Sean Martin, MDIV, CFRE
Hailey,USA
Summary
Highly seasoned nonprofit executive with domestic and international experience. Excellent communicator with ability to ignite passion in others. Fundraising executive with track record of consistent revenue growth, donor retention, and donor lift. Balanced leader with strong interpersonal skills, aptitude for technology, and sound financial background.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
National Vice President of Philanthropy
Childhelp
Scottsdale, USA
02.2024 - Current
- Promoted to National Vice President after starting as Senior National Director.
- Lead strategy for planned giving, principal and major gifts, mid-level donors, corporate partnerships, foundation grants, and marketing
- Cultivate, solicit, and steward five, six, and seven figure gifts.
- Set strategic goals and measure performance.
- Hire, train, and manage philanthropy staff.
- Collaborated with senior leadership team and program directors to align fundraising strategy with organizational objectives.
Senior Development Officer
CIY
Joplin, USA
11.2021 - 02.2024
- Head of fundraising for large nonprofit serving youth in the U.S. and Europe.
- Oversaw all aspects of fundraising including donor relations, marketing, communications, campaigns, planned giving, grant writing, and data management.
- Achieved consistent year-over-year growth in donations throughout tenure.
- Managed portfolio of major donors and prospects, fostering strong relationships to secure funding.
- Led fundraising staff.
- Established performance metrics and implemented best practices to enhance fundraising strategies.
Regional Director of Donor Relations
Lifewater International
San Luis Obispo, USA
01.2017 - 11.2021
- Major gift fundraiser for international WASH organization serving vulnerable populations.
- Managed portfolio of largest and most strategic donors in the Western USA.
- Presented at fundraising events to engage donors and promote organizational mission.
- Annual portfolio growth of 25-40% five years in a row.
- Led vision trips for key investors.
- Secured multiple foundation grants to support program initiatives and expand outreach.
- Oversaw staff to enhance donor relations and improve team effectiveness.
- Created and managed the donor relations strategy that produced the largest quarter of giving in organization history during a global pandemic.
Lead Pastor
Highlands Church
Paso Robles, USA
02.2013 - 09.2015
- Served as head of staff, lead administrator, and board moderator for thriving church.
- Provided visionary leadership.
- Helped staff and volunteers set and attain goals.
- Spoke weekly for up to 2,000 people.
- Directed fundraising initiatives and coordinated community service projects to enhance outreach.
- Member of Property and Finance Committee for regional governing board.
Associate Pastor
Church of the Big Wood
Ketchum, USA
07.2008 - 02.2013
- Preached and led worship in adult services frequently.
- Served on the governing board.
- Fund raised for youth initiatives.
- Planned weekly programs, camps, and special events.
- Recruited, trained, and empowered team of adult volunteers.
- Envisioned, planned, and implemented new programs.
- Wrote curriculum and managed a budget.
- Also served as part-time Assistant Pastor for Preaching and Worship (2018-2025).
Education
Master of Divinity -
Fuller Theological Seminary
Pasadena, CA12.2006
Bachelor of Arts - Kinesiology
Point Loma Nazarene University
San Diego, CA05.1996
Skills
- Written and oral communication
- Fundraising and major gifts
- Administrative leadership
- Strategic planning
- Team leadership
- Data-driven decision making
- CRM management (Salesforce, Raiser's Edge NXT)
- Project management (Asana, Trello, Basecamp)
- StoryBrand trained
References
References available upon request
Websites
Certification
Certified Fund Raising Executive, CFRE International, 2020
Timeline
National Vice President of Philanthropy
Childhelp
02.2024 - Current
Senior Development Officer
CIY
11.2021 - 02.2024
Regional Director of Donor Relations
Lifewater International
01.2017 - 11.2021
Lead Pastor
Highlands Church
02.2013 - 09.2015
Associate Pastor
Church of the Big Wood
07.2008 - 02.2013
Master of Divinity -
Fuller Theological Seminary
Bachelor of Arts - Kinesiology
Point Loma Nazarene University