Tess Allen
Ventura,California
Summary
Dynamic leader with a proven track record in program management and grant writing. Skilled in fostering board relations and spearheading business development, I excel in transforming outreach programs and fundraising initiatives. My innovative approach and public speaking prowess have significantly advanced organizational goals, demonstrating a unique blend of strategic and interpersonal skills.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Executive Director
Diversity Collective Ventura County
Ventura, California
04.2018 - Current
- Company Overview: Non-Profit serving the LGBTQ+ Community
- Principle grant writer
- Expand local revenue generating and fundraising activities to support existing program operations and regional expansion
- Design the expansion and complete strategic business planning process for program expansion into new markets
- Responsible for day-to-day operations of staff and the Community Resource Center
- Oversee all programs and their implementations, ensuring ongoing programmatic excellence
- Serve as ex-officio and provide advice to the Board of Directors regarding facilities, staffing, and programs
- Present trainings pertinent to LGBTQ issues for executive level and general public, based on needs
- Implement Annual Appeal donor drive
- Seek contracts and partnerships and spearhead the development of proposals
- Staff oversight, including staff capacity, handling sensitive cases, and reviews
- Develop appropriate community partnerships and collaborations
- Lead, coach, develop, and retain a high-performance team
- Connect with knowledgeable local community resources and referrals
- Work closely with Ventura County Public Health to ensure successful implementation of health related programs and events
- Responsible for 3 of 4 annual major fundraising events
- Work closely with Community Outreach Coordinator for coverage of all requested and necessary cultural competency trainings as well as tabling at events
- Non-Profit serving the LGBTQ+ Community
Administrator/Bookkeeping/Assistant Grant Writer
Shane's Inspiration (now Inclusion Matters)
Sherman Oaks, California
01.2015 - 04.2018
- Company Overview: Non-Profit serving Children of All Abilities
- Responsible for receiving, logging, and accounting for all monetary donations
- Responsible for all acknowledgements with regard to monetary donations
- Light bookkeeping
- Record and manage fundraising data in Raiser's Edge
- Assist in cultivation and stewardship of individual donors
- Oversee supplies for the entire organization, ordering when necessary
- Communicate with building manager and repair personnel
- Coordinate My PlayClub, a monthly, free playdate for LA community children of all abilities
- Assist in creating and attend Board of Directors meetings
- Assist in marketing and data coordination with regard to all aspects of events
- Assist in scheduling staff meetings, ordering meals, and taking minutes when requested
- Non-Profit serving Children of All Abilities
Development Coordinator
Community Memorial Health Care Foundation
Ventura, California
03.2011 - 11.2014
- Company Overview: Foundation supporting the Community Memorial Hospital, a Non-Profit, Private Health System comprised of 2 hospitals and 14 clinics
- Coordinate all aspects of events for Capital Campaign, Community Awareness, and Foundation Fundraising
- Budget for Foundation, Programs, Special Events, and Educational Funds
- Offer consultation and assistance to Foundation Finance committee with regard to forecasting, program funding, and management
- Develop marketing strategies for special events and annual appeal, ensuring profitability for events and programs
- Proficient in Raiser's Edge, a donor database
- Plan and strategize the yearly calendar with specific regard to events
- Coordinate, format and create mailings for sponsorships, in-kinds donations, invitations, and acknowledgements
- Partner with team members for donor cultivation and stewardship
- Procure event donations, both in-kind and cash sponsorships
- Manage and coordinate volunteers and staffing for events, (approximately 100 per event)
- Develop and coordinate Donor Appreciation events and gifts
- Foundation supporting the Community Memorial Hospital, a Non-Profit, Private Health System comprised of 2 hospitals and 14 clinics
Floor Administrator
Crooks Lab and Kohn Lab, UCLA
Los Angeles, California
11.2009 - 03.2011
- Company Overview: Labs Specializing in Stem Cell and Bone Marrow Research
- Oversee 7 lab teams, with management in compliance and protocol structures
- World-wide communications and coordination for presentations, research, and clinical congresses
- Assist Principle Investigators in all aspects of travel, expenditures, and grant applications
- Assist fundraising department with major donor stewardship via lab tours and events
- Coordinate and track workflow and away engagements for Principle Investigators
- Transcription with regard to grant applications and reviews as needed
- Submission of Materials Transfer Agreements
- Basic knowledge of grant submissions and funding
- Labs Specializing in Stem Cell and Bone Marrow Research
Development Manager / Special Events
Shane's Inspiration (now Inclusion Matters)
Sherman Oaks, California
12.2007 - 08.2009
- Company Overview: Non-Profit serving Children of All Abilities
- Coordinate all aspects of Fundraising and Community Outreach Events
- Budget maintenance and forecasting for special events
- Manage auctions: on-line, silent, and live at events
- Coordinate and design meetings and events leading up to three major fundraising events yearly
- Planning and strategizing the yearly calendar with specific regard to events
- Coordinate mailings including donation requests, acknowledgements, and event invitations
- Manage and coordinate volunteers and staffing for events (approx
- 200)
- Marketing and data coordination with regard to all aspects of events
- Extensive use of database for tracking donors and prospective donors
- Procure donations, both in-kind and cash sponsorships
- Coordinate and assist with Shane's Club, a monthly, free playdate for LA community children of all abilities
- Non-Profit serving Children of All Abilities
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Music, Theatre, Dance
The Boston Conservatory
Boston, NY06-1991
Skills
- Program Management
- Grant Writing
- Board relations
- Staff Management
- Business Development
- Fundraising expertise
- Outreach Programs
- Negotiation
- Program Leadership
- Project Management
- Budget reporting
- Public Speaking
- Innovation and Creativity
- Operational planning
Accomplishments
- Association of Fundraising Professionals Presenter: Strategic Planning-Elements to Build a Mission Driven Strategic Plan
- CenterLink Leadership Summit 2022 & 2023
Volunteer Opportunities
- Tri County Youth Productions, Simi Valley, CA, Tech Crew
- Shane's Inspiration, Los Angeles, CA, Youth Choir Director
- Tree People, Los Angeles, CA, Volunteer As Needed
- Special Olympics, Orlando, FL, Volunteer Coordinator, Youth
- AIDS Action Committee (Act UP), Boston, MA, Volunteer As Needed, Performer
Timeline
Executive Director
Diversity Collective Ventura County
04.2018 - Current
Administrator/Bookkeeping/Assistant Grant Writer
Shane's Inspiration (now Inclusion Matters)
01.2015 - 04.2018
Development Coordinator
Community Memorial Health Care Foundation
03.2011 - 11.2014
Floor Administrator
Crooks Lab and Kohn Lab, UCLA
11.2009 - 03.2011
Development Manager / Special Events
Shane's Inspiration (now Inclusion Matters)
12.2007 - 08.2009
Bachelor of Arts - Music, Theatre, Dance
The Boston Conservatory
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