Marita Emond
West Bloomfield,MI
Summary
Dynamic fundraising leader with a proven track record securing millions of dollars in major gifts over the past 24 years. Expert in donor relations and strategic planning, I excel in building lasting relationships and mentoring teams. My effective communication skills drive impactful community engagement and sustainable funding initiatives.
Overview
29
29
years of professional experience
Work History
Regional Director of Development
Ave Maria University
Ave Maria, Florida
11.2023 - Current
- Manage Midwest fundraising efforts by engaging donors to align interests with institutional funding needs.
- Raised over three million dollars in individual six-figure gifts and secured 10+ estate gifts within 24 months.
- Present impact reports on projects of interest to donors, highlighting projected funding needs.
- Foster donor connections through transparency, emphasizing program sustainability and legacy support.
- Facilitate campus visits for donors, introducing them to faculty and students benefiting from their support.
- Mentor new Advancement co-workers, enhancing relationship growth strategies through effective coaching.
- Support strategy development for Alumni Relations to enhance engagement and outreach.
- Organize donor cultivation and stewardship dinners alongside Chancellor and President.
Director of Mission Advancement
Archdiocese of Detroit
Detroit, Michigan
08.2015 - 11.2023
- Secured five $1 million gifts and numerous six and five-figure gifts for special projects and scholarships.
- Collaborated with team to obtain sponsorships for major events, including Archbishop's Gala and Desert Golf Classic.
- Managed portfolio of 150 potential and current donors to maximize funding opportunities.
- Supported strategic planning initiatives for Archdiocese and Seminary alongside the Archbishop and Rector.
- Revamped Legacy Giving program, enhancing engagement with potential legacy donors.
- Graduated from one-year mentorship program with Planned Giving Round Table, focusing on Planned Giving best practices.
- Achieved $475,000 in funding towards a $350,000 goal for a project initiated in Fall 2022.
- Raised millions for building projects, scholarships, and Annual Fund through grassroots efforts without formal promotional materials.
Executive Director
Saint Catherine of Siena Academy
Wixom, Michigan
05.2011 - 08.2015
- Communicated school mission to external community, establishing recognition and relationships with Church, businesses, and leaders.
- Created development traditions from inception, including A Night in Siena Gala, raising $350,000 in three years, and Fore the Stars Golf Classic, raising $75,000.
- Engaged community with St. John Paul II's teachings on the feminine genius, growing donor base to nearly 500 and securing $3,500,000 during tenure.
- Secured two bequests from supporters with no direct ties to school, driven by mission affinity.
- Conducted outreach through cold calls to philanthropists and business owners, building a substantial major gift portfolio.
- Established corporate sponsors pool through active participation in Novi, Chaldean, and Lakes Area Chambers of Commerce.
- Increased mission awareness by delivering presentations on the feminine genius across various venues.
- Facilitated small group meetings for new prospect donors, collaborating with Board members and parents.
Regional Major Gift Officer
Ave Maria University
Ave Maria, Florida
01.2002 - 05.2011
- Exceeded fundraising goals by generating $750,000 against a target of $250,000 in 2009-2010.
- Raised over $600,000 against a goal of $500,000 during 2010-2011.
- Cultivated future giving by thanking a donor for a $1,000 gift, resulting in a $500,000 pledge.
- Re-solicited previous donor whose first gift was $500 in 2009, then gave $100,000 in 2010 and secured another $200,000 gift in 2011.
- Conducted cold calls to high net worth prospects and scheduled meetings with Chancellor and President.
- Organized donor trips to AMU from 2008 to 2011, creating unique pilgrimage experiences.
- Managed volunteers for Midwest Founders Club events and supported marketing initiatives.
- Spearheaded fundraising events in eight key U.S. cities to attract local scholarships for AMU students.
Missionary
YOU! Magazine
Los Angeles, CA
08.1998 - 08.1999
- Made cold calls selling YOU! Magazine and Veritas Communication products, wrote articles and conducted interviews for YOU! Magazine.
- Represented YOU! at Catholic youth conferences nationwide.
Missionary
National Catholic Register
Irondale, AL
06.1997 - 08.1998
- Traveled extensively across U.S. to sell National Catholic Register while recruiting college students for commission-based sales positions.
Education
Bachelor of Philosophy - Theology
Ave Maria College
Ypsilanti, MI12-2003
Skills
- Fundraising strategy
- Donor relations
- Nonprofit management
- Estate planning
- Project reporting
- Sponsorship coordination
- Community engagement
- Portfolio management
- Event planning
- Mentoring teams
- Effective communication
- Relationship building
- Strategic thinking
- Problem solving
- Negotiation skills
- Public speaking
- Skilled in Razor's Edge, Virtuous, Bloomerang
- Meetings and presentations
- Interpersonal communication
- Time management
- Reliability
- Training and development
- Task prioritization
- Scheduling and coordinating
- Continuous improvement
Affiliations
• Well acquainted with the following Catholic organizations: Legatus, The Papal Foundation, Patrons of the Arts, Knights of Malta, Knights of the Holy Sepulcher of Jerusalem, Cardinal Club.
• Current active member of Planned Giving Round Table of Southeast Michigan.
• Current Board member of Camp Santa Maria and All God's Children Belong Endowment Board.
• Current active member of Planned Giving Round Table of Southeast Michigan.
• Current Board member of Camp Santa Maria and All God's Children Belong Endowment Board.
References
- Teresa Grumm, JD, donor and volunteer, 734-302-4716
- Adora Ibrahim, President and Owner, Lighthouse Real Estate, colleague, 248-210-8229
Intern Experience
- Intern, YOU! Magazine, Los Angeles, CA, 01/01/98, 12/31/99. Made cold calls selling YOU! Magazine and Veritas Communication products. Wrote articles and conducted interviews for YOU! Magazine, represented YOU! at Catholic youth conferences nationwide.
- Intern, National Catholic Register, Irondale, AL, 01/01/97, 12/31/99, Traveled throughout the U.S., selling the National Catholic Register. Recruited college students to sell the newspaper as a commission-based job.
Timeline
Regional Director of Development
Ave Maria University
11.2023 - Current
Director of Mission Advancement
Archdiocese of Detroit
08.2015 - 11.2023
Executive Director
Saint Catherine of Siena Academy
05.2011 - 08.2015
Regional Major Gift Officer
Ave Maria University
01.2002 - 05.2011
Missionary
YOU! Magazine
08.1998 - 08.1999
Missionary
National Catholic Register
06.1997 - 08.1998
Bachelor of Philosophy - Theology
Ave Maria College