Natasha Shepherd

• Orchestrate approximately 15 events per month in 3 regions to enhance engagement and foster community among families, clients, and staff.
• Achieve seamless event execution through effective venue and vendor selection.
• Enhance attendee engagement by streamlining registration processes.
• Deliver impactful promotional materials to strengthen event presence; Manage comprehensive digital marketing initiatives, focusing on Cvent registration pages, targeted email campaigns, and promotional flyers.
• Ensure financial integrity of events by implementing rigorous budget planning and conducting thorough reporting and reconciliation processes.

• Directed financial reporting and analysis to support strategic decision-making and enhance fiscal accountability.
• Led budget planning processes, optimizing resource allocation while aligning with organizational objectives and priorities.
• Coordinated month-end close procedures, ensuring accurate reconciliation and compliance with financial policies and guidelines.
• Developed internal controls to safeguard assets, promoting transparency and integrity within financial operations.
• Managed banking reconciliations and monthly balance sheet statements.
• Managed relationships with clients, ensuring timely payments and accurate recording of expenses.
• Directed payroll processing and reconciliation, maintaining accuracy in employee compensation and compliance with regulations.

• Supported executive operations by facilitating monthly board meetings and managing confidential financial reports to ensure strategic alignment.
• Oversaw executive director's communications and scheduling to facilitate effective organizational leadership.
• Led marketing production and website maintenance initiatives to enhance cross-departmental collaboration.
• Developed comprehensive project timelines and milestones to optimize efficiency and execution.
• Monitored progress against established goals, adjusting schedules and resources as needed to keep projects on track.
• Successfully managed 5-10 projects simultaneously by prioritizing tasks according to urgency, resource availability, and alignment with organizational goals.
• Oversaw the continuation of responsibilities from prior positions. Coordinated efforts among team members to enhance project execution. Fostered collaboration to ensure seamless transitions between tasks.

Events Manager:

• Designed and produced major fundraising events, including the Fur Ball Auction & Dinner (500+ attendees), alongside smaller community events, alumni gatherings, and volunteer programs.
• Trained volunteers and staff on event logistics, management software, and customer engagement strategies to maximize guest satisfaction.
• Managed budgets and negotiated contracts with vendors, ensuring cost-effective event execution.
• Developed event-themed merchandise strategies that complemented fundraising goals and boosted revenue streams.
• Maintained compliance with local regulations regarding public events, ensuring all necessary permits were secured.
• Designed promotional collateral (Adobe/Canva) and maintained organizational web presence (HTML/WordPress).

Stewardship & Major Gifts Manager:

• Elevated community engagement by developing innovative new donor cultivation methods and procuring major gifts, in-kind donations, and sponsorships.
• Established relationships with key stakeholders, fostering long-term partnerships for future collaborations.
• Coordinated comprehensive budget management processes, optimizing financial performance while maintaining high-quality standards.
• Executed month-end reconciliations to ensure accurate reporting and compliance with organizational financial policies.
• Oversaw data entry into donor management software, enhancing accuracy and efficiency in financial recordkeeping practices.
• Delivered timely reports on outstanding receivables, contributing to informed decision-making for cash management strategies.
• Implemented best practices for invoice generation and follow-up procedures, reducing delays in payment processing.
• Monitored aging accounts receivable reports to identify potential collection issues and recommend proactive solutions.
• Conducted regular audits of accounts receivable transactions to ensure compliance with internal controls and policies.

• Designed and produced internal/external facility rentals and the flagship 21+ Events program, including Spectra NYE party (1200+ attendees).
• Supervised and trained a team of event assistants and volunteers to ensure high-standard guest experiences.
• Collaborated cross-departmentally with Development, Marketing, and Executive teams.
• Managed vendor relations (caterers, talent, entertainment, security, logistics) and secured external sponsorships and donations.
• Facilitated post-event evaluations to gather attendee feedback and improve future event planning.
• Implemented comprehensive training sessions for staff on emergency procedures and guest safety measures.
• Optimized program profitability by identifying budget efficiencies and driving increased event attendance.

• Coordinated scheduling and registration for multiple non-profit clients, creating detailed timelines and BEOs.
• Managed promotional email distribution via Mailchimp and Constant Contact to large-scale mailing lists.
• Handled financial planning for board dinners and special events, serving as the primary lead for fundraising events.
• Facilitated comprehensive vendor negotiations to secure favorable terms and enhance event quality.
• On site lead and point of contact for events and conferences (50 - 1000+ attendees).