Lesley McCave
Henderson,NV
Summary
Development and communications professional with strong leadership skills and proven track record in driving growth initiatives. Skilled in strategic planning, fundraising, and stakeholder management, with focus on team collaboration and achieving results. Known for adaptability in dynamic environments and ability to inspire and guide teams towards success.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Development & Communications
SpokAnimal
01.2025 - Current
- Enhanced donor engagement through strategic stewardship initiatives in Neon CRM.
- Produced impact reports to increase donor satisfaction and trust levels.
- Developed analytics dashboards for effective tracking of donor behavior and campaign performance.
- Cultivated relationships with donors and stakeholders to foster ongoing support.
- Implemented strategic fundraising initiatives to significantly boost organizational revenue.
- Led team in planning annual fundraising events, maximizing participation and contributions.
Strategist
Uncharted Philanthropy
06.2023 - 12.2024
- Designed donor journeys and stewardship calendars for clients with $1M+ revenue goals.
- Advised on segmentation, cultivation tactics and CRM-based engagement workflows.
- Crafted reports detailing program achievements, insights and future recommendations for board presentations.
Director of Partnerships
Greater Good Charities
03.2020 - 06.2023
- Enhanced donor engagement through strategic journey and recognition program design.
- Developed targeted pitch decks to strengthen donor stewardship and retention efforts.
- Maintained brand compliance across all donor recognition and communication materials.
- Expanded partner outreach initiatives, significantly increasing network engagement and partnerships.
- Provided timely stewardship updates, including crisis-response reports during the 2022 Ukraine invasion.
Communications Director
Animal Defenders International
04.2018 - 03.2020
- Enhanced organizational visibility through strategic communication plans and execution.
- Secured media coverage in outlets like BBC, CNN, and The Guardian.
- Increased social media engagement and website traffic via digital strategies.
- Executed crisis communication protocols, protecting organizational reputation effectively.
- Mentored junior staff, boosting professional growth and team performance in communications.
- Represented organization as spokesperson at media events and state hearings.
Deputy Series Editor/Editor, Executive Editor
Time Out / DAYSPA
10.2006 - 03.2018
- Edited and co-wrote 35+ Time Out city guides; oversaw budgets and editorial style guides.
- Directed editorial strategy for DAYSPA, launching full brand overhaul in 2018, and boosting subscriptions by 18%.
Education
BA - Hispanic Studies & French
Queen Mary University of London
London, UKSkills
- Donor stewardship
- Donor journeys
- Donor communications
- Moves management
- Donor recognition
- Events & donor engagement
- Storytelling
- Brand strategy
- Project management
- Relationship Building
- Major gifts solicitation
- Corporate sponsorships
- Data management
- Donor relations
Timeline
Director of Development & Communications
SpokAnimal
01.2025 - Current
Strategist
Uncharted Philanthropy
06.2023 - 12.2024
Director of Partnerships
Greater Good Charities
03.2020 - 06.2023
Communications Director
Animal Defenders International
04.2018 - 03.2020
Deputy Series Editor/Editor, Executive Editor
Time Out / DAYSPA
10.2006 - 03.2018
BA - Hispanic Studies & French
Queen Mary University of London