SONDRA K. DOWNS
Columbus
Summary
Dynamic and results-driven Development and Marketing Manager with 9+ years of experience in fundraising strategy, donor relations, marketing, and data-informed prospect management. Skilled in leveraging CRM systems and analytics to identify opportunities, strengthen donor pipelines, and drive organizational growth. Recognized for collaborative approach and achieving results through effective teamwork and adaptability. Skilled in digital marketing, brand management, and strategic planning with focus on meeting organizational goals.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Development and Marketing Manager
Community Housing Network
07.2021 - Current
- Spearheaded the creation and growth of CHN's Resource Development & Marketing program, achieving significant organizational milestones.
- Expanded donor base from 11 to 176 within four years.
- Drove a 3,000% increase in fundraising revenue over three years.
- Strategized and implemented donor relations initiatives, boosting engagement and retention through tailored communications and events.
- Orchestrated the rollout of a new brand identity, collaborating with multiple vendors to procure updated print materials and branded gifts for staff. Coordinated comprehensive staff communications, facilitated training sessions, and managed updates to exterior signage and branded artwork across CHN properties.
- Designed and executed comprehensive multi-channel marketing campaigns, resulting in increased brand visibility and audience engagement.
- Overhauled and managed the CHN website, introducing an enhanced online giving platform.
- Secured $10K/month Google AdGrant funding, optimizing advertising efforts.
- Launched and managed CHN’s social media presence, monthly e-newsletters, bi-monthly blogs, and bi-annual print newsletters.
- Established a robust volunteer program, fostering donor engagement and community awareness:
- Developed onboarding processes, tracking systems, and communication materials.
- Cultivated partnerships with community organizations and corporations for volunteer opportunities.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to align marketing and development goals with broader organizational objectives.
- Successfully planned and implemented CHN’s signature “Celebrate the Resilient” event, generating net revenue exceeding $103K from inaugural event in 2024, and $120K in 2025.
- Created and implemented comprehensive marketing plan for sponsorship and ticket sales, utilizing website, social media, direct mail, and e-mail marketing
- Leveraged relationships with vendors, donors, and board members to sell sponsorships; researched and applied for new sponsorship opportunities
Admin Assistant to the Chief Operating Officer
Community Housing Network
05.2018 - Current
- Managed scheduling and coordination of meetings, ensuring efficient use of time for staff and stakeholders.
- Assisted in the preparation of reports and presentations, contributing to clear communication of project updates.
- Facilitated communication between departments, improving collaboration on community housing initiatives.
- Developed and maintained filing systems to enhance document retrieval and organizational efficiency.
- Supervised front-desk staff, ensuring a friendly, professional environment and consistent coverage availability.
Human Resources Coordinator
COSI
07.2015 - 05.2018
- Managed all aspects of payroll processing with a high degree of accuracy, efficiency, and confidentiality.
- Maintained employee records, ensuring compliance with HR policies and regulations.
- Developed training materials to enhance staff development and retention strategies.
- Managed benefit enrollments with health, dental, vision, FSA and COBRA providers.
Finance and Payroll Associate
COSI
11.2014 - 07.2015
- Processed payroll for more than150 employees efficiently and accurately, ensuring compliance with federal and state payroll regulations.
- Collaborated with HR to resolve employee inquiries and discrepancies related to payroll.
- Implemented process improvements that significantly reduced payroll processing time.
- Managed the transition to a new payroll processing platform, ensuring accurate transfer of historical payroll data and training staff and supervisors on its use.
- Managed corporate credit card accounts for 100+ cardholders, improving efficiency by transitioning from paper-based statement coding and approval to digital processing—reducing processing time by over 40 hours per month.
- Created and distributed monthly institutional operating statements to support financial oversight and decision-making.
Advancement Coordinator
COSI
03.2008 - 10.2014
- Provided administrative and project support to the Vice President of Advancement.
- Played a key role in rebranding efforts, including the launch of adult-focused after-hours events to attract new audiences.
- Cultivated partnerships with local businesses and organizations to secure product donations and guest speakers for special events.
- Coordinated planning and execution of major fundraising events, including the annual Blast Gala and Catalyst Luncheon.
- Served as Campaign Coordinator for a $12M capital campaign, exceeding goals over three years.
- Organized the inaugural alumni luncheon, resulting in a sold-out 500-ticket event and engagement with new donor demographics.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Journalism, Public Relations with a strong focus on marketing
Ohio University
Athens, Ohio01.2005
Skills
- Fundraising & Donor Relations: Strategy Development, Donor Retention, Proposal Writing, Major Gift Cultivation, Donor Stewardship, Grant Writing and Reporting, Sponsorship Sales
- Prospect Research & Data Management: Prospect Identification and Qualification, Data Analytics and Reporting, CRM Management (Bloomerang, GiveButter, Raiser’s Edge), KPI Tracking, Donor Pipeline Development
- Marketing & Communications: Brand Development and Management, Digital Campaigns, Social Media, Multi-Channel Marketing, Content Creation, Event Promotion
- Event Planning & Community Engagement: Fundraising Events, Volunteer Programs, Corporate Partnerships, Community Outreach, Event Implementation
- Strategic Leadership & Collaboration: Cross-Departmental Alignment, Partner Development, Training and Onboarding, Strategic Planning, Budget Management, Impact Reporting
Affiliations
Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Central Ohio
- Member since 2022
- Central Ohio Chapter Mentorship Program Graduate, Class of 2022
- AFP Central Ohio Chapter Chamberlain Scholarship Recipient for AFP ICON 2024o Chapter
American Marketing Association
- Member since 2022
- Professional Certified Marketer: Digital Marketing earned February 2022
Timeline
Development and Marketing Manager
Community Housing Network
07.2021 - Current
Admin Assistant to the Chief Operating Officer
Community Housing Network
05.2018 - Current
Human Resources Coordinator
COSI
07.2015 - 05.2018
Finance and Payroll Associate
COSI
11.2014 - 07.2015
Advancement Coordinator
COSI
03.2008 - 10.2014
Bachelor of Science - Journalism, Public Relations with a strong focus on marketing
Ohio University