WILLIAM HARRISON SURBER
Northwestern University
Chicago,Illinois
2
Languages
12
years of professional experience
Strategic fundraising leader with 16 years of experience enhancing higher education and nonprofit sectors through major gifts and donor engagement. Skilled in exceeding fundraising goals, cultivating transformational gifts, and developing volunteer boards. Proven track record in building partnerships with donors and community leaders, emphasizing mission-driven philanthropy.
Work History
Senior Associate Director of Development
1 Year 8 Months- Promoted to Senior Associate Director within four months of joining Northwestern University
- Secured a seven-figure gift from a 10 year lapsed donor
- Manage portfolio of 350+ leadership giving households, overseeing identification, cultivation, solicitation, stewardship, and long-term relationship management
- Direct 92-member Northwestern University Leadership Circle (NULC) Chicago Board, enhancing philanthropic engagement, volunteer leadership, and alumni involvement while connecting alumni to opportunities supporting the University
- Expanded board membership by 11 leadership-level donors, enhancing the board's fundraising and volunteer capacity
- Experience in securing gifts from four to seven figures
Director of Advancement
1 Year 9 Months- Directed the annual fund campaign and the school's signature fundraising event, along with multiple annual stewardship and community engagement events
- Directed annual fund campaign, school's signature fundraising event, and multiple stewardship and community engagement events to enhance donor relationships
- Increased fundraising participation by 20% in first year
- Built a sustainable pipeline of prospective leadership and major donors
- Reconstructed the school's communications strategy, improving donor engagement and fostering long-term relationships
- Developed marketing materials that elevated awareness of the school's mission and clearly communicated fundraising priorities resulting in expanded participation
Director of Advancement
7 Years 9 Months- Planned and executed two major fundraising campaigns alongside four to six annual fundraising events, enhancing community engagement
- Achieved 140% of annual fundraising goal with 91% community participation during the 2020-2021 campaign
- Achieved 125% of annual fundraising goal with 88% community participation during the 2021-2022 campaign
- Identified, cultivated, solicited, and stewarded corporate sponsors, strengthening financial support and partnerships
- Managed Raiser's Edge CRM operations, ensuring accurate reporting and comprehensive donor records for effective relationship management
- Designed and produced the organization's Annual Report and donor communications
Education
Bachelor of Science - Musical Theatre Performance
Skills
Leadership Gift Fundraising
Major Gift Fundraising
Donor Cultivation
Donor Stewardship
Moves Management
Community Engagement
CRM operations
Volunteer Leadership
LANGUAGES
Language
English
TRAINING / COURSES
- Discipline of Frontline Fundraising, Plus Delta
- Lead 4 Success Leadership Training, The Center for Creative Leadership
Timeline
Senior Associate Director of Development
Northwestern University
12.2024 - CurrentRead More
Director of Advancement
Near North Montessori School
09.2022 - 06.2024Read More
Director of Advancement
Rogers Park Montessori School
12.2014 - 09.2022Read More
Ball State University
Bachelor of Science from Musical Theatre Performance
Read More