VESTINA OATES
Atlanta,GA
Summary
ASSISTANT VICE PRESIDENT FOR ADVANCEMENT, CORPORATE & FOUNDATION RELATIONS (CFR)
Strategic higher education and advancement leader with 14+ years of progressive experience spanning K–12 and higher education administration. Proven record in cultivating philanthropic partnerships, securing funding, and aligning educational initiatives with institutional goals. Experienced in building and managing cross-functional teams, leading advancement operations, and designing data-driven strategies that foster donor engagement, institutional growth, and community impact.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
English Language Arts Teacher
Clayton County Public Schools – Riverdale High School
08.2024 - Current
- Delivered standards-based instruction in American Literature and Composition, achieving a 15% increase in GMAS proficiency rates.
- Implemented data-driven, differentiated teaching strategies that improved student engagement and literacy outcomes.
- Cultivated partnerships with parents and local businesses to sponsor literacy drives and student success initiatives.
- Supported school-wide advancement initiatives and community outreach as Brand Ambassador and Homecoming Committee member.
Learning Innovation Specialist
Propel / Ed Farm
01.2023 - 07.2023
- Led digital learning partnerships with Apple and Southern Company, delivering micro-credential courses in AI/ML and professional skills.
- Designed and facilitated workshops advancing equity, innovation, and workforce readiness across HBCU campuses.
- Monitored participation metrics, produced executive reports, and presented program outcomes to stakeholders.
Curriculum Specialist
Sheltering Arms Early Education & Family Centers
08.2021 - 12.2022
- Directed curriculum audits ensuring compliance with NAEYC, Head Start, and state licensing standards.
- Produced evaluation reports for program accreditation and board review, ensuring instructional quality and accountability.
Department Chair / Program Advisor / Lecturer
Trench Town Polytechnic College
08.2016 - 12.2021
- Directed the Arts & Aesthetics Department, overseeing faculty, budgets, and accreditation compliance.
- Secured $270,000+ in scholarships and sponsorships through community and corporate partnerships.
- Managed departmental budgets, ensuring optimal allocation of resources for educational programs.
- Developed partnerships with industry stakeholders to align program outcomes with workforce needs.
- Oversaw accreditation processes, ensuring compliance with educational standards and continuous improvement practices.
- Negotiated MOUs with regional colleges, strengthening program pipelines and institutional collaboration.
- Developed and implemented innovative, arts-based curricula that achieved a 100% student program completion rate.
- Coordinated donor recognition events and presented institutional achievements to stakeholders and sponsors.
Principal Lecturer / Program Lead
Edna Manley College of the Visual & Performing Arts, School of Education
01.2010 - 07.2016
- Led faculty teams in performance-based curriculum design and accreditation processes.
- Designed applied arts programs integrating social transformation through education, expanding institutional visibility.
- Presented performance ethnography research at the American Educational Research Association (AERA) and other international conferences.
Teacher / Program Coordinator
Charlie Smith High School
01.2008 - 07.2016
- Designed data-informed instructional interventions, improving student achievement across multiple disciplines.
- Organized annual talent and awareness competitions that raised scholarship funds and enhanced community engagement.
Education
Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) - Educational Leadership
Keiser University
Florida10.2025
Master of Education - Curriculum Development
University of the West Indies
Kingston, Jamaica01.2018
Bachelor of Education - Drama in Education
University of the West Indies
Kingston, Jamaica01.2008
Skills
- CRM Systems (Ascend, Salesforce) Microsoft Office Suite Google Workspace Data Analytics Tools
- Learning Management Systems (Canvas, Blackboard) Virtual Collaboration Platforms (Zoom, Teams)
- Problem-solving skills
- Strong communication skills
- Positive role model and mentor
- Motivational skills
- Relationship building
- Financial management
- Decision making & judgment
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Donor recognition
Accomplishments
- Increased GMAS proficiency by 15% through targeted ELA instruction and differentiated learning design.
- Achieved 100% student completion rate in arts-based programs through strategic curriculum innovation.
- Secured scholarships and sponsorships exceeding $7,000 through donor engagement and community partnerships.
- Led digital transformation initiatives impacting over 300 HBCU students and faculty across Georgia and the Caribbean.
- Recognized with the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award for contributions to educational leadership and community service.
Affiliations
- National Association of Fundraising Professionals (Prospective Member)
- Georgia Association of Educational Leaders (GAEL)
- Volunteer, Salvation Army Angel Tree Annual Drive
- Advocate for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion in Education
Timeline
English Language Arts Teacher
Clayton County Public Schools – Riverdale High School
08.2024 - Current
Learning Innovation Specialist
Propel / Ed Farm
01.2023 - 07.2023
Curriculum Specialist
Sheltering Arms Early Education & Family Centers
08.2021 - 12.2022
Department Chair / Program Advisor / Lecturer
Trench Town Polytechnic College
08.2016 - 12.2021
Principal Lecturer / Program Lead
Edna Manley College of the Visual & Performing Arts, School of Education
01.2010 - 07.2016
Teacher / Program Coordinator
Charlie Smith High School
01.2008 - 07.2016
Master of Education - Curriculum Development
University of the West Indies
Bachelor of Education - Drama in Education
University of the West Indies
Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) - Educational Leadership
Keiser University
CORE COMPETENCIES
Corporate and Foundation Relations | Fundraising Strategy | Donor Cultivation | Grant & Proposal Writing | Strategic Partnerships | Capital Campaigns | Philanthropy Management | Team Leadership | Data Analytics | Alumni & Stakeholder Engagement | Higher Education Advancement | Equity and Student Success