Summary
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
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Sara Mathis

Sara Mathis

Tucson,AZ

Summary

Dedicated and collaborative team member with exceptional problem-solving, organizational, and analytical skills. Proven

development professional with strong track record in driving successful initiatives and securing key partnerships. Expertise in strategic planning, fundraising, and stakeholder engagement. Known for fostering collaborative environments and delivering measurable results in dynamic settings. Adaptable and reliable, with focus on aligning team efforts to organizational goals.

Work History

Development Director

Pima Council on Aging (PCOA)
04.2023 - Current
  • Lead all fundraising, grant writing, and donor relations efforts for Pima County’s largest nonprofit serving older adults.
  • Developed and executed multi-channel fundraising campaigns, increasing donor engagement and revenue.
  • Launched new major donor engagement strategies.
  • Oversaw team including grant manager and development assistant, fostering a collaborative and goal-oriented culture.
  • Worked closely with CEO, Board, and communications staff to align philanthropic goals with strategic initiatives.
  • Directed storytelling, impact reporting, and CRM improvements to increase donor retention.

Chair, Inaugural Core Values Committee

Western National Parks Association
01.2023 - 01.2024
  • Wrote and designed a Foundation document guiding future committees.
  • Developed a Peer-to-Peer Recognition Program and implemented a digital rollout across 70+ locations.
  • Produced branded materials to build internal culture and engagement.

Senior Development Coordinator

Western National Parks Association
04.2022 - 04.2023
  • Successfully trained, onboarded and mentored the Development and Program Coordinator, fostering a collaborative work environment.
  • Developed end-of-year fundraising campaigns, surpassing fundraising goals.
  • Cultivated donor relations, resulting in substantial major gifts.
  • Conducted data analysis on the membership program and fundraising campaigns, implementing initiatives to enhance the program and the member or donor experience.
  • Executed all duties from the Development and Database Coordinator position.

Development and Database Coordinator

Western National Parks Association
10.2021 - 04.2022
  • Managed four non-integrated databases to maintain donor and member data integrity.
  • Delivered employee training and supported community outreach events.
  • Analyzed donor data to guide campaign strategy and member experience improvements.

Board Chair, Parent School Community

Prem Tinsulanonda International School
01.2017 - 12.2020
  • Oversaw fundraising through sponsorships, events, and donor engagement.
  • Created the organization’s operational constitution and led strategic planning.
  • Spearheaded community events including festivals and galas, boosting parent engagement.

Education

BA - Advertising

Northern Arizona University
Flagstaff, AZ

Certificate - Dyslexic and Dyspraxia Studies

Skills

  • Fundraising strategy development
  • Grant writing & management
  • Database & CRM systems (Bloomerang, Blackbaud)
  • Team leadership & mentorship
  • Strong interpersonal communication skills
  • Event planning & corporate sponsorship development
  • Deadline oriented
  • Public speaking
  • Strategic planning

Timeline

Development Director

Pima Council on Aging (PCOA)
04.2023 - Current

Chair, Inaugural Core Values Committee

Western National Parks Association
01.2023 - 01.2024

Senior Development Coordinator

Western National Parks Association
04.2022 - 04.2023

Development and Database Coordinator

Western National Parks Association
10.2021 - 04.2022

Board Chair, Parent School Community

Prem Tinsulanonda International School
01.2017 - 12.2020

Certificate - Dyslexic and Dyspraxia Studies

BA - Advertising

Northern Arizona University
Sara Mathis