Laura Stephenson
Sale Creek,TN
Summary
Dynamic director-level communications and development professional with a proven track record in nonprofit leadership and relationship-driven business development. Expertise in creating impactful nonprofit initiatives and establishing a referral-based real estate practice, emphasizing trust, discretion, and long-term relationship stewardship. Renowned for transforming complex and sensitive topics into ethical narratives that inspire donor support and enhance community partnerships while safeguarding the dignity of those served. Committed to fostering collaboration and driving mission-focused outcomes through strategic communication and engagement.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
Work History
Realtor
Keller Williams
07.2016 - Current
- Represent buyers and sellers in residential transactions across varied price points and market conditions and shifts.
- Built a referral-based business model rooted in long-term relationships, trust, and repeat clients.
- Manage all aspects of transactions including pricing strategy, contract negotiation, inspections, appraisals, and closings.
- Consistently advocate for client interests while balancing deadlines, lender requirements, and third-party stakeholders.
- Delivere data-driven market insights, equity analyses, and strategic guidance to support client confidence.
- Achieved Top 20% office performance recognition (2022 and 2025).
- Achieved Top 15 Individual Agents at Keller Williams Greater Chattanooga multiple months every year
- Committed to a lifelong learning approach by attending education programs and certifications annually
Development and Marketing Manager
Reflection Riding Arboretum and Nature Center
01.2015 - 01.2016
- Develop and implement annual marketing plan for events, programs, workshops, and all publicity opportunities.
- Establish media connections in the community to build awareness of the organization through public relations, social media, advertising, and various other communication efforts.
- Create and implement an in-depth development plan to include all aspects of organizational growth such as membership, donations, grant opportunities, and corporate sponsorship.
- Represent the organization at local meetings and events and as a primary point of contact for media, members, donors, volunteers, vendors, and sponsors.
- Establish documentation to track all marketing, communication, and development research, analytics, and growth.
- Research potential grant opportunities and track submission dates, deadlines, and requirements through Excel.
- Write and coordinate design of marketing materials such as e-newsletter, website, social media platforms, brochures, and signage.
- Develop and manage market research efforts by creating and distributing program and visitor satisfaction surveys.
- Develop and implement membership renewal program distributed by direct mail and email.
- Proven ability to self-motivate, work well as part of a team, and under the pressure of tight deadlines.
Operations Manager
A Step Ahead Foundation Chattanooga
01.2014 - 01.2015
- Develop and implement procedures for donor database of a new organization.
- Collaborate on and carry out annual marketing plan to include email blasts, print, social media, and website.
- Implement donor acknowledgement system through DonorSnap.
- Responsibly represent the organization through all communication with donors, volunteers, vendors, and the local community.
- Organize Excel database to track marketing, communication, and development endeavors.
- Research potential grant opportunities and track submission dates, deadlines, and requirements through Excel.
- Manage day-to-day operations within the office such as bookkeeping, developing a procedures manual, inventory, and increasing overall efficiency of the office.
- Play a significant role in annual development and communications plan for the organization.
- Exceeded fundraising expectations of launch event and end-of-year giving.
- Plan and implement volunteer program while managing contact information, interests, and strengths.
Executive Director
Chattanooga Girls Choir
01.2013 - 01.2014
- Create and follow a development plan to increase fundraising through special events, annual campaign, member fundraisers, and sponsorships.
- Compose and distribute monthly High Notes Newsletter to distribute to parents, donors, and alumnae.
- Provide detailed events calendar for upcoming performances and events through media, website, social media, and email.
- In conjunction with the CGC Board, establish fundraising and marketing campaigns.
- Write and distribute all press releases for performances and events.
- Develop and implement web-based volunteer tracker through ihelpchattanooga.org focusing on parent volunteers and community outreach.
- Strong ability in cultivating and maintaining relationships with volunteers, donors, and both current and prospective parents.
- Secure annual grants while researching potential grant opportunities.
- Create, submit, and maintain sponsorship proposals and solicitations.
- Compose donor appreciation letters and silent auction solicitation and appreciation letters.
- Oversee special events budget including revenue and expenditures.
- Coordinate program and sales for members, sponsors, supporters, and businesses.
- Recruit, hire, train, and coordinate schedules for volunteers and employees.
- Plan events while managing logistics and budget.
- Secure auction items and sponsorships for events.
Development Assistant
Partnership for Families, Children, and Adults
01.2010
- Follow all data entry procedures for records entry in donor database software.
- Provide any administrative assistance necessary for Development Committee meetings.
- Prepare invitation and mailing lists and oversee merges in support of direct mail programs and special events.
- Work in conjunction with the Development Manager in both day to day operations and coordination of Partnership’s special fundraising events.
- Maintain guest lists, gather and prepare registration materials, and other duties regarding fundraising events.
- Oversee Partnership’s Pledge Partners monthly pledge system.
- Process Development Department’s check requests, purchase orders, and monitor department spending.
- Maintain department filing system and ensure confidentiality of donors, clients, volunteers, and personnel.
Marketing and Communications Intern
Arts and Education Council
01.2009
- Collaborate on coordination of annual events such as Artamajig, Back Row Film Series, and Culturefest.
- Implement standards for proposed event schedule.
- Provide in-depth information about AEC and its events through Constant Contact and website updates.
- Write weekly website blogs and podcast summaries for televised programming of Point of View and First View.
- Cultivate and maintain relationships with sponsors and volunteers of events.
Teen Leadership Camp Coordinator
YMCA
01.1999 - 01.2003
Education
Bachelor of Arts - English Writing, Non-Profit Management
University of Tennessee, Chattanooga
Chattanooga, TNSkills
- Strategic storytelling and ethical donor stewardship
- Fundraising strategy and donor relations
- Community and partnership engagement
- Relationship management with diverse stakeholders
- Business development and revenue growth
- Strategic storytelling with stewardship
Accomplishments
Keller Williams Greater Chattanooga Top 20% Producer 2025, 2022
Keller Williams Greater Chattanooga Top 15 Individual Agent
Annually
Keller Williams ALC (Agent Leadership Council) 2025
Timeline
Realtor
Keller Williams
07.2016 - Current
Development and Marketing Manager
Reflection Riding Arboretum and Nature Center
01.2015 - 01.2016
Operations Manager
A Step Ahead Foundation Chattanooga
01.2014 - 01.2015
Executive Director
Chattanooga Girls Choir
01.2013 - 01.2014
Development Assistant
Partnership for Families, Children, and Adults
01.2010
Marketing and Communications Intern
Arts and Education Council
01.2009
Teen Leadership Camp Coordinator
YMCA
01.1999 - 01.2003
Bachelor of Arts - English Writing, Non-Profit Management
University of Tennessee, Chattanooga