Leila Bjornland
Philanthropy: Director Of Development
Utica,NY
Summary
Accomplished, strategic and relentless Director of Development with proven proficiency at raising record-setting funds with innovative leadership style and expertise in brand positioning strategies leading and inspiring teams to attain new funding success. Strong philanthropic knowledge with a focus on special projects and community relationships. Adept at delivering above expectations, on time, and under budget. Enviable skills at building trust and long-term relationships with potential donors. Expects and achieves individual and team results while always exhibiting interpersonal respect.
Overview
42
42
years of professional experience
7
7
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Director of Development/Director of Communications
The House Of The Good Shepherd
Utica, NY
09.2016 - Current
- Administrative Team Member.
- Specialize in retaining and cultivating major donors and foundations.
- Executed successful marketing and communications strategy to enhance agency identification and strengthen brand.
- Established philanthropic strategies across agency, within budgetary limitations and resource allocation.
- Defined and integrated roles, responsibilities and processes for team and data management organization.
- Supervised team duties related to decision support and development efforts using KPI and industry-specific tools to increase donations and community support.
- Cultivated cooperation through regular meetings designed to foster inter-team camaraderie.
- Worked with senior management to define project scope and direction, creating inter-departmental frameworks to drive successful project execution.
Special Events Coordinator
The House Of The Good Shepherd
Utica, NY
10.2001 - 09.2016
- Create innovated ways to fundraise and continuously exceeded goals.
- Specialize in stewardship, relationship building, major donors, committees and volunteers.
- Strong marketing, public relations and writing skills.
- Proficient in DonorPerfect, Fluent in MS Office, experience with In-Design.
Clubhouse Manager and Event Coordinator
Crystal Springs Golf Course
Vernon, NY
09.1999 - 09.2008
- Created and implemented new infrastructure for optimal daily operations
- Successfully raised funds for the Comprehensive Breast Cancer Center for eight years.
Training Specialist and Store Sales Manager
Lerners NY
Utica - Syracuse, NY
11.1995 - 09.1999
- Evaluated success of training programs and recommended improvements to upper management to enhance effectiveness.
- Drove and maintained solid operational processes, inventory management and inventory rationalization.
- Oversaw, trained and encouraged store personnel, promoting culture of efficiency and performance.
- Assessed skill gaps for employees and developed training courses to meet identified needs.
District and Store Sales Manager
Lerners NY
Syracuse NY , Baltimore MD
03.1988 - 11.1995
- Reviewed and monitored scheduling, purchases and other expenses to maintain quarterly budget.
- Coached sales associates in product specifications, sales incentives and selling techniques, significantly increasing customer satisfaction ratings.
- Delivered positive results by controlling monthly operations budget and limiting financial discrepancies continuously increased sales by 19% annually.
- Responsible for hiring and training all managers to promote a focused and motivated management team to achieve sales goals.
- Strong leadership, motivational skills, customer service, and marketing skills.
Education
Leadership Training
Pryor Learning
Fred Pryor Seminars Career Track 10.2021 - 12.2022
Marketing, Customer Service, Management Training
Lerner NYU
NYC NY 01.1993 - 01.1997
Studied Business And Accounting
MVCC
Utica NY 08.1985 - 06.1987
Skills
Strong Relationship Building Skills
Business Goal Management
Problem-Solving, Analytical and Critical Thinking
Strategic Planning
Attention to Detail
Marketing, Grant writer and Copywriter
Experience with DonorPerfect, MS Office, Adobe Suite
Accomplishments
- Originated and inaugurated a planned giving society in 2022.
- Successfully navigated fundraising through creative thinking during COVID leading to increase of donations by 87% from 2020 to 2021.
- Implemented DonorPerfect to assist in stewardship and promote growth of annual giving by 38% in first year-2015.
- Bolstered a philanthropic culture within the agency from 2015 to present having 82% current employee participation.
- Successfully conduct four significant fundraisers annually, achieving a continuous growth of revenue each year from 2002 - present.
- Studied Hapkido and obtained Black Belt in 2012.
- Star Performer Award recipient in 2009 and 2013.
- Awarded President's Club (Top 120 out of 864 managers) in 1991,1992.
Timeline
Leadership Training
Pryor Learning
10.2021 - 12.2022
Director of Development/Director of Communications
The House Of The Good Shepherd
09.2016 - Current
Special Events Coordinator
The House Of The Good Shepherd
10.2001 - 09.2016
Clubhouse Manager and Event Coordinator
Crystal Springs Golf Course
09.1999 - 09.2008
Training Specialist and Store Sales Manager
Lerners NY
11.1995 - 09.1999
Marketing, Customer Service, Management Training
Lerner NYU
01.1993 - 01.1997
District and Store Sales Manager
Lerners NY
03.1988 - 11.1995
Studied Business And Accounting
MVCC
08.1985 - 06.1987
1st Degree Black Belt - Hapkido
Studied the art of Hapkido for five years and instructed classes for four years.