Scott Urata
Sherman Oaks,CA
Summary
I’m a mission-driven Director of Development–level nonprofit leader with 10+ years of experience helping organizations grow revenue, build meaningful relationships, and engage communities through individual giving, corporate partnerships, and high-impact fundraising initiatives. I love connecting with people—donors, volunteers, partners, and team members alike—and creating opportunities that bring them into the mission, whether through events, activations, or outreach programs. Over the years, I’ve led multi-million-dollar campaigns, cultivated lasting donor and sponsor relationships, and partnered with executive leadership to strengthen organizational impact.
In my free time, you’ll probably find me geeking out over all things Star Wars, exploring Disneyland, or squeezing in a workout while still making time for a Taco Bell run at least once a week. I love meeting new people, sharing stories, and talking all things Disney.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Development Manager
Foster Love
Brea, California
06.2024 - Current
- General fundraising strategy and donor development, ensuring donor retention, repeat giving, and long-term relationships.
- Serve as public representative, engaging local officials, business leaders, corporations, faith organizations, and community partners to expand visibility and support.
- Support planning and execution of fundraising events, including flagship initiatives, as a vehicle to advance fundraising goals.
- Identify, cultivate, and secure corporate sponsorships, building and managing a growing pipeline aligned with Foster Love’s mission.
- Develop sponsorship decks, benefit packages, and customized stewardship plans to strengthen partnerships and encourage repeat support.
- Results: Raised over $30,000 in first year, secured 17 corporate sponsors, and generated $15,000+ in in-kind donations.
- Collaborate cross-functionally to ensure fundraising initiatives are integrated with marketing, programs, and donor communications.
Director of Development
Hope the Mission
North Hills, California
02.2023 - 05.2024
- Lead organization-wide fundraising strategy and donor development for a nonprofit supporting individuals and families experiencing homelessness.
- Cultivate and steward donors, sponsors, and community partners, increasing retention, lifetime giving, and engagement through personalized strategies.
- Plan and oversee large-scale fundraising events and campaigns, managing budgets, vendors, volunteers, and teams to deliver high-impact donor experiences.
- Serve as public face of the organization through speaking engagements, hosting donor events, and building partnerships with businesses, faith communities, and local officials.
- Major fundraising highlights:Annual Gala – $452,509 (record), Drumstick Dash – $188,081, Broadway to the Rescue – $65,576, Hope the Concert – $108,622, Women of Hope Afternoon Tea – $25,825, Lasagna Project – $48,449
- Partner with program, marketing, and operations teams to ensure fundraising initiatives clearly reflect mission impact and measurable outcomes.
Business Development Coordinator
Los Angeles Produce Distributor
Los Angeles, CA
07.2022 - 01.2023
- Drove revenue growth through strategic communications, customer engagement, and business development initiatives.
- Developed online portal, increasing online sales by 30% and improving customer experience.
- Built and maintained strong client relationships, tracked performance metrics, and streamlined sales systems for efficiency.
- Created monthly updates and proprietary news briefs to maintain engagement with key stakeholders.
Communication Manager
Shepherd Church
Porter Ranch, CA
04.2020 - 07.2022
- Directed multi-channel fundraising campaigns raising $16M+ annually, reaching 10,000+ members weekly through email, social media, and print communications.
- Led a six-person communications team, overseeing creative development, campaign strategy, and reporting on performance metrics.
- Served as media liaison and on-camera spokesperson, promoting church services, outreach initiatives, and donor engagement campaigns.
- Partnered with 15+ ministries and outreach groups to develop customized communications plans aligned with fundraising and engagement goals.
Executive Assistant to the Chief Operating Officer
Shepherd Church
Porter Ranch, CA
06.2015 - 04.2020
- Assisted the Chief Operating Officer in day-to-day operations of the organization as well as long-term projects, forecasting, and overall future goals for the organization.
- Aided in the oversight and support of 11 different departments (Communications, Media, Accounting, IT, Art, etc.), and their day-to-day operations and projects.
- Prepared a publicly distributed annual financial report for the organization and its 30,000 members.
- Developed and implemented improved processes and new technologies, and collaborated with supervisors and the IT team regarding the implementation of new technologies.
Project Coordinator - Facilities and Events
Shepherd Church
Porter Ranch, CA
06.2009 - 06.2015
- Assessed and managed all projects pertaining to facilities, building, and campus maintenance.
- Developed and managed all projects relating to on-site and off-site special events. Events vary from single day to week-long with attendance of upwards of 30,000 people.
- Launched new event initiatives and provided cross-functional support to strengthen community engagement.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Communications
California State University
Northridge06.2009
Skills
- Fund Development & Advancement Strategy
- Individual Giving & Donor Stewardship
- Donor Pipeline Development & Retention
- Corporate Sponsorships & Partnerships
- Major Event Production and Management
- Major Donor & Executive Engagement
- CRM & Donor Data Management
- Fundraising Communications & Storytelling
- Team Leadership & Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Project, Budget & Vendor Management
Timeline
Development Manager
Foster Love
06.2024 - Current
Director of Development
Hope the Mission
02.2023 - 05.2024
Business Development Coordinator
Los Angeles Produce Distributor
07.2022 - 01.2023
Communication Manager
Shepherd Church
04.2020 - 07.2022
Executive Assistant to the Chief Operating Officer
Shepherd Church
06.2015 - 04.2020
Project Coordinator - Facilities and Events
Shepherd Church
06.2009 - 06.2015
Bachelor of Arts - Communications
California State University