Rita Baines
West Lafayette,IN
Summary
Strategic and results-driven development professional with over a decade of dedicated service at Purdue University and the Purdue For Life Foundation. Currently serving as Chief Development Officer for the School of Aeronautics and Astronautics, I bring a proven legacy of exceeding fundraising goals, orchestrating transformative initiatives, and fostering cross-functional collaboration. Transitioning to the role of Executive Director of Development for the College of Engineering, I offer a unique blend of leadership, vision, and expertise in securing major gifts. Demonstrated success in leading teams, cultivating donor relationships, and strategically aligning efforts with university objectives. Adept at cross-functional collaboration, I have closed significant gifts with various academic units, showcasing a coaching leadership style and a visionary approach to driving progress. Committed to continuous improvement, reliability, and being a problem solver, I am poised to contribute significantly to the growth and success of Purdue University’s College of Engineering.
Overview
47
47
years of professional experience
Work History
Cheif Development Officer
Purdue For Life Foundation
01.2018 - Current
- Strategic Vision and Execution: Spearheaded transformative fundraising initiatives, consistently exceeding targets, and notably orchestrated the establishment of five endowed professorships. Strategically named the head and the school, fortifying AAE's academic foundation.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Demonstrated a strategic vision and execution that consistently surpassed fundraising targets year after year. Fostered cross-functional collaboration, notably securing close to $2.5 million in funds for the Zucrow facilities in collaboration with Mechanical Engineering.
- Leadership and Mentorship: Provided leadership within the Purdue For Life Foundation, mentoring colleagues, actively participating in professional development activities, and contributing to the organization's continuous improvement initiatives.
- Relationship Cultivation: Cultivated key relationships with stakeholders, including alumni, friends, and corporations, both on and off-campus. Successfully maintained corporate annual giving for affiliate partners, including Purdue's 27 astronauts, to enhance fundraising efforts.
- Industry Engagement: Leveraged close relationships with the Office of Industry Partners to strategically cultivate and maintain strong ties with industry stakeholders. Ensured continuous engagement and support for our school's initiatives.
Senior Director of Development
Purdue For Life Foundation
06.2011 - 01.2018
- Strategic Fundraising:Consistently surpassed fundraising goals and exceeded expectations, demonstrating a track record of success in Net Production for the School each fiscal year.
- Collaborative Strategic Planning:Implemented a strategic plan, fostering collaboration with alumni, friends, corporations, and the School, utilizing personal visits to build robust relationships with key stakeholders.
- Endowment Execution and Gift-In-Kind Management:Established and executed endowments for scholarships and initiatives/programs, including successful identification and processing of gift-in-kind donations to support faculty and recognize corporate partners.
- Data-Driven Donor Identification:Utilized data-driven insights, identified, and evaluated potential donors, applying sophisticated prospect research methodologies to target the right individuals and organizations.
- Multifaceted Relationship Management:Cultivated and sustained collaborative relationships with the leadership and staff of the College of Engineering and the Purdue for Life Foundation, employing a multifaceted approach encompassing fundraising, event coordination, donor relations, broad-based campaigns, prospect development, and alumni engagement.
Sales Manager
TRW Commercial Steering Division
03.1977 - 06.2011
- Strategic Sales Leadership: Directed sales initiatives, overseeing a $90M portfolio with 300+ accounts, including domestic and international clients in agriculture, construction, and on/off highway sectors.
- Market Expansion and Revenue Growth: Secured significant new business contracts, including a $3M deal with John Deere, $4M with Ford New Holland, $10M at Navistar, and $4.5M with Hino Manufacturing during its North American launch, showcasing a track record of market expansion and revenue growth.
- Customer Relationship Management: Cultivated positive, long-term relationships with clients, evidenced by securing deals with Navistar and Caterpillar and achieving a 51% sales increase with Caterpillar within a five-year period, resulting in the first quality certification from Caterpillar.
- Compliance Expertise and Training: Served as the compliance expert for military sales procedures, ITAR compliance, and import/export activities, training over 1,500 employees. Played a pivotal role in SOX audit representation and TS16949 representation for the sales department.
- Operational Excellence and SAP Implementation: Demonstrated operational excellence by serving as the SAP team leader for the sales and distribution module, successfully implementing SAP. Additionally, played a role in diverse responsibilities, including serving as the Diversity Chairman and training over 500 employees, showcasing adaptability and leadership beyond sales.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Humanities, Social Sciences And Education
Purdue University
West Lafayette, IN1972
Skills
- Major Gift Fundraising
- Leadership
- Gift Development
- Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Intrapersonal Communication
- Relationship Building
- Results-Driven
- Strategic Vision and Execution
- Customer Focus
- Adaptability and Problem-Solving
Professional Development and Affiliations
Professional Memberships:
- Member, Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE)
- Member, Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP)
- Past Board of Directors Member
- Loaned Executive
- Past Vice Chairman and Chairman for Public Relations Committee
- Past Chairman of TRW United Way Campaign
- Chairman, Olympic Torch Committee
- Past Board of Directors Member
- Project Business Instructor
- Past Board of Directors Member
- Leadership Lafayette Graduate
- Volleyball Official for 48 years
- Indiana State Rules Interpreter and Clinician, as assigned by the IHSAA Commissioner
- Named Outstanding Official of the Year for the State of Indiana by the IHSAA
- Officiated Volleyball at the State Finals 10 times
- Past Board of Directors Member
- Past Treasurer
Timeline
Cheif Development Officer
Purdue For Life Foundation
01.2018 - Current
Senior Director of Development
Purdue For Life Foundation
06.2011 - 01.2018
Sales Manager
TRW Commercial Steering Division
03.1977 - 06.2011
Bachelor of Arts - Humanities, Social Sciences And Education
Purdue University
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