Rebecca A. Mace
South Elgin,IL
Summary
Accomplished public relations professional with expert understanding of business needs, public perception and media practices. Helps companies and high profile individuals control narrative with strategic communications approaches. Persuasive, articulate relationship-builder.
Overview
34
34
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Communications & Outreach
Summit School, Inc.
Elgin, IL
01.2018 - Current
- Led grant strategy, proposal writing, reporting, and stewardship for $650K+ grant program, ensuring alignment with funder requirements and effective coordination among program staff.
- Lead grant strategy, proposal writing, reporting, and stewardship for a $650K+ grant program, coordinating program staff and funder requirements.
- Built and managed cross-functional teams for IEP referral communications and online marketing, enhancing student referral and placement processes.
- Implemented CRM and data workflows, increasing accuracy of donor tracking and reporting.
Director of Development
Food For Greater Elgin
Elgin, IL
01.2015 - 01.2018
- Secured the organization’s largest corporate gift to date, increasing corporate support by 50% over prior giving.
- Launched the organization’s first comprehensive fund development program; increased total giving by 35% and number of gifts 30% in two years.
- Executed targeted digital campaigns (Facebook, email) and redesigned website, expanding online solicitation and enhancing volunteer engagement.
Marketing Specialist
Elarasys Worldwide & IT Hardware Plus
Elgin, IL
01.2013 - 01.2015
- Managed B2B and B2C marketing, lead generation, CRM processes, and website content; created sales presentations and digital campaigns that contributed to revenue growth.
- Administered ACT CRM and trained staff on prospect management and lead follow-up, enhancing effectiveness in lead tracking.
Director of Marketing & Communications
American City Bureau, Inc.
West Dundee, IL
01.2004 - 01.2013
- Developed and produced case statements, video productions, brochures, newsletters, marketing and direct mail materials, educational and sales presentations, advertisements, website and social media content, and grants and proposals to enhance organizational visibility and engagement.
- Redesigned corporate identity and implemented branding across print and digital channels; managed conference strategy and lead generation for up to eight events annually.
- Conducted and wrote feasibility studies and development office audits; provided major gift development and volunteer leadership training to a spectrum of clients in higher education, healthcare, social services and religious organizations.
- Migrated company infrastructure to Office 365 and coordinated website and proprietary database transitions to improve operational efficiency.
Major Gifts Officer
Alexian Brothers Health System Foundation
Arlington Heights, IL
01.2003 - 01.2004
- Cultivated relationships with major donors to secure significant contributions.
- Developed and implemented strategic fundraising initiatives for healthcare projects.
- Organized donor appreciation events to strengthen community engagement and support.
- Cultivated major gift prospects and supported presidential receptions and donor cultivation events.
Director of Development
Summit, Inc.
Elgin, IL
01.1999 - 01.2003
- Expanded donor base and secured initial major gifts for two schools, including $80,000 foundation grant and $30,000 multi‑year pledge.
Assistant Director, Corporate & Foundation Relations
University of Iowa Foundation
Iowa City, IA
01.1998 - 01.1999
- Secured $525,000 foundation grant, second largest for College of Education at time of receipt, and $150,000 corporate gift for College of Nursing through proposal development and donor stewardship.
Earlier Roles
01.1992 - 01.1998
- Assistant Director of Development, Lambs Farm; Development Coordinator, Allendale Association; Foundation/Public Relations Assistant, Cancer Treatment Research Foundation (The Gateway for Cancer Research) — 1992–1998.
- Managed media relations for and assisted with foundation's first international cancer nutrition symposium.
- Supported fundraising operations, volunteer management, and communications across social service and health organizations.
Education
Journalism And Sociology
University of Iowa
Iowa City, IA05-1992
College of Nursing
University of Iowa
Iowa City, IASkills
Grant Writing & Editing Prospect Research Major Gifts Cultivation Proposal Development & Compliance Grant Reporting & Stewardship Campaign Strategy (Giving Tuesday, annual appeals) Donor Events & Cultivation Communications & Brand Messaging CRM & Data Management (ACT, Raiser’s Edge, Results Plus) Website & Social Media Management (WordPress, Facebook) Office 365 / Gmail / VOIP
CRMs: ACT; Raiser’s Edge; Results Plus
Platforms: WordPress; Office 365; Gmail; VOIP; iPad deployment
Tools: Microsoft Office; email marketing platforms; social media advertising
Selected Projects And Consulting
- Conducted feasibility studies and development office audits for higher education, healthcare, and social service clients.
- Delivered major gift development and volunteer leadership training to client organizations.
Selected Grants And Fundraising Wins
- $525,000 foundation grant to University of Iowa College of Education.
- $150,000 corporate gift to University of Iowa College of Nursing.
- $80,000 foundation grant and $30,000 multi‑year pledge for Summit School, Inc.
- Managed and executed Summit School’s $650,000+ corporate, foundation, and government grant program.
Timeline
Director of Communications & Outreach
Summit School, Inc.
01.2018 - Current
Director of Development
Food For Greater Elgin
01.2015 - 01.2018
Marketing Specialist
Elarasys Worldwide & IT Hardware Plus
01.2013 - 01.2015
Director of Marketing & Communications
American City Bureau, Inc.
01.2004 - 01.2013
Major Gifts Officer
Alexian Brothers Health System Foundation
01.2003 - 01.2004
Director of Development
Summit, Inc.
01.1999 - 01.2003
Assistant Director, Corporate & Foundation Relations
University of Iowa Foundation
01.1998 - 01.1999
Earlier Roles
01.1992 - 01.1998
Journalism And Sociology
University of Iowa
College of Nursing
University of Iowa