Sharon Steele
Lilburn,GA
Summary
Dynamic individual with hands-on experience in Nonprofit Management and talent for navigating challenges. Brings strong problem-solving skills and proactive approach to new tasks. Known for adaptability, creativity, and results-oriented mindset. Committed to making meaningful contributions and advancing organizational goals.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Executive Director
Habitat for Humanity DeKalb
01.2018 - Current
- Lead the organization by developing and implementing operational plans to achieve its mission, vision, and goals
- Integrate the work of the board of directors, committees, staff, and volunteers into a coherent, consistent, and effective program
- Oversee advocacy, resource development, construction, financing, and family support, resulting in successful homeownership for participant families
- Successfully led a financial turnaround, bringing the organization from a deficit to a surplus
- Worked with the pro-bono legal team to update legal documents, policies, and procedures
- Secured over $1 million in funding where $250k was unrestricted
- Worked closely with organizational leadership and board of directors to guide operational strategy.
- Oversaw financial management, ensuring fiscal responsibility and long-term sustainability for the organization.
- Built relationships with donors, government officials and other organizations to secure funding and support for organization.
- Promoted a culture of continuous improvement by encouraging professional development opportunities for staff members.
- Represented organization to local public by giving presentations and speeches and participating in community events.
- Developed strategic partnerships with key stakeholders to expand the organization''s reach and influence.
- Advocated for policy changes at both local and national levels to further support the organization''s goals and objectives.
Development Director
Senior Connections
01.2012 - 01.2018
- Oversee development for the organization by creating and cultivating relationships to promote increased philanthropy and volunteers
- Identify and cultivate donors and prospects; manage fundraising goals, including securing grants and major gifts
- Oversee appeals and special events; work closely with the Board and CEO to build networks and identify funding
- Managed a department with four direct reports and an annual budget of $2.9 million
- Increased unrestricted revenue by 50% through viable metrics for donor segmentation
- Grew support for annual events and special projects by 30% through redeveloped corporate partnerships
- Secured over $1 million in emergency repair grant funding for the older adult home repair program
- Managed all aspects of 2 major annual events with up to 350 guests
- Recruited six new board members from the volunteer pool
- Directed recruitment, training, and material support for more than 400 volunteers
- Decreased administrative tasks for managing volunteers by 60% by identifying and selecting new software program
- Cultivated relationships with community, business and local civic leaders in order to draw attention to food insecurity among older adults to bring in new donors and volunteers.
Manager of Volunteer Services
Senior Connections
01.2011 - 01.2012
- Designed, planned, and directed volunteer program
- Oversaw recruitment, interviewing, hiring, training, and placement of volunteer workers
- Surpassed volunteer hours target goal by 15% annually
- Boosted volunteer retention from 50% to 85%
- Increased usage of skilled volunteers throughout the organization.
- Organized annual volunteer appreciation events
- Recruited volunteers through presentations to social, corporate, and civic organizations.
- Enhanced volunteer satisfaction by resolving disputes promptly, maintaining open lines of communication, and ensuring high-quality volunteer experience.
- Resolved staff member conflicts, actively listening to concerns and finding appropriate middle ground.
- Cross-trained existing employees to maximize team agility and performance.
- Implemented volunteer feedback mechanisms to gather insights, using this information to guide strategic planning and decision-making.
Certified Mortgage Specialist
First Horizon Home Loans
01.2001 - 01.2009
- Achieved high customer retention rate through exceptional relationship management and personalized service.
- Provided comprehensive financial guidance to clients, recommending suitable mortgage products based on their needs and goals.
- Collaborated with real estate agents to establish referral networks, fostering mutually beneficial partnerships.
- Enhanced team productivity by mentoring junior mortgage specialists and sharing best practices.
- Assisted clients in navigating complex mortgage documentation, ensuring a smooth application experience from start to finish.
- Evaluated pay stubs, credit history, tax information and bank statements for financial status.
- Managed a diverse pipeline of mortgage applications, prioritizing tasks effectively to meet deadlines consistently.
Education
MBA - Nonprofit Management
Keller Graduate School of Management
Atlanta, GABachelor of Business Administration -
Georgia State University
Atlanta, GAResidential Interior Design Diploma -
Art Institute of Atlanta
Atlanta, GASkills
- Community Engagement
- Program Management
- Strategic Planning
- Operations Management
- Budgeting and financial management
- Staff Management
- Innovation and Creativity
- Fundraising
- Partnership Development
- Grant Writing
- Relationship and Team Building
- Approachable leader
Certification
- Certified Fund Raising Executive, CFRE International
- Certificate of Advanced Nonprofit Fundraising, Georgia Center for Nonprofits, Atlanta, GA
- Certificate of Nonprofit Finance & Accounting, Georgia Center for Nonprofits, Atlanta, GA
Accomplishments
- Goldman Sachs Black Women Leader Impact Grant Recipient
- Mentored new employees and provided detailed feedback on milestones, resulting in a 40% increase in overall job satisfaction within 12 months.
Affiliations
- Leadership DeKalb Graduate Class of 2013
- Association of Fundraising Professionals
- Corporate Volunteer Council of Atlanta
Timeline
Executive Director
Habitat for Humanity DeKalb
01.2018 - Current
Development Director
Senior Connections
01.2012 - 01.2018
Manager of Volunteer Services
Senior Connections
01.2011 - 01.2012
Certified Mortgage Specialist
First Horizon Home Loans
01.2001 - 01.2009
MBA - Nonprofit Management
Keller Graduate School of Management
Bachelor of Business Administration -
Georgia State University
Residential Interior Design Diploma -
Art Institute of Atlanta