Stephen Brown
New York,NY
Summary
Accomplished and experienced Development executive with innovative leadership style and expertise in development, high profile events and brand positioning. Outstanding fundraising and marketing talents to increase fundraising in government and non-profit organization's. Great influencing and communication strengths.
Expert in donor relations, corporate engagement and cultivation. 10 years experience developing and executive high profile global events, including music festivals and fundraising galas.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
Chief Development Officer
Ghetto Film School
01.2023 - Current
- At GFS, I lead our Development, Marketing, Communications and Events function
- I oversee all fundraising (corporate, grants, individual) and our annual gala, table reads, film shoots, panel discussions
- I manage all external relationships, handle press and PR and marketing for the brand
- I manage a team across the globe to deliver on our corporate and org goals.
- Secure major gifts for organizational growth through effective identification, cultivation, and solicitation of high-net-worth individuals.
- Strengthened fundraising efforts by developing and executing comprehensive annual development plans.
- Collaborating with executive leadership to establish strategic priorities and align fundraising initiatives accordingly.
- Developed comprehensive donor profiles using CRM software to track interactions, preferences, and giving history for targeted relationship building.
- Increased recurring donations by designing an engaging monthly giving program tailored to supporter interests.
- Elevated special event fundraising success through meticulous planning, creative promotion tactics, and diligent followup.
- Spearheaded board member recruitment efforts to attract experienced professionals who could contribute valuable expertise in various areas.
- Diversified revenue streams by exploring alternative funding sources such as earned income opportunities or social enterprises.
- Optimizing development team performance through ongoing coaching, professional development, and goal setting.
Freelance Consultant - Leadership, Development and Events
Various
01.2020 - Current
- Took two years to develop my own leadership consultancy, supporting CEOs to identify and solve problems and create new income opportunities.
- Bolstered client revenue growth with strategic marketing campaigns and effective sales techniques.
- Developed strong relationships with key stakeholders, fostering trust and long-term partnerships between clients and vendors.
- Collaborated closely with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless project execution from inception to completion stage on behalf of various clientele groups present worldwide .
- Negotiated favorable contractual terms and conditions with third-party providers on behalf of clients, securing better value propositions without compromising on service quality aspects.
- Analyzed problematic areas to provide recommendations and solutions.
- Managed multiple deadlines across several businesses to meet dynamic needs of multiple clients.
- Collaborated with teams to define, strategize, and implement marketing and web strategies.
- Clients include(d) Corporate: Target, Instagram, Facebook; Agencies: Invisible Hand, Coracle International, Purpose Union (consultant); Non-profit: Penny Appeal, GFS, Keep a Child Alive, Times Up
Vice President, Development (Interim)
SoulCycle
01.2021 - 01.2022
- Brought in to help the transition from the pandemic, I cultivated and managed corporate partnerships and campaigns for the fitness brand, reporting directly to the CEO
- Worked with a variety of consumer, wellness and health brands to activate co-branded campaigns that enhanced rider experience and drove riders back to the studio, post pandemic.
- Enhanced company profitability by implementing strategic business plans and optimizing operational processes.
- Led cross-functional teams for the successful completion of major projects, resulting in increased efficiency and client satisfaction.
- Developed new revenue streams by identifying growth opportunities and forging strategic partnerships with key industry players.
- Directed marketing strategies to increase brand awareness, generate leads, and grow market share within highly competitive industries.
- Cultivated strong relationships with key stakeholders, including customers, vendors, regulators, and community leaders to promote collaboration and long-term success.
- Drove corporate social responsibility programs that created positive social impact while delivering tangible business benefits, such as enhanced brand reputation and employee morale.
- Collaborated with senior management to develop strategic initiatives and long term goals.
