Ryan Randall
Summary
Strategic fundraising leader with experience in gift development, donor stewardship and cross-functional collaboration. Proven success in securing six- and seven-figure transformational commitments, mentoring fundraising professionals and aligning philanthropic strategies with institutional priorities. Strong proposal development, CRM implementation and adoption, as well as stakeholder engagement across higher education and nonprofit sectors.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Annual Giving Programs
University of Northern Iowa Foundation
07.2024 - Current
- Develop and implement annual giving strategies to enhance donor engagement and retention
- Cultivate relationships with alumni through targeted communication and outreach initiatives
- Analyze fundraising data to identify trends, inform decisions, and optimize campaigns
- Report fundraising performance to senior leadership and board members
- Manage team of two full-time staff and 6 student callers
- Liaise with vendor partners and serve as subject-matter expert on CRM implementation
- Carry portfolio of leadership annual giving prospects to drive upgrades and major gift potential
- Chair hiring committees and participate in strategic planning initiatives
- Established metrics to evaluate program effectiveness and drive continuous improvement efforts
Director of Development
University of Northern Iowa Foundation
01.2021 - 06.2024
- Led fundraising initiatives for the Wilson College of Business to enhance donor engagement and increase contributions
- Managed a portfolio of 75 donors across the eastern United State, including many C-Suite executives
- Secured over $4.5 million in commitments, including multiple six- and seven-figure gifts
- Collaborated with university leaders to identify fundraising priorities and strategies
- Developed complex philanthropic proposals aligned with institutional priorities
- Mentored new fundraisers and contributed to strategic planning groups
- Increased fundraising revenue by implementing innovative donor engagement strategies and cadence outreach
- Optimized the use of CRM systems for accurate tracking of donor information, gift processing, and relationship management.
New Business Analyst
Principal Financial Group
05.2019 - 01.2021
- Supported proposal development for group insurance quotes
- Early adopter and trainer for Salesforce CRM implementation
- Participated in leadership development program focused on change management and facilitation
- Led transition of new product line and recommended process improvements
Manager, Business Development
Learfield properties at Illinois State University and University of Northern Iowa
01.2016 - 05.2017
- Held business development and sales operations roles with Learfield properties at Illinois State University and University of Northern Iowa
- Developed strategic marketing partnerships, managed fulfillment efforts, and created customized proposals for corporate sponsors
- Drove revenue through successful presentation and closing of 5 and 6-figure multi-year partnerships
Education
B.A. - Marketing (Sales), Management (Business Administration)
University of Northern Iowa
Cedar Falls, IA12.2015
Skills
- Transformational Gift Strategy
- Strategic Fundraising Leadership
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Proposal Development
- Donor Stewardship
- CRM Implementation
- Servant Leadership
- Cross-functional Collaboration
- Team leadership
- Business development and planning
- Customer service
- Effective negotiations
Affiliations
- Board Chair, NE Iowa Fellowship of Christian Athletes (2021–Present)
- Judge, NIBS Case Competition (2023)
- Eagle Scout, Boy Scouts of America
Timeline
Director of Annual Giving Programs
University of Northern Iowa Foundation
07.2024 - Current
Director of Development
University of Northern Iowa Foundation
01.2021 - 06.2024
New Business Analyst
Principal Financial Group
05.2019 - 01.2021
Manager, Business Development
Learfield properties at Illinois State University and University of Northern Iowa
01.2016 - 05.2017
B.A. - Marketing (Sales), Management (Business Administration)
University of Northern Iowa
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