Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Hi, I’m

SUSAN WILLIAMS

Kansas City,MO
SUSAN WILLIAMS

Summary

An innovative and compassionate leader in the non-profit sector, known for embracing new ideas and helping them flourish. With a strong track record in expanding events and fundraising programs, driven by a deep commitment to championing inclusion in education. A natural connector with a strategic and relational approach, adept at finding opportunities where others see challenges, and skilled at balancing calculated risks. A superb communicator who effortlessly engages with stakeholders at all levels, excelling in delivering projects, timelines, and goals with grace and precision, even in high-pressure situations.

Overview

25
years of professional experience

Work History

The FIRE Foundation

Development Director
07.2021 - Current

Job overview

The FIRE Foundation

Development Manager
07.2017 - 07.2021

Job overview

Fundraising & Event Management:

  • Lead planning, development, and execution of FIRE’s three flagship fundraising events, contributing over 60% of the organization’s annual budget.
  • Increased gross revenues of major events from 2017-Current:

~FIRE Ball: $350K to $750K
~Purses with Purpose: $55K to $165K
~Play with FIRE Golf Tournament: $60K to $134K

  • Established and maintained event budgets, consistently achieving a revenue/expense ratio of 4:1 or better.
  • Built and leveraged relationships with vendors, donors, volunteers and non-profit peers, significantly enhancing event success and community engagement.

Marketing & Communications:

  • Cultivated and nurtured donor relationships across all levels, leading to improved donor retention and an expanded support base.
  • Strategically planned and executed social media campaigns, amplifying FIRE’s mission and broadening reach.
  • Managed comprehensive communication strategies, including email campaigns, direct mail, and social media outreach, to effectively convey FIRE's message.
  • Oversaw the FIRE Foundation's website management, including a successful website upgrade and refresh in 2023, ensuring content alignment with strategic goals.

Strategic Planning & Programming:

  • Actively participated in the development and implementation of FIRE’s strategic plan, with a specific focus on leading the Board's Development Committee.
  • Fostered strong relationships with parents, administrators, and teachers at partner schools, reinforcing partnerships and promoting inclusive education.
  • Established and currently leading a Young Professionals group to engage young donors and volunteers, plan events, and serve as ambassadors for FIRE.
  • Implemented and managed a high school intern program for the Purses with Purpose event, successfully guiding six interns in June 2024.
  • Championed a culture of innovation by encouraging experimentation with new technologies or approaches to problem solving.

Missouri Hunting Heritage Federation

Executive Director
03.2014 - 07.2017

Job overview

  • Led a grassroots organization, managing daily operations, strategic planning, fundraising, event coordination, grant writing, sponsorship strategies, and board development.
  • Revitalized the organization's marketing and communications, upgrading the website, social media, and newsletters, while launching new donor engagement events.
  • Recruited nearly two dozen new sponsors, creating a full menu of annual opportunities and developing the first-ever sponsorship plan for youth clinics.
  • Revamped the membership structure, initiated a monthly electronic newsletter, and transitioned member/donor records to an electronic platform, enhancing communication and engagement.
  • Established an affiliate fundraising event with the Conservation Federation of Missouri and launched five new "friendraising" events, including a high-end donor event.
  • Developed a comprehensive communications plan and introduced a semi-annual sponsor/donor progress report to improve stewardship. Created a strategic plan for chapter expansion and led board recruitment, cultivation, and development to strengthen organizational leadership.

SS&C (Formerly DST Systems, Inc)

Client Relations Consultant
01.2000 - 05.2013

Job overview

  • Developed and maintained top-tier client relationships with major mutual fund clients, including Janus, Evergreen, and Wells Fargo.
  • Supervised three client service teams, generating $30 million in annual revenue.
  • Mentored junior associates and managed projects, resource allocations, budget development, billing, and annual forecasting.
  • Served on professional development committees, including thought leadership, documentation review, training, industry focus groups, and peer meetings.
  • Established a corporate Project Management Office (PMO) in 2011 for an industry-wide initiative responding to major regulatory changes.
  • Developed a centralized testing center to ensure quality delivery of corporate product upgrades.
  • Organized and executed a three-day conference in Kansas City to share best practices with DST employees and clients regarding regulatory responses.

Education

Truman State University

Bachelor of Science from Business Administration And Finance
05.1995

University Overview

Minor: Economics

Skills

    - Fundraising Leadership

    - Event Management

    - Donor Relations

    - Strategic Planning

    - Marketing & Communications

    - Team Development

    - Budget Oversight

    - Community Engagement

Timeline

Development Director
The FIRE Foundation
07.2021 - Current
Development Manager
The FIRE Foundation
07.2017 - 07.2021
Executive Director
Missouri Hunting Heritage Federation
03.2014 - 07.2017
Client Relations Consultant
SS&C (Formerly DST Systems, Inc)
01.2000 - 05.2013
Truman State University
Bachelor of Science from Business Administration And Finance
SUSAN WILLIAMS