Debra G. First

**** ********* ****

Cleveland Heights, Ohio 44118

216-***-****

acvgdt@r.postjobfree.com

To apply my experience in fundraising, relationship building, cultivation, and overall business acumen in furthering the success of an aggressive leader in nonprofit. My strengths have always been in connecting with people, being at ease listening to their passion, and making them feel comfortable and valued.

2012 – Present Benedictine High School, Cleveland, OH

Director, Major Gifts and Special Events

Work closely with Development Staff and Board to develop close relationships with alumni, donors, and the community at large to generate continued revenue for Benedictine High School

Coordinator for the Blue & White Gala, the largest fund-raising event for the school, grossing greater $350k annually. Expanded the gross giving by 100% in 4 years.

Increased the giving of client portfolio 25% in two years

2014 – Present Effective Leadership Academy, Beachwood, OH

Director, Fundraising

Work closely with CEO and board to align growth strategy through the following vehicles:

oInitiated first fundraising event doubling expectation of income

oInitiated a quarterly newsletter and Annual Fund campaign

oGrants

oMet key donors and managing board financial involvement

oAlumni relations

2011 – 2012 Benedictine High School, Cleveland, OH

Director, Marketing

Created media wide email blast for school news releases

Developed all marketing and communications collateral for school, involving written,

visual, and oral communication

Coordinator for Blue & White Gala

Organized and curated archives of photography, print and physical media for school

Introduced Roar Magazine, a novel marketing publication targeting prospective

new students and families

School main photographer for publications and events

2010 Authored, “Founded In Faith – Cleveland’s Lost Catholic Legacy.”

Cleveland Landmarks Press, Cleveland, OH

Authored a photographic journal, chronicling the closure of Catholic churches in the

Cleveland Diocese

1992 – Present Debra First Photography, Cleveland Heights, Ohio

Prospected opportunities with clients and events

Managed cash flow and related business functions

Commission and non-commission work

Annual reports

Marketing and merchandising work

Portraiture

Events

2002 – 2005 Coventry Elementary, Cleveland Heights, Ohio

ARTSMART Program

Parade the Circle

1992 – 1996 Art Program Coordinator – Judson Retirement Community, Cleveland, Ohio.

Established weekly programs for residents using multiple media

Coordinated field trips to various art museums and private collections

Coordinated volunteers to supplement staff efforts

1994Girl Scouts – Cleveland, Ohio

Co-taught a six-week photography course to girls that culminated in a juried art show

1992 – 1993 Phoenix Place – Cleveland, Ohio

Taught photography and art to physically and mentally challenged children

1992Parmadale – Parma, Ohio

Taught photography and art to mentally challenged boys, aged 12-20.

Board Activity:

Fairhill Institute for the Elderly

National Conference for Christians and Jews (NCCJ)

New Organization for Visual Arts (NOVA)

Shoes for Kids

Harvest for Hunger

Education:

B.F.A. Cleveland Institute of Art. 1992.

Shortcourse. Notre Dame University. 2013.

Skills:

Knowledge of primary aspects of fundraising

Experience with Blackbaud and Raiser’s Edge software

Superior ability to generate relations and cultivate individual and corporate clients

Proven teaching and mentoring abilities with persons/students of various ages

Excellent written and communication skills

Successful entrepreneur and business owner

Contact this candidate