Rachel McElroy
Washington
Summary
Dynamic leader with extensive experience in grant management and fundraising strategy, having successfully managed over $6.6M in grant funds at the American Association of Community Colleges. Proven ability to cultivate corporate partnerships and drive revenue growth, exemplified by a 53% increase in grant revenue at United Way for Greater Austin.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
Work History
Director, Corporate & Foundation Giving
AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF COMMUNITY COLLEGES
Washington
03.2024 - Current
- Manage over $6.6M in grant funds supporting 800+ college members
- Established relationships with foundations including Gates, Lowes, and Pepsi to secure funding opportunities
- Developed business partnerships that expanded corporate giving and increased funding sources
- Direct grant activities and agreements with consultants and subrecipients
- Created program strategies and identified nonprofit partners for investment, enhancing program impact and sustainability
Co-Host
Maximum Fun – Wonderful!
01.2016 - Current
- Produced weekly podcast showcasing film, television, food, music, poetry, etc.
- Generated over 35 million downloads since 2016.
- Co-led annual fundraising drive, engaging 16,000 supporters in 2024
Coordinator, Pre-Award Grants & Contracts
American University – school of education (SOE)
Washington
06.2022 - 03.2024
- Led proposal preparation and budget development for SOE grants, securing funding from multiple sources
- Collaborated with SOE and AU Office of Sponsored Programs to streamline grant application processes
- Secured over $2M in funding from diverse sources including Office of the State Superintendent of Education, National Science Foundation, Gates Foundation, and Dept. of Education
Manager, Grant Development and Compliance
Austin Community College DISTRICT
Austin
07.2018 - 06.2022
- Secured over $8M in grants from National Science Foundation, Department of Education, and Michael and Susan Dell Foundation, supporting educational initiatives.
- Oversaw compliance for $30M grant portfolio, ensuring adherence to regulations and maximizing funding opportunities.
- Directed proposal development for Chancellor’s Office, Student Affairs, Workforce, and various health and science departments, enhancing interdisciplinary collaboration.
- Researched, wrote, and submitted proposals and proposal budgets for faculty at 11 campuses serving over 40,000 students.
Director, Grants
United Way for Greater Austin
Austin
08.2012 - 06.2014
- Increased grant revenue by 53% in 2014
- Managed grant portfolio of investments totaling $720,000, ensuring alignment with organizational goals.
- Cultivated relationships with 20+ corporate and family foundations, enhancing funding opportunities and support for initiatives.
- Coordinated $3M call for applications resulting in grants to 49 nonprofits.
- Austin, TX
Editorial Assistant
The Chicago Review
Chicago
10.2006 - 08.2007
- Conducted archival research to support feature project in spring issue.
Editorial Assistant
The Missouri Review
Columbia
06.2004 - 01.2005
- Coordinated launch of online submission service to streamline submission process for authors.
Education
MA - Humanities
University of Chicago
06.2007
BA - English
University of Missouri - COLUMBIA
05.2004
Skills
- Fundraising strategy
- Grant management
- Proposal writing
- Budget development
- Corporate partnerships
- Nonprofit collaboration
Timeline
Director, Corporate & Foundation Giving
AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF COMMUNITY COLLEGES
03.2024 - Current
Coordinator, Pre-Award Grants & Contracts
American University – school of education (SOE)
06.2022 - 03.2024
Manager, Grant Development and Compliance
Austin Community College DISTRICT
07.2018 - 06.2022
Co-Host
Maximum Fun – Wonderful!
01.2016 - Current
Director, Grants
United Way for Greater Austin
08.2012 - 06.2014
Editorial Assistant
The Chicago Review
10.2006 - 08.2007
Editorial Assistant
The Missouri Review
06.2004 - 01.2005
MA - Humanities
University of Chicago
BA - English
University of Missouri - COLUMBIA