Sharon Hurt
Seattle,WA
Summary
A highly strategic, visionary, and goal-oriented executive and educational leader with expertise in philanthropy, organizational development, management, marketing, and strategic communications. A dynamic, student-focused professional committed to high standards and building authentic, collaborative, and mission-centered partnerships.
Overview
35
35
years of professional experience
Work History
Assistant Head of School for Advancement
The Bush School (K-12, Coed, Day School)
07.2023 - Current
- Provides vision and leadership for all strategic philanthropic and brand management efforts for the school
- Leads an aligned team of professionals in fundraising, marketing, and communications
- Serves as partner and advisor to the Head of School on long-range strategic priorities
- Facilitates strategic planning sessions and develops strategic plan for long-term growth and development of the school's mission.
- Partners with the Board of Trustees and serves on several Board committees: Campus Design and Development, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Development, Finance, Governance, and Investment
- Manages strategic initiatives including the development of the Methow Semester School
- Leads the strategic vision and execution of school's Centennial
- Led a successful $17M capital campaign and currently leading another $22M capital campaign which is in the trust phase
Director of Development and Strategic Initiatives
The Bush School
08.2017 - 06.2023
- Informed and inspired high net worth individuals along their philanthropic journey
- Led strategic planning efforts with the Board of Trustees and senior leadership team
- Served on several Board of Trustee Committees: Development, Investment, Finance, Governance, DEI, and Centennial
- Led planning efforts to establish a new semester program on the school's Methow Valley campus
- Directed the strategy and implementation of comprehensive philanthropy and community engagement programs
- Supervised a team of 7 and serve on the senior leadership team.
Director of Advancement
Charles Wright Academy (PK-12, Coed, Day School)
07.2012 - 06.2017
- Led strategic planning, goal setting, and execution of comprehensive advancement program including enrollment, financial aid, fundraising, marketing, communications, special events, alumni relations, and constituent relations
- Supervised team of 12 advancement professionals and managed annual budget of over $600,000
- Served on senior administration team
- Created and facilitated strategic planning process with the Board of Trustees
- Served on several Board committees including Advancement, Finance, and Governance
Director of Advancement
Sewickley Academy (PK-12, Coed, Day School)
03.2008 - 06.2012
- Directed the reorganization of a new advancement program including fundraising, marketing, communications, special events, and constituent relations
- Led strategic planning, goal setting, and execution of advancement program
- Cultivated, solicited, and stewarded major, planned, annual, and campaign gifts totaling over $2.3 million annually
- Managed $18 million capital campaign
- Developed and executed major gifts program
- Designed gift planning program and increased membership in planned giving society by 20%
- Supervised a team of eight and managed annual budget of over $500,000.
Director of Communications
Sewickley Academy
09.2004 - 03.2008
- Served as lead for school's strategic branding, marketing, and communications
- Designed and managed marketing and external relations efforts for all aspects of the organization.
Principal
SH Davidson and Associates
12.2002 - 08.2004
- Created and led strategic consulting firm specializing in organizational development, community based economic development, and fundraising for regional and national non-profit organizations
- Raised over $500,000 to fund early stage non-profit organizations
- Provided services focused on leadership development, organizational capacity building and sustainability, strategic planning, fundraising, and public relations.
Marketing Director
Federal Highway Administration, National Scenic Byways Program
08.1996 - 01.2003
- Designed and managed the strategic planning and implementation of a national and international marketing program
- Led effort to define, build, and manage the American's Byway brand
- Identified, solicited, and negotiated corporate partnerships to achieve strategic goals
- Advised and assisted states and local communities on matters of marketing and fundraising
- Reviewed proposals and made recommendations to Secretary of Transportation regarding allocation of annual $20 million federal fund.
Program Manager
West Virginia Division of Tourism
09.1994 - 07.1996
- Architect and designer of the statewide WV Scenic Byways and Backways program
- Created and executed fundraising strategy that resulted in $1 million to support community-based development.
Whitewater Rafting Guide
Appalachian Whitewater, NARR
03.1989 - 10.1994
- Led groups of various ages/skill levels on whitewater rafting trips, successfully tailoring each experience to accommodate individual needs and abilities.
- Collaborated with team members to execute seamless emergency response procedures when necessary, prioritizing guest safety at all times.
Education
Certificate in Fund Raising Management -
Indiana University-Purdue University
Indianapolis, IN05.2011
Master of Arts in Liberal Studies -
West Virginia University
Morgantown, WV12.1993
Bachelor of Arts in English - Certificate in Women's Studies
West Virginia University
Morgantown, WV05.1990
Skills
- Strategic leadership
- Relationship building and networking
- Verbal and written communication
- Community engagement
- Education leadership
- Staff development
- Staff management
- Organizational management
- Thought leadership
- Fundraising strategies
Affiliations
- Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE International)
- Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE)
- National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS)
- Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP)
- INDEX
Activities
- Board member, Advancement Northwest, 2015-2020
- Member, Social Justice Fund NW and Gender Justice Giving Project, 2015
- Chair, National Philanthropy Day, Advancement Northwest, 2014, 2016
- Chair and Member, West Virginia University Center for Gender Studies Visiting Committee, 1999-2004
- Board Member, Sewickley Valley Chamber of Commerce, 2006-2008
Timeline
Assistant Head of School for Advancement
The Bush School (K-12, Coed, Day School)
07.2023 - Current
Director of Development and Strategic Initiatives
The Bush School
08.2017 - 06.2023
Director of Advancement
Charles Wright Academy (PK-12, Coed, Day School)
07.2012 - 06.2017
Director of Advancement
Sewickley Academy (PK-12, Coed, Day School)
03.2008 - 06.2012
Director of Communications
Sewickley Academy
09.2004 - 03.2008
Principal
SH Davidson and Associates
12.2002 - 08.2004
Marketing Director
Federal Highway Administration, National Scenic Byways Program
08.1996 - 01.2003
Program Manager
West Virginia Division of Tourism
09.1994 - 07.1996
Whitewater Rafting Guide
Appalachian Whitewater, NARR
03.1989 - 10.1994
Certificate in Fund Raising Management -
Indiana University-Purdue University
Master of Arts in Liberal Studies -
West Virginia University
Bachelor of Arts in English - Certificate in Women's Studies
West Virginia University
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