Sara E. Schoonmaker
Mayfield Heights,USA
Summary
Relationship driven development professional with 8+ years of experience driving revenue growth and executing strategic outreach initiatives. Proven ability to identify, cultivate, and engage high-value prospects. Experienced in CRM systems, data analysis, and cross-functional collaboration to build pipelines that support long-term growth.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Manager of Annual Giving
Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Ohio
01.2024 - 01.2026
- Led strategy and execution of multi-channel revenue campaigns (digital, print, social), increasing donor acquisition and retention
- Launched a recurring giving program generating $30K+ in annualized revenue, creating a sustainable funding stream
- Directed Day of Giving campaign, aligning cross-functional teams to expand reach and drive participation
- Met and exceeded annual revenue targets ($220K+), demonstrating consistent goal achievement
- Analyzed donor data to identify trends, optimize outreach strategies, and improve engagement outcomes
Assistant Director, Special Giving & Stewardship
Case Western Reserve University
06.2022 - 01.2024
- Managed a portfolio of 200+ clients, developing strategic engagement plans to strengthen relationships and increase retention
- Designed and executed targeted outreach strategies, including crowdfunding campaigns that exceeded goals by 150%
- Collaborated with stakeholders to support a $500K+ annual fund, contributing to 77% of total goal attainment
- Analyzed endowment and donor data to identify opportunities and support long-term funding strategies
Development Coordinator
Ronald McDonald House Charities of Northeast Ohio
03.2019 - 05.2022
- Managed a portfolio of 40+ mid-to-high-level donors, generating $200K+ annually through relationship management
- Partnered on cultivation and solicitation strategy to secure five-figure gifts for a $1M capital campaign
- Executed donor communications, proposals, and impact updates to strengthen engagement and retention
- Managed 15+ events and partnership initiatives, generating $150K in revenue and $30K in in-kind support
Development Associate
Sisters of Charity Health System
01.2017 - 01.2019
- Supported fundraising and outreach initiatives, including donor communications and campaign coordination
- Maintained CRM data and tracked engagement activity to support development strategy
- Supported annual campaign efforts to engage hospital staff in We Give Catholic campaign, raising $27,000, double previous year's total
Project Coordinator (Consultant)
Catholic Community Connection
05.2017 - 08.2018
- Coordinated logistics and programming for leadership development initiative
- Managed stakeholder communication and supported program execution
- Contributed to successful pilot outcomes, securing continued program funding
Assistant Director of Development & Communications
Gesu Parish & School
03.2015 - 05.2017
- Supported fundraising, communications, and donor engagement initiatives
- Assisted in stewardship of a $1.1M capital investment project
- Coordinated donor events and communications to strengthen community engagement
Education
Master of Arts - Nonprofit Administration
John Carroll University
University Heights, OH05-2017
Bachelor of Arts - Communications, Concentration Integrated Marketing
John Carroll University
University Heights, OH05-2014
Skills
- CRM Systems: Salesforce, Raiser’s Edge Data Analysis & Reporting
- Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint Prospect Research & Pipeline Tracking
- Customer relationship management
- Email campaigns
- Project management
- Lead development
Certification
Planned Giving Management- Lilly School of Philanthropy at Indian University
Websites, Portfolios, Profiles
www.linkedin.com/in/saraschoonmaker
Timeline
Manager of Annual Giving
Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Ohio
01.2024 - 01.2026
Assistant Director, Special Giving & Stewardship
Case Western Reserve University
06.2022 - 01.2024
Development Coordinator
Ronald McDonald House Charities of Northeast Ohio
03.2019 - 05.2022
Project Coordinator (Consultant)
Catholic Community Connection
05.2017 - 08.2018
Development Associate
Sisters of Charity Health System
01.2017 - 01.2019
Assistant Director of Development & Communications
Gesu Parish & School
03.2015 - 05.2017
Master of Arts - Nonprofit Administration
John Carroll University
Bachelor of Arts - Communications, Concentration Integrated Marketing
John Carroll University