Mark Weber

Associate Director, Donor Relations - University of Chicago

Gurnee, Illinois, United States

About

I am a data and operations-focused professional with experience leading cross-functional projects, improving business processes, and translating complex data into actionable insights. Throughout my career, I have worked at the intersection of analytics, systems, and organizational strategy. My experience includes project management, Salesforce reporting and administration, data analysis, process improvement, SOP development, stakeholder collaboration, and operational reporting. I enjoy identifying inefficiencies, uncovering root causes, and designing practical solutions that improve accuracy, efficiency, and decision-making. I am particularly interested in work that combines business analysis, operations, systems management, and project leadership. Whether developing reporting frameworks, improving workflows, supporting strategic initiatives, or implementing process improvements, I enjoy helping organizations make better decisions and operate more effectively. Core areas of interest include Business Analysis, Business Operations, Project & Program Management, Process Improvement, CRM & Business Systems, Data Analytics, and Organizational Strategy.

Experience

  • Associate Director, Donor Relations at University of Chicago
    Mar 2025 - Present · 1 yr 5 mos

    Spearheaded implementation of the Mythos narrative reporting platform, scaling delivery of 700+ donor stewardship reports annually. Redesigned end-to-end reporting workflow through process standardization and automation, cutting production timelines by 50% Led a donor data integrity initiative consolidating 4 separate databases into a single governed system of 1,400+ records, improving data quality across reporting and fundraising operations. Developed 3 Python automation solutions: (1) bulk renaming of ~1,000 report files quarterly for ingestion into reporting software; (2) automated weekly updates to an Excel donor database, eliminating a 2-hour manual process; and (3) automated splitting of large reports into individually named donor PDFs matched against a donor name database. Established SOPs, governance standards, training programs, and quality review processes to ensure long-term operational sustainability. Collaborated with advancement services, fundraising leadership, and external stakeholders to continuously improve stewardship operations and reporting quality.

  • Academic Advisor at Oakton College
    May 2023 - Jun 2025 · 2 yrs 2 mos

    Chaired the Advising Technology and Communication Committee, leading technology adoption, process improvement, and organizational communication initiatives across the advising division. Conducted a data analysis project examining student appointment scheduling behavior, finding that appointments booked more than 12 days in advance carried a 60% cancellation or no-show rate — findings used to inform scheduling policy and reduce no-show rates. Developed training materials, documentation, and best practices supporting advising technologies and student success platforms. Served on the Student Affairs Assessment Working Group, applying data analysis to support program evaluation and strategic decision-making.

  • Audio Engineer at Southgate Music Studios
    Jan 2014 - Oct 2024 · 10 yrs 10 mos

    Helping artists and bands achieve a radio-ready sound that can compete with the biggest songs in their genre. As an audio engineer I oversee the entire process of tracking, producing, mixing, and mastering.

  • Real Estate Agent at Keller Williams Realty, Inc.
    Sep 2022 - Mar 2024 · 1 yr 7 mos

  • Marketing Manager at At Home Author
    Mar 2022 - Apr 2023 · 1 yr 2 mos

    ●Responsible for the creation and management of advertising campaigns using Amazon Marketing Services for traditional publishing companies and self-published authors ● Led project to completely rebrand the AHA brand (including a website redesign) to focus on specific SEO targets (from targeting all authors to specifically picture book authors, with an emphasis on k-12 teachers, that made up an overwhelming majority of revenue for the company and had better search traffic) ● Create and monitor advertising budgets for all clients and campaigns utilizing SEO strategies and PPC advertisements via Amazon Marketing Services ● Execute target marketing strategies for B2B (publishing companies) and B2C (authors & teachers) ● Designed the process for new client intake as well as the communication and client experience for their entire lifecycle with our marketing and advertising services ● Designed the process for new client intake as well as the communication and client experience for their entire lifecycle with our marketing and advertising services ● Regularly engaged with stakeholders and clients to assess how their needs are being met and designing continuous improvements to our services and process ● Partnered with the technology team to develop a new process for clients to access their data and go through upsell funnels to grow our business with specific clients ● Conduct cold and warm outreach to potential clients and sell our services Executed integrated marketing strategies to drive brand growth, utilizing both inbound (content creation, SEO, social media) and outbound (email campaigns & digital ads) marketing channels. ● Analyze performance data and make necessary changes to improve performance and sales ● Conduct market research for clients to best optimize their Amazon page and A+ content ● Create and present weekly and monthly reports for clients and stakeholders ● Create and deliver newsletters to clients and members of our email lists