Pamela Ottersbach
Henryville,IN
Summary
Results-driven professional with a strong record in major gifts, planned giving, and donor stewardship. Trusted partner to donors and external stakeholders, with an emphasis on relationships that create a shared understanding of individual philanthropic goals, and the legacy that can be created through implementation of stated goals.
Overview
29
29
years of professional experience
Work History
Sr. Director of Development
Metro United Way
Louisville, KY
07.2025 - Current
- Develop and implement a comprehensive fundraising strategy to meet the organization's annual revenue goals.
- Lead Metro United Way fundraising strategy across annual, major, and planned giving programs.
- Manage a team of development professionals responsible for meeting short-term and long-term philanthropic objectives.
- Direct prospect research to identify major donor and foundation opportunities, enhancing fundraising efforts.
- Advance Metro United Way's giving communications through donor appeals and stewardship messaging.
- Oversee all aspects of donor stewardship including gift acknowledgments and recognition events.
- Conduct regular outreach with major donors to understand their passions and philanthropic goals and create plans to meet those donor goals.
- Create multifaceted and multi-year philanthropic investment proposals based on donor priorities.
- Work with donor advisors to meet philanthropic goals.
- Engaged in industry networking events to elevate organizational visibility and foster connections in the sector.
Director of Strategic Initiatives
Metro United Way
Louisville, KY
06.2024 - 07.2025
- Provided organizational leadership and partnered with executive stakeholders to set long-term goals and strategies.
- Tracked progress on initiative goals and delivered regular status reports to senior management.
- Built action plans supporting organizational goals and strategic alignment.
- Researched industry best practices and provided actionable recommendations for enhancement.
- Reviewed customer data to spot trends and develop strategies to improve customer experience.
- Drafted leadership updates and board materials for Metro United Way.
- Facilitated new member recruitment and orientation for new board members.
- Facilitated bi-annual one-on-one board member "chick-ins" to gain input regarding organizational effectiveness related to the progress of identified strategic plans goals and milestones.
Regional Director
Metro United Way
Louisville, KY
06.2014 - 06.2024
- Directed Metro United Way community partnerships across a three-county service area.
- Cultivated relationships with key stakeholders, including customers, government officials, and industry associations, fostering organizational goodwill.
- Monitored regional operations and aligned work with Metro United Way priorities.
- Communicated Metro United Way initiatives to community leaders and stakeholders, enhancing community engagement and support.
- Supported staff coaching and cross-team communication.
- Cultivated development of high-performing teams by implementing inclusive work culture focused on individual and team development.
- Analyzed customer feedback data and developed action plans to improve customer service levels.
- Developed performance metrics and accountability standards for regional staff, driving alignment with organizational goals.
Director of Planned Giving
Metro United Way
Louisvile, KY
06.2003 - 06.2014
- Led planned giving strategy for Metro United Way.
- Cultivated legacy donors and stewarded estate gift relationships.
- Partnered with wealth advisors, attorneys, and financial planners on planned gifts.
- Managed prospect pipelines using donor records and CRM systems.
- Coordinated stewardship events and legacy society communications.
- Developed policies and procedures related to the administration of planned gifts.
- Worked closely with the finance department to ensure proper stewardship of donated funds.
Annual Campaign Director
Metro United Way
Louisville, Ky
01.2000 - 06.2003
- Developed campaign strategy aligned with Metro United Way fundraising goals and donor priorities.
- Tracked and assessed data to implement timely adjustments to underperforming strategies.
- Cultivated donor relationships through targeted stewardship, strategic meetings, and outreach efforts.
- Developed and implemented outreach strategies to engage key stakeholders for successful campaign outcomes.
- Conducted research on target audiences to inform messaging strategy.
- Evaluated program effectiveness and campaign activities through comprehensive post-campaign analyses.
- Analyzed data from past campaigns to identify areas of improvement in current efforts.
Account Manager
Metro United Way
Louisville, KY
09.1997 - 01.2000
- Managed 100+ accounts for community campaigns at Metro United Way.
- Created strategies that enhanced revenue generation from existing accounts.
- Built relationships with corporate partners and nonprofit stakeholders.
- Coordinated workplace giving plans and managed fundraising outreach initiatives.
- Managed multiple accounts simultaneously while meeting deadlines.
- Served as primary contact for client concerns, ensuring prompt resolution and satisfaction.
- Resolved client questions about programs, pledges, and campaign materials.
- Maintained accurate records of all customer interactions in the CRM system.
Education
Ivy Tech Community College
Sellersburg, IN Indiana University Southeast
New Albany, IN IU School of Philanthropy
Skills
- Major Donor (25,000) stewardship
- Legacy Giving
- Prospect research
- Coaching; Lead a fundraising team that is focused on growth and stewardship of individual donors
- CRM and Moves Management systems
- Stakeholder engagement
- Project management
- Effective listening
- Deadline oriented
- Reporting and documentation
Timeline
Sr. Director of Development
Metro United Way
07.2025 - Current
Director of Strategic Initiatives
Metro United Way
06.2024 - 07.2025
Regional Director
Metro United Way
06.2014 - 06.2024
Director of Planned Giving
Metro United Way
06.2003 - 06.2014
Annual Campaign Director
Metro United Way
01.2000 - 06.2003
Account Manager
Metro United Way
09.1997 - 01.2000
Ivy Tech Community College
Indiana University Southeast
IU School of Philanthropy