Sean C. Kassen
Granger,USA
Summary
Results-oriented leader in fundraising strategy and donor engagement, with over $30 million raised for medical research initiatives. Cultivates partnerships and manages impactful events, leveraging expertise in grant management and strategic planning to enhance patient advocacy and advance academic goals.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of the Ara Parseghian Medical Research Fund (APMRF)
University of Notre Dame
01.2016 - Current
- Developed patient-centered fundraising and scientific strategy to accelerate Niemann-Pick Type C (NPC) research and advocacy, enhancing community support and engagement
- Oversee an international grant and research program that distributes over $3 million annually
- Run an annual scientific research conference with researchers, clinicians, and families
- Established collaboration channels between industry and patient communities, fostering partnerships that advance NPC research
- Launched and manage strategic initiatives to accelerate the therapy development pipeline from discovery to approval including biomarker development and clinical outcome assessments
- Work with FDA leaders in developing pathways for NPC therapy approval and oversaw a Patient-Focused Drug Development meeting
- Raised over $30 million and added 5000 new donors
- Coordinate and run multiple fundraising events including a three-day golf outing at Pebble Beach Resorts and a week-long bike ride
- Managed marketing and communication for APMRF, increasing visibility and donor engagement
Academic Advancement Director for the College of Science
University of Notre Dame
01.2010 - 01.2016
- Managed external relationships with individual donors, companies, foundations, and organizations for the College of Science and supporting centers, enhancing engagement and support
- Created strategic plan for College of Science; developed fundraising initiatives for strategic priorities in teaching, curriculum, research, outreach, and capital projects
- Raised over $200 million for the College of Science in the Boldly Notre Dame fundraising campaign
- Organized over 30 high-priority donor events in fiscal year 2015, strengthening donor relations and increasing fundraising opportunities
- Wrote proposals, supporting documents, and stewardship reports to support fundraising efforts
- Created and oversaw a comprehensive stewardship plan for the College of Science
- Member of the Dean's Academic Council
Assistant Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations
University of Notre Dame
01.2009 - 01.2010
- Identified and leveraged key research strengths of Colleges of Science and Engineering to enhance funding opportunities
- Raised funds and secured transformative gifts while establishing strategic partnerships with companies and foundations
Education
Doctor of Philosophy - Cellular and Molecular Biology
University of Notre Dame
01.2008
Bachelor of Science - Biochemistry
Alma College
Alma, MI, USA01.2002
Skills
- Fundraising strategy
- Grant management
- Fundraising events
- Donor engagement
- Event planning
- Marketing strategy
- Collaborative partnerships
- Strategic planning
- Nonprofit management
- Team leadership
- Patient advocacy
- Academic Advancement
Entrepreneurial Activities
- Co-Founder of Benefactory Design & Manufacturing, LLC., 01/01/15, 12/31/20, Developed business plan with co-founders; including milestones, fundraising, and budgets, Sought and negotiated customer relationships, developing many sales channels
- Co-Founder and former CEO of Premier Woodworks, LLC, 01/01/20, Present, Irish Woodworks, https://irishwoodworks.com, Launched an online store, and developed new customer relationships and sales channels, Grew the company to over $300,000 in annual sales by the second year, Lead a team of talented workers
Board And Advisory Roles
- Science Board Member, 01/01/25, Present, World Visceral Myopathy Foundation
- Team Leader, Glycogen Storage Disease Type 3 Program, 01/01/24, Present, University of Notre Dame
Websites
Timeline
Director of the Ara Parseghian Medical Research Fund (APMRF)
University of Notre Dame
01.2016 - Current
Academic Advancement Director for the College of Science
University of Notre Dame
01.2010 - 01.2016
Assistant Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations
University of Notre Dame
01.2009 - 01.2010
Doctor of Philosophy - Cellular and Molecular Biology
University of Notre Dame
Bachelor of Science - Biochemistry
Alma College