR!
08.2015 - 07.2019
Director of Youth Ministry and Education
The Woodlands
10.2002 - 05.2015
Family Service Counselor
Forest Lawn Memorial Park
05.2000 - 03.2001
Associate of Applied Science - Funeral Service
Commonwealth Institute of Funeral Service
DEI in Leadership Certificate - Professional Education
Miami University
DEI Health Equity - Professional Education
Miami University
DEI Foundations - Professional Education
Miami University