Sean Farrell, CFRE
Washington
Summary
Serving nonprofit organizations and institutions in a variety of development and management roles since 2006, Sean is passionate about creating a positive impact in the communities he serves. Following a desire to deepen that impact in the years to come, Sean is seeking opportunities that will allow him to leverage his experience in philanthropy, education, and strategic leadership of advancement operations to drive philanthropic institutions toward a bold and innovative future, benefiting the community for years to come.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Director of Development - Central Initiatives
The George Washington University
02.2024 - Current
- Secured major gifts from individuals, foundations, and corporations by crafting compelling proposals that aligned with their philanthropic priorities.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to ensure alignment between advancement goals and broader organizational objectives.
- Designed innovative campaigns to raise awareness and generate support for the organization''s mission, leading to increased contributions from new and existing donors.
- Managed a high-performing team of development professionals, fostering an environment of collaboration and continuous improvement.
Director for Advancement - University Initiatives
University of Central Florida
01.2022 - 02.2024
- Direct fundraising operations for two university-wide divisions and the College of Undergraduate Studies, totaling more than $4 Million in revenue annually.
- Manage portfolio of corporate, foundation, and individual major gift prospects, as well as advisory boards, annual funds, scholarships, and special fundraising initiatives throughout the academic year.
- Areas of focus include Student Success and Well-Being, and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Initiatives.
- Developed University-Wide Strategic Corporate Partnership Program as a special assignment of University President and Advancement Senior Vice President.
Associate Director for Advancement
University of Central Florida
09.2018 - 01.2022
- Promoted in 2022 after years of proven success as Associate Director, managing a multifaceted team of development professionals and breaking fundraising records within the College.
National Director of Development
The Preeclampsia Foundation
01.2017 - 09.2018
- Managed a development team in annual, event and major gifts; set annual strategy and goals, managed board relationships, and traveled nationally on behalf of the organization.
- Increased revenues by 63% over previous year, successfully rebranded a national fundraising campaign reaching 40 states, grew the board by 33%, revised development practices and implemented a CRM migration to a modern solution.
Senior Major Gift Officer & Grant Writer
Health First Foundation
04.2015 - 01.2017
- Maintained portfolio of 200+ individual and foundation prospects; jump-started a grant-seeking program in partnership with senior executives across the health system.
- Built out proposals and winning grants for several community-serving health initiatives through the fostering of new and renewed community partnerships
Director of Development & Special Initiatives
Salesian Society & Cristo Rey High School
11.2012 - 04.2015
- Secured annual support totaling more than $1M; increased program attendance and volunteer engagement by more than 500% and served on the committee to open a private high school for underprivileged children in the Tampa area.
Education
Masters - Nonprofit Management
University of Central Florida
Bachelor of Arts - History & Education
Saint Leo University
Skills
- Major Gift Solicitation & Strategy
- Corporate Partnerships
- Team Management and Development
- Strategy & Planning
- Board Management
- Grant Writing
- Capital Campaign Planning & Implementation
- Donor Relations & Stewardship
Affiliations
- Certified Fund Raising Executive
- Space Coast Economic Development Commission- Board Member
- Covenant House Florida- Board Member
- UCF Nonprofit Management Advisory Board
Personal Information
Title: Nonprofit Development Professional
Certification
Certified Fund Raising Executive
Timeline
Director of Development - Central Initiatives
The George Washington University
02.2024 - Current
Director for Advancement - University Initiatives
University of Central Florida
01.2022 - 02.2024
Associate Director for Advancement
University of Central Florida
09.2018 - 01.2022
National Director of Development
The Preeclampsia Foundation
01.2017 - 09.2018
Senior Major Gift Officer & Grant Writer
Health First Foundation
04.2015 - 01.2017
Director of Development & Special Initiatives
Salesian Society & Cristo Rey High School
11.2012 - 04.2015
Bachelor of Arts - History & Education
Saint Leo University
Masters - Nonprofit Management
University of Central Florida
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