Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Languages
Volunteer Experience
Timeline
Generic

Sarah Burgisser

Seattle,WA

Summary

Emerging nonprofit leader and development strategist with cross-cultural experience in education, equity, and women's empowerment. Skilled in grant strategy, program development, and donor engagement. Research interests include sustainable funding models, inclusive program design, and the long-term social impacts of gendered violence. Eager to apply these skills through Columbia’s capstone partnership opportunities.

Overview

5
5
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Grants and Development Consultant

Raffia Madagascar/Camp Fihavanana
Seattle, WA
10.2024 - Current

- Provided technical guidance, leadership, and expertise on development projects.

- Directed fundraising activities such as grant writing and donor cultivation.

- Managed financial resources, including budgeting, bookkeeping, fundraising, and grant writing.

Development Director

Nofy i Androy
Seattle, WA
04.2024 - 08.2024

- Prepared successful applications to obtain funding from private foundations.
- Collaborated with the board of directors to develop proposals and a fundraising roadmap.
- Actively sought and developed partnerships with similar organizations.

Grant Writer

Nofy i Androy
Seattle, WA
12.2023 - 04.2024

- Developed grant proposals to secure funding for nonprofit organizations.
- Collaborated with staff members to gather information about programs and services for inclusion in the proposal narrative.
- Edited draft proposals prior to submission, ensuring accuracy of all content and adherence to guidelines provided by granting agencies.

Senior Director of Customer Experience

Onvoii
Seattle, WA
03.2022 - 02.2024

- Executed updated marketing plans to increase branding exposure, customer traffic, and sales.
- Strengthened product branding initiatives by developing communication campaigns, promotional materials, market intelligence information, and databases for the Washington D.C. market to maximize outreach.
- Measured and reported on marketing campaign performance, gained insights, and compared results against goals to identify strengths and weaknesses.
- Analyzed consumer behaviors and market trends, adjusting email and advertising campaigns based on current knowledge.

Development and Data Entry Assistant

Teen Feed
Seattle, WA
05.2020 - 08.2021

- Input 400+ clients' individual information into spreadsheets and company databases to provide leaders with quick access to essential client data.
- Adhered to strict data confidentiality policies to prevent information leakage.
- Volunteered to assist with special developmental projects, successfully completing all tasks
prior to deadlines.
- Developed and maintained a comprehensive database of potential funders.
- Researched and compiled data for grant proposals.
- Assisted in preparing reports to donors regarding progress on funded projects.
- Maintained an accurate record of donations received from private individuals and businesses.
- Developed strategies for increasing donor engagement and support.

Business Intern

Vyten
Seattle, WA
10.2020 - 11.2020

- Six-week-long internship with rotations between marketing, sales, data analytics, SEO optimization, and public relations.
- Drafted internship report to summarize position, responsibilities, learning outcomes, and skills developed.

Education

Master of Science - Psychology

Lynn University
Boca Raton, FL
12-2023

Bachelor of Arts - Psychology

Central Washington University
Ellensburg, WA
06-2021

Master of Science - Criminal Justice

Lynn University
Boca Raton, FL

Skills

Grant Writing

Research, stakeholder engagement

Salesforce

Canva

Asana

Strategic Communication

Certification

- A to Z Grant Writing (University of Georgia)

- Financial Success for Nonprofits (Cornell)

- Inbound Marketing (HubSpot)

Languages

English
Native/ Bilingual
Swiss-German
Professional

Volunteer Experience

  • Transcriptionist for the Smithsonian Institution, April 2023 - September 2023

Timeline

Grants and Development Consultant

Raffia Madagascar/Camp Fihavanana
10.2024 - Current

Development Director

Nofy i Androy
04.2024 - 08.2024

Grant Writer

Nofy i Androy
12.2023 - 04.2024

Senior Director of Customer Experience

Onvoii
03.2022 - 02.2024

Business Intern

Vyten
10.2020 - 11.2020

Development and Data Entry Assistant

Teen Feed
05.2020 - 08.2021

Master of Science - Psychology

Lynn University

Bachelor of Arts - Psychology

Central Washington University

Master of Science - Criminal Justice

Lynn University