Elise S.

Development Director at Special Gifts Theatre Inc

Greater Chicago Area

About

Nonprofit fundraising, communications and management leader with 20+ years of experience in donor relations, and integrated development strategy focusing on healthcare and the arts and culture sectors. Proven success in donor engagement, mission-driven communications, stewardship, annual giving, corporate and foundation relations and special events. Recognized for driving revenue growth, strengthening donor engagement, and leveraging storytelling and multi-channel communications to advance organizational goals.

Experience

  • Development Director at Special Gifts Theatre Inc
    Oct 2022 - Present · 3 yrs 10 mos

    Lead integrated fundraising and communications strategy across individual, corporate, and foundation giving, contributing to a 65% increase in organizational budget over four years. Designed and implemented a multi-touchpoint donor stewardship program Lead all fundraising and stewardship communications, including appeals, campaigns, and reports Oversee digital communications strategy, including social media and storytelling content Partnered on organizational rebrand and website redesign as part of executive leadership team Serve on a three-person leadership team and as staff liaison to board fundraising and marketing committee Implemented Double the Donation platform to enhance matching gift participation

  • Development Director at David Adler Music & Arts Center
    May 2018 - Jun 2020 · 2 yrs 2 mos

    Led fundraising strategy including individual giving, grants, sponsorships, and events Expanded grant program across corporate, government, and foundation funding Developed annual giving campaigns and integrated digital outreach strategies Planned and executed inaugural sold-out art auction fundraiser Helped expand Festival of the Arts through sponsorship growth and enhanced programming

  • Philanthropy Associate, Corporate and Foundation Giving at Northwestern Medicine
    Jan 2007 - Jan 2012 · 5 yrs 1 mo

    Supported donor relations, corporate and foundation fundraising, and special events Produced donor events ranging from small gatherings to 200+ attendees Managed donor recognition programs and stewardship initiatives Supported fundraising efforts for palliative care, home hospice and healing arts programs Managed aspects of the healing arts program, including donor engagement and installations

  • Development Officer at Dominican Sisters of Mary Mother of the Eucharist
    Jun 2005 - Aug 2006 · 1 yr 3 mos

    Supported capital campaign through prospect research and donor cultivation Developed donor recognition and stewardship strategies

  • Registrar and Assistant Curator at Driehaus Enterprise Management
    Sep 2002 - Jun 2005 · 2 yrs 10 mos

    Co-managed a 10,000-piece private and corporate art collection Represented principal at philanthropic and cultural events in association with the Driehaus Foundationn Oversaw acquisitions, database systems, and collection management across multiple locations