Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Websites
Volunteer Board Member & Speaking Engagements
Timeline
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Lorie Roseff-Zapf

San Diego,CA

Summary

Experienced non-profit professional with a strong background in grant writing, fundraising, program management, and community engagement. Expertise in grant evaluation, stakeholder relations, along with a comprehensive understanding of the San Diego nonprofit landscape. Skilled at forging strategic partnerships, assessing impact, and driving initiatives that generate long-term community benefits.

Overview

18
18
years of professional experience

Work History

Grant Strategist and Writer

San Diego Rescue Mission
01.2021 - Current
  • Demonstrated success crafting compelling grant proposals, letters of interest (LOI’s), and reports tailored to meet funder requirements, with requests ranging from $5,000 - $1,000,000
  • Collaborate effectively with program directors, finance staff, and key personnel to align proposals with organizational goals and program objectives
  • Experienced in identifying and researching new donor prospects and funding opportunities to expand financial support
  • Strong attention to detail, project management, and organizational skills, ensuring accuracy and efficiency in grant processes

Executive Director

Big Brothers Big Sisters of San Diego County
01.2019 - 01.2020
  • Provided vision and direction for organizational goals, objectives, and activities, overseeing strategic and operational plans while managing staff and the Board of Directors
  • Led and executed a comprehensive development strategy, including major gifts, annual giving, grants, donor-advised funds, events, and corporate sponsorships
  • Served as the organization’s chief spokesperson, promoting its mission and fostering key relationships with stakeholders
  • Developed strategies to reduce reliance on event-driven income by securing sustainable funding through individual donors, grants, and foundations
  • Implemented marketing initiatives to enhance brand visibility, differentiate the organization, and strengthen community engagement

City Councilmember

San Diego City Council
01.2010 - 01.2018
  • Provided leadership on policy direction and implementation of city budgets, strategic planning, public safety, infrastructure projects, performance metrics, and land use planning
  • Collaborated with and engaged diverse community and stakeholder groups to resolve conflicts and initiate solutions to local issues/problems
  • Worked with local, state and federal elected officials, private sector businesses, civic organizations, and non-profits on initiatives and implementing solutions to city issues
  • Led initiatives to raise awareness on foster youth, early childhood literacy, juvenile sex trafficking, child abuse, and the need for expanded mental health and addiction resources

Executive Director

Citizens Against Lawsuit Abuse (CALA)
01.2007 - 01.2010
  • Executed major fundraising events, secured grants, and cultivated corporate sponsorships.
  • Spearheaded public awareness and advocacy campaigns, managed media relations, and served as the organization's spokesperson
  • Managed daily administration, budgeting, and financial reporting, presenting key insights to the Board of Directors
  • Guided a 12-member Board of San Diego business leaders in setting strategic goals, driving initiatives, and expanding revenue opportunities

Education

Master’s Degree - Marketing Communications

University of Denver

Bachelor of Arts - Broadcast Journalism

Cal State Northridge

Skills

  • Non-profit & Issue Fundraising
  • Grant Writing & Research
  • Donor Cultivation & Relations
  • Community Engagement & Advocacy
  • Stakeholder Relations
  • Public Awareness Campaigns
  • Media and Public Relations
  • Public Speaker/Storyteller

Volunteer Board Member & Speaking Engagements

Angels Foster Family Network  ~  Volunteer Board Member ~  2008 – 2009

A nonprofit dedicated to providing safe, stable, loving homes for infants and toddlers in foster care throughout San Diego County.


St. Germaine’s Children’s Charity  ~  Volunteer Board Member  ~ 2002 – 2006

A nonprofit committed to stopping child abuse and improving the lives of abused and neglected children in San Diego. Served as Chair of In-kind donations for 3 years.


Delivered impactful presentations for community organizations, advancing public awareness on critical issues such as mental health, foster youth, early childhood literacy and education. A sample includes: 

     ~ Just in Time for Foster Youth      ~ San Diego Center for Children     ~ Urban Corps of San Diego

     ~ San Diego Psychiatric Society    ~  MANA de San Diego     ~ San Diego River Park Foundation

  ~ Junior League of San Diego     ~ National Association of Mental Illness (NAMI)    ~ Reality Changers 

Timeline

Grant Strategist and Writer

San Diego Rescue Mission
01.2021 - Current

Executive Director

Big Brothers Big Sisters of San Diego County
01.2019 - 01.2020

City Councilmember

San Diego City Council
01.2010 - 01.2018

Executive Director

Citizens Against Lawsuit Abuse (CALA)
01.2007 - 01.2010

Master’s Degree - Marketing Communications

University of Denver

Bachelor of Arts - Broadcast Journalism

Cal State Northridge
Lorie Roseff-Zapf