MELANIE MCWHORTER

Work History

Executive Director

HISTORIC SANTA FE FOUNDATION

01.2024 - Current

Established annual planning of events for projection of annual budget through team consultation
Launched a new programming for a recently acquired education center and raised funds for its archives
Hired the Gallery and Gift Shop Manager resulting in an increase in Welcome Center sales and general donations
Supported the higher internship program and volunteer program allowing for more staff productivity and increased outreach
Launched the expanded venue rental program increasing the program by 200% in first two years, respectively
Oversaw financial management, ensuring fiscal responsibility and long-term sustainability for the organization.
Guided staff through periods of organizational change, maintaining morale and engagement during transitions.
Forge strong relationships with board members, providing regular updates on organizational progress and soliciting their expertise when needed.
Monitored compliance with laws and regulations to protect organization from legal liabilities and penalties.
Managed a diverse team of professionals, fostering a collaborative work environment for increased productivity.
Built relationships with donors, government officials and other organizations to secure funding and support for organization.
Promoted a culture of continuous improvement by encouraging professional development opportunities for staff members.
Negotiated contracts with vendors, securing favorable terms while adhering to budgetary constraints.
Represented organization to local public by giving presentations and speeches and participating in community events.
Exercised appropriate cost control to meet budget restrictions and maximize profitability.
Worked closely with organizational leadership and board of directors to guide operational strategy.

Grenade in a Jar Bookstore & Photobook Consulting

CONSULTANT AND SMALL BUSINESS OWNER

09.2019 - Current

Established Melanie McWhorter Photography Consulting in 2017 with over a decade of previous consulting experience
Curated an artist’s 10-year retrospective exhibition from an archive of over 10,000 images
Reviewed and advised on 10+ artist’s contracts
Reviewed artist’s statements and refined portfolio for a refined artistic vision
Collaborated with artist for fundraising up to $30,000 for publishing subvention through private fundraising, grants, and fiscal sponsors
Built an online database of over 2,000 contacts through 20 years of networking and attending social and professional events
Collaborated with nonprofits and educational institutions to jury and exhibit virtual and physical exhibitions
Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
Worked flexible hours across night, weekend, and holiday shifts.
Managed time efficiently in order to complete all tasks within deadlines.
Demonstrated strong organizational and time management skills while managing multiple projects.

Deputy Director & Development Associate

HISTORIC SANTA FE FOUNDATION

10.2015 - 12.2023

Company Overview: A nonprofit organization located in Santa Fe, NM. HSFF was founded in 1961 and its mission is to preserve, protect and promote the historic properties and diverse cultural heritage of the Santa Fe area, and to educate the public about Santa Fe’s history and the importance of preservation.
Managed capital campaign for master that resulted in over $900,000 raised for the renovation of Welcome Center, conference room, and staff offices
Created the submission, and subsequent plan, budget, timeline, initial contracts, and team collaboration for the book Old Santa Fe Today
Planned the logistics for 10+ annual tours, dinners, and events including budgets, transportation schedules, and communications
Established a new branding designs and textual style guides
Streamlined distribution of press materials resulting in 4+ magazine covers and numerous magazine and newspaper articles
Oversaw project management efforts, ensuring timely completion of projects within allocated budgets and scope.
Coordinated cross-functional teams to successfully execute large-scale projects on time and within budget constraints.
Improved coordination and communications across organization to increase operational efficiency.
Enhanced communication within the organization through regular interdepartmental meetings and updates.
Determined agenda, developed plans and oversaw implementation of programs and updates.
Created fundraising materials utilized on social media and websites and sent out in mass mailings.
Maintained organization's social media accounts and websites, adding new, exciting content on consistent basis.
Completed projects in alignment with target deadlines and financial objectives.
Coordinated volunteer recruitment efforts, promoting a sense of community involvement within the organization''s supporter base.
Planned and implemented fundraising events.

Programs Manager

CENTER

01.2016 - 01.2017

Company Overview: An internationally recognized nonprofit providing opportunities and supporting gifted and committed photographers through exhibitions, annual programming, and other initiatives.
Consulted nonprofit’s members in hour consulting relationships
Coordinated CENTER’s annual portfolio review with over 100 visiting photographers and 50+ photo professional reviewers
Developed and reviewed website to create clarity for submissions and administered all pages on Wordpress
Suggested and implemented a new rate change and calendar for submissions that lead to an increase in profit
Acted as liaison for photographers and curators as first point of contact for the organization at public and networking events
Advised on the three-day photo festival including timeline, schedule, venue and coordination of hotel RFPs

Book Division Manager

PHOTO-EYE BOOKSTORE + PROJECT SPACE

10.1997 - 01.2015

Company Overview: One of the only bookstore spaces solely dedicated to the photography book that hosts artist talks, exhibitions and an expansive catalogue of international titles.
Co-created the position of Book Division Manager and was the first to hold this position
Started a lecture series in partnership with local organizations on art law and book publishing
Created social media marketing and revived specialty newsletters for targeted marketing
Invited to review photography portfolios, present lectures and tour special collections in national and international events
Increased sales by over 10% or more for five consecutive years at national fair
Cultivated customer relationships and special collection librarians to create and expand personal and professional collections
Assisted director in hiring staff; processed accounts payable, accounts receivable, balanced checkbooks, completed weekly payroll; collaborated with director on strategic planning for long- and short-term goals
Identified areas of improvement in operational workflows to better align resources with organizational goals.
Developed strong team dynamics through regular communication, collaboration, and goal-setting initiatives.
Exercised independent judgment in onboarding, training and motivating division staff to maximize performance.
Fostered a positive work environment through open communication channels, transparent decision-making processes, and employee recognition programs.
Supervised daily planning, coordination and administration for division operations.
Built relationships with customers and community to establish long-term business growth.
Managed accounts to retain existing relationships and grow share of business.

Summary

Overview

Work History

Executive Director

Grenade in a Jar Bookstore & Photobook Consulting

Deputy Director & Development Associate

Programs Manager

Book Division Manager

Education

Project Management Certificate

M.S. - Environmental Studies (Writing/Communications)

Gallery Management Program

B.A. - History

Honors International Study Abroad Program

Skills

Professional Coursework

Timeline

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