Global Vice President of Development
Global Citizen
01.2011 - 01.2020
- Oversaw sales and execution of $80m per year by end of my time at Global Citizen
- Grew the revenue from $28m to $80m in last 5 years at GC
- Oversaw a team of 25 sales and account leads
- Secured and managed all corporate, broadcast and digital media and marketing partnerships/sponsorships and relationships across the globe
- Created and iterated strategy, creative concepts, led overall pitching and client management
- Partnerships are integrated campaigns with a heavy emphasis on major event sponsorship
- Accounts included - Citi, P&G, Verizon, J&J, Cisco, Caterpillar, Gucci, Delta, NBCU, Comcast and many others.
- Expanded international presence with the establishment of new regional offices and successful entry into emerging markets.
- Strengthened brand reputation and recognition, driving consistent growth in annual revenue.
- Developed comprehensive marketing strategies to enhance product visibility and customer engagement across targeted regions.
- Optimized organizational structure to maximize efficiency, resulting in improved operational performance and profitability.
- Led cross-functional teams to execute high-impact projects, delivering positive results on time and within budget constraints.
- Enhanced employee productivity by fostering a collaborative work environment and investing in professional development opportunities.
- Negotiated favorable terms for contracts with suppliers and vendors, ensuring long-term strategic relationships and competitive pricing advantages.
- Drove innovation by identifying new product opportunities that aligned with customer needs and market trends, resulting in increased sales performance yearoveryear.
- Launched successful product lines with well-executed marketing campaigns that effectively communicated value propositions to targeted audiences.
- Built high-performing teams through effective recruitment strategies, robust training programs, and clear communication of company vision and goals.
- Established team priorities, maintained schedules and monitored performance.
- Evaluated employee performance and conveyed constructive feedback to improve skills.
- Successfully managed budgets and allocated resources to maximize productivity and profitability.
- Managed senior-level personnel working in marketing and sales capacities.
Campaign Director and Chief of Staff
Rt Hon Diane Abbott MP
01.2010 - 01.2012
- Campaign Director of a major UK political Leadership bid by the politician, and current Shadow Home Secretary of the United Kingdom
- Acting Chief of Staff
- Responsible for political strategy, events and advance, guiding policy development and as spokesperson for the campaign.
- Increased voter turnout by developing and implementing targeted outreach strategies.
- Managed campaign budget, ensuring efficient allocation of resources for maximum impact.
- Recruited and trained volunteers, resulting in a dedicated and effective team of supporters.
- Developed messaging and talking points to effectively communicate campaign priorities to the public.
- Coordinated events, rallies, and town halls to engage voters and build community support.
- Established strong relationships with local media outlets, securing positive coverage for the campaign.
- Implemented data-driven targeting strategies to reach key voter demographics more effectively.
- Analyzed polling data to inform strategic decision-making on messaging and resource allocation.
- Oversaw social media strategy, driving engagement and raising awareness of campaign issues among online audiences.
- Developed managed, and executed grassroots organizing efforts resulting in a strong local presence and increased community involvement in the campaign.
- Planned and executed events with public and private donors.
Education
Bachelor of Arts -
University of Wolverhampton
United Kingdom06.2004
Skills
- Planned giving
- Partnership development
- Time management
- Board relations
- Strategic planning
- Budgeting and finance
- Corporate sponsorships
- Public speaking
- Nonprofit management
- Event planning
- Marketing and communications
- Donor relations
- Event Planning and Execution
External Roles
Executive Member, Vote Proud, 2019, present
Volunteer Experience
- Board member, Positive Women, 2010, 2015
- Board Member, NUS Services LTD, 2006, 2008
References
References (upon request)
Timeline
Chief Development Officer
Ghetto Film School
01.2023 - Current
Vice President, Development (Interim)
SoulCycle
01.2021 - 01.2022
Freelance Consultant - Leadership, Development and Events
Various
01.2020 - Current
Global Vice President of Development
Global Citizen
01.2011 - 01.2020
Campaign Director and Chief of Staff
Rt Hon Diane Abbott MP
01.2010 - 01.2012
Bachelor of Arts -
University of Wolverhampton
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