MELANIE O’BRIEN
Plano
Summary
Dynamic leader with a proven track record, excelling in strategic philanthropy and community investment. Expert in stakeholder engagement and relationship management, driving impactful initiatives that align with corporate values. Skilled in program measurement and reporting, delivering measurable results that enhance brand reputation and community connection.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Regional Manager, Corporate Responsibility
Southwest Airlines
Dallas
07.2022 - Current
- Lead the strategic design and execution of community investment initiatives across multiple markets, aligning philanthropic programs with Southwest’s core values, DEI commitments, and long-term business objectives.
- Manage and optimize a multimillion-dollar charitable giving portfolio, using data-driven evaluation tools to ensure high-impact investments and measurable returns for both communities and the brand.
- Represent the company on nonprofit and civic boards, providing strategic guidance, deepening regional influence, and reinforcing Southwest’s role as a purpose-driven corporate leader.
- Develop robust reporting frameworks and deliver quarterly impact dashboards to executive leadership, tracking key performance indicators (KPIs), uncovering insights, and shaping future CSR strategies.
- Lead cross-functional collaborations with marketing, communications, and government affairs to amplify community impact stories and drive internal and external engagement.
- Craft compelling narrative content and campaign messaging that elevates Southwest’s community brand, inspires stakeholder pride, and reinforces the company’s commitment to meaningful social change.
Assistant Director, Development and Alumni Relations
The University of Texas at Dallas
Richardson
01.2018 - 06.2022
- Spearheaded comprehensive development initiatives that generated substantial philanthropic support for key university programs, research projects, and student initiatives, contributing to a significant increase in overall fundraising outcomes.
- Cultivated and managed high-value relationships with major donors, corporate partners, and alumni, resulting in a 20% increase in donor retention and engagement over a four-year period.
- Collaborated cross-functionally with academic departments, senior leadership, and external stakeholders to align fundraising strategies with institutional priorities, optimizing resource allocation and maximizing impact.
- Developed and executed personalized engagement strategies for prospective and current donors, tailoring outreach based on giving capacity, personal interests, and alignment with university goals, leading to a 15% increase in first-time major gifts.
- Led targeted communication efforts, including personalized stewardship reports and donor recognition events, enhancing donor satisfaction and fostering long-term philanthropic partnerships.
- Implemented data-driven tracking and reporting systems to assess and refine fundraising efforts, ensuring continuous improvement and more effective allocation of resources.
Director, Development and Community Outreach
Hope’s Door
Plano
01.2014 - 12.2017
- Directed all fundraising, community engagement, and communications initiatives for a leading nonprofit supporting survivors of domestic violence, resulting in increased donor investment, volunteerism, and program visibility.
- Built and led a cross-functional team responsible for fundraising events, grant development, corporate partnerships, and marketing strategies that significantly exceeded annual revenue goals.
- Oversaw the growth and operations of the agency’s resale store, implementing process improvements and community promotions that boosted earned revenue and client service capacity.
- Developed and managed volunteer engagement strategies, increasing participation by 40% and deepening long-term community commitment to the mission.
- Served as a spokesperson and brand ambassador at public events, media appearances, and civic meetings, strengthening relationships with stakeholders and expanding the organization’s influence in the region.
- Established strategic partnerships with chambers of commerce, city governments, and local businesses to elevate awareness, secure sponsorships, and advocate for the organization’s impact.
Director, Development and Community Relations
Chosen Child Adoption Services
Allen
01.2010 - 12.2014
- Spearheaded organization-wide community engagement and fundraising strategies, resulting in a consistent year-over-year increase in donor retention and new supporter acquisition.
- Led all external communications efforts, including public relations, digital marketing, and media outreach, significantly enhancing brand visibility and mission awareness across North Texas.
- Cultivated strategic relationships with faith-based organizations, civic groups, and corporate partners to expand program reach and increase funding opportunities.
- Planned and executed high-impact events, campaigns, and storytelling initiatives to drive deeper community connection and highlight the organization’s success stories.
- Collaborated with executive leadership to align outreach initiatives with organizational goals, contributing to measurable growth in both program participation and public support.
Account Manager, Public Relations
The Power Group
Dallas
01.2008 - 01.2010
- Built and maintained strong media relationships with journalists, editors, and influencers, resulting in over 100 press placements annually and a consistently high rate of media engagement.
- Designed and implemented targeted communication strategies, leveraging media outreach, thought leadership, and brand storytelling to raise client visibility, enhance brand reputation, and generate positive press coverage.
- Managed content creation and creative direction for client press releases, blog posts, social media content, and pitch materials, ensuring consistent messaging and alignment with brand voice.
- Tracked and analyzed media coverage to assess the effectiveness of campaigns and recommend adjustments, helping clients improve their media presence and public perception.
- Drove client retention and satisfaction by delivering measurable results and providing proactive media outreach, which resulted in a 90% client retention rate during tenure.
Manager, Marketing and Communications
Hillwood Development
Dallas
01.2006 - 01.2008
- Oversaw the creation and execution of high-profile corporate events, such as groundbreaking ceremonies, investor meetings, and community outreach programs, significantly increasing Hillwood’s visibility.
- Cultivated and maintained relationships with key media outlets, local influencers, and community leaders to secure positive press coverage and amplify the company’s message through earned media placements and strategic partnerships.
- Collaborated with senior leadership to craft compelling narratives that supported major development projects, enhancing investor confidence and public perception, while aligning corporate objectives with community values.
- Led internal communications efforts, fostering employee engagement through internal newsletters and team-building events, contributing to a positive company culture and reinforcing corporate values.
- Managed external vendor relationships, including graphic designers and event planners, ensuring the seamless execution of marketing and communications initiatives within budget and timeline.
Education
Master of Public Affairs -
The University of Texas At Dallas
Richardson, TX05-2019
Bachelor of Arts - Public Relations, Spanish
Southern Methodist University
Dallas, TXSkills
- Strategic Philanthropy & CSR Leadership
- Stakeholder Engagement & Board Service
- Relationship Management
- Community Investment and Marketing Strategy
- Program Measurement & Reporting
- Budget development and financial oversight
- Nonprofit and civic partnership building
- Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Digital Storytelling & Communications
- Fundraising Strategy
- Salesforce
- Raiser’s Edge
- Cybergrants
Websites
Fun Facts
- Music Maven
- Avid Reader
- Fitness Fanatic
- Movie Buff
- Trivia Pro
- Sports Enthusiast
- Pop Culture Enthusiast
Timeline
Regional Manager, Corporate Responsibility
Southwest Airlines
07.2022 - Current
Assistant Director, Development and Alumni Relations
The University of Texas at Dallas
01.2018 - 06.2022
Director, Development and Community Outreach
Hope’s Door
01.2014 - 12.2017
Director, Development and Community Relations
Chosen Child Adoption Services
01.2010 - 12.2014
Account Manager, Public Relations
The Power Group
01.2008 - 01.2010
Manager, Marketing and Communications
Hillwood Development
01.2006 - 01.2008
Master of Public Affairs -
The University of Texas At Dallas
Bachelor of Arts - Public Relations, Spanish
Southern Methodist University
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