Sylvia Briscoe
Champaign,Illinois
Summary
Detail-oriented individual with exceptional communication and project management skills. Proven ability to handle multiple tasks effectively and efficiently in fast-paced environments. Recognized for taking a proactive approach to identifying and addressing issues, with a focus on optimizing processes and supporting team objectives.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Donor Relations
Gies College of Business, University of Illinois
Champaign, IL
07.2024 - Current
- Lead the Comprehensive Stewardship Program in the Gies College of Business Stewardship Team. Provide leadership in identifying and implementing strategies and programming that enhance donor stewardship, engagement, and ultimately, giving.
- Spearheaded the conceptualization and creation of personalized impact reports for major donors.
- Facilitated meaningful, strategic interactions between high-net-worth donors and scholarship recipients, which foster long-term donor loyalty and retention.
- Developed and implemented strategic donor stewardship programs to improve retention and satisfaction rates.
Senior Associate Director of Stewardship
Gies College of Business, University of Illinois
Champaign, IL
07.2019 - 07.2024
- Oversee the comprehensive gift documentation process, including the production of governing documents, the establishment of new gift funds, stewardship and communication with donors of newly established funds, and communication of funds within the college, units, and the University of Illinois Foundation.
- Supervised, mentored, and evaluated two Assistant Directors of Stewardship. Provided strategic direction and managerial oversight.
- Prepared and coached student scholarship recipients for high-profile donor engagements to ensure students articulate their academic journey and the impact of philanthropy.
- Enhanced team productivity by implementing efficient project management strategies.
Associate Director of Stewardship
Gies College of Business, University of Illinois
Champaign, IL
06.2013 - 12.2018
- Led strategic initiatives to enhance student engagement and retention across academic programs.
- Appointed by the University Foundation to implement scholarship, faculty, and planned gift stewardship plans on the Blackbaud database system.
- Fostered partnerships with key stakeholders to advance research opportunities and funding initiatives.
- Defined clear targets and objectives and communicated to other team members.
Assistant Director of Stewardship
Gies College of Business, University of Illinois
Champaign, IL
08.2010 - 06.2013
- Developed and implemented strategic donor relations programs at the University of Illinois, fostering long-term relationships with key stakeholders.
- Co-founder of the University-wide Stewardship Roundtable, which is a strategic forum for coordinating donor relations across multiple colleges and departments.
- Build and manage productive, positive relationships and oversee all stewardship and donor engagement activities and opportunities, including liaison with Gies units and programs, the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Institutional, and the University of Illinois Foundation Stewardship stakeholders.
- Developed detailed plans based on broad guidance and direction.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Business Administration and Finance
Saginaw Valley State University
Saginaw, MichiganSkills
- Team leadership
- Multitasking Abilities
- Relationship building
- Endowment management
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Problem-solving
- Organizational skills
- Decision-making
- Interpersonal skills
- Customer relationship management
- Professionalism
Accomplishments
Dean's Impact Award, in recognition of your extraordinary commitment, leadership, and service to our stakeholders. 2023-2024
ACTIVITIES
Stewardship and Donor Relations Task Force, The University of Illinois Foundation. Charged by the UIF President and the UIF Executive Operations Team to do a comprehensive review of stewardship and donor relations, July 2017 - September 2019.
Diversity Equal Employment Opportunity Committee Member, The University of Illinois Office of the Vice Chancellor for Institutional Advancement, August 2011 - August 2012,
Timeline
Director of Donor Relations
Gies College of Business, University of Illinois
07.2024 - Current
Senior Associate Director of Stewardship
Gies College of Business, University of Illinois
07.2019 - 07.2024
Associate Director of Stewardship
Gies College of Business, University of Illinois
06.2013 - 12.2018
Assistant Director of Stewardship
Gies College of Business, University of Illinois
08.2010 - 06.2013
Bachelor of Science - Business Administration and Finance
Saginaw Valley State University