Hi, I’m
Sarah B. Wilkening
Viroqua,WI
Summary
Experienced professional with a solid background in nonprofit advancement and development. Demonstrated expertise in donor relations, campaign management, and fundraising strategies. Recognized as a valuable team collaborator, known for adaptability and consistently delivering impactful results. Possesses strong verbal and written communication skills, exceptional project management, and organizational abilities. Enthusiastic about fostering growth and driving success within mission driven organizations.
Overview
25
years of professional experience
Work History
Milestone Democratic School
Board of Directors
01.2022 - 08.2024
Job overview
- Guided organization through periods of change by providing strong leadership during transitions and restructures.
- Advised fellow board members on critical decisions, identifying areas for improvement using organizational performance metrics.
- Collaborated with fundraising committee to cultivate key community partnerships for grant writing and campaigns.
- Established and maintained strong relationships with strategic partners and community stakeholders.
- Prepared and presented reports to inform board on organizational progress and goals.
Get It Right Educator’s Cooperative
Director of Operation and Finance
11.2021 - 06.2024
Job overview
- Created and implemented policies, with stakeholder input, taking into consideration complex legal and contractual requirements of an independent charter school.
- Significantly increased student, staff, and community partnership retention.
- Led fundraising efforts including grant writing, individual donor outreach, campaigns, and corporate support.
- Worked cooperatively within a shared leadership model to implement innovative solutions to complex problems.
- Established a culture of inclusiveness by fostering open communication and empowering stakeholders to engage in participatory democracy.
Owner Operator Independent
Disability Advocate, Consultant
09.2011 - 06.2024
Job overview
- Created Parent Peer Mentoring program for educational advocacy, ensuring families understood disability law and students’ educational rights
- Supported accommodation creation and implementation training within the educational setting for neurodivergent students
- Co-created fundraising program; strategic goal setting, annual fundraising event implementation, company sponsorships
Grace Holistic Center for Education
Director of Development
08.2017 - 05.2019
Job overview
- Created policy in alignment with Illinois state requirements, resulting in state accreditation.
- Pioneered fundraising events, including an annual gala, fostering strong community relationships.
- Established innovative programs such as aquaponics and CSA program, enhancing community engagement and sustainability efforts.
- Developed comprehensive strategic plans to guide long-term growth and sustainability of the organization''s programs.
- Increased fundraising revenue by implementing innovative donor engagement strategies and targeted campaigns.
Banana Republic
Sales and Marketing Manager
01.2000 - 08.2011
Job overview
- Managed multiple retail locations.
- Successfully managed budgets and allocated resources to maximize productivity and profitability.
- Implemented community partnerships, supporting year-over-year sales growth.
- Responsible for hiring, training, and evaluating staff.
- Developed and executed marketing strategies that effectively communicated brand values, increasing brand recognition and sales.
Education
Certifications And Trainings
University Overview
- Restorative and Transformative Justice
- Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction
- Nonviolent Communication and Conflict Resolution
- Trauma Informed, Healing Centered Engagement
- Educational Equity Leadership
- Disability Justice
- CNM Board Member, Fundraising, and Grant Seeking Essentials
- Savannah Institute Agroforestry Foundations and Social Justice in Agroforestry
- Power Dynamics and Equity in the Workplace
- Marketing and Communications for Nonprofits
- Ethical Storytelling for Nonprofits
Skills
- Nonprofit experience
- Innovation fostering
- Operational efficiency
- Fundraising creation and implementation
- Grant writing and reporting
- Strategic planning and execution
- Servant Leadership
- Effective communicator and public speaker
- Relationship building
- Social responsibility
- Stakeholder engagement
- Client relationship management
Timeline
Board of Directors
Milestone Democratic School
01.2022 - 08.2024
Director of Operation and Finance
Get It Right Educator’s Cooperative
11.2021 - 06.2024
Director of Development
Grace Holistic Center for Education
08.2017 - 05.2019
Disability Advocate, Consultant
Owner Operator Independent
09.2011 - 06.2024
Sales and Marketing Manager
Banana Republic
01.2000 - 08.2011
Certifications And Trainings
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