Dr. Christina E. Ruff

Community Engagement Manager Profile

adysmy@r.postjobfree.com • 775-***-****

LinkedIn • Sparks, NV

Dynamic and performance-driven professional with extensive experience related to community engagement, leading and overseeing fundraising, support, and other initiatives centered around achieving stability for entities such as non-profits and renowned universities. Well-versed in directing aspects from donor cultivation to major gifts, in addition to coordinating events designed to acquire new donors and new streams of funding. Thrive autonomously, while managing entire departments, and working collaboratively with multidisciplinary and leadership teams.

Areas of Expertise

Major Gifts

Fundraising

Project Life Cycle Management

Program and Event Planning

Proposal Development

Relationship Cultivation / Management

Outreach

Cross-functional Leadership

Process Improvement

Professional Experience

Renown Health System / Renown Health Foundation 2022 – Present

Major Gifts Officer

Imperative in securing continuous financial resources for the organization and various programs by controlling the donor development cycle. Conceptualizes and spearheads high-level giving and fundraising efforts which includes strengthening rapport with current donors to capture greater support via stewardship strategies in addition to researching potential donors, arranging meetings, building rapport, and generating persuasive proposals. In moving potential donors along the donor pipeline, gauges intent and interest, critical in formulating specific asks. Across multiple departments, gains an understanding of needs that are integrated into proposals. Organizes one-time and reoccurring events that bring in substantial and consistent gifts as well as functions as a representative of the foundation at high-profile functions and conferences and promotes the benefits of philanthropy.

●Within the first year in the role, conducted 140+ in-person meetings and established a portfolio of 50 people, securing nearly $250K.

●In under six months of assuming the title, captured a major gift of $100K.

●Created a partnership with Heart and Vascular Institute and have created programs such as the Grateful Patient program as well as raises money that allows for cardiovascular physicians to participate in professional development at various conferences.

●Integral to the success of the Children’s Hospital Beach Boys Concert which netted $1M+.

●Additional events planned include the Renown Children’s annual golf tournament which yields nearly $100K and the annual Heart & Vascular Education series.

Truckee Meadows Community College 2018 – 2022

Director of Athletics, Health & Wellness

Established the intercollegiate athletics program and provided oversight of actions and strategies that ensured a competitive program was built and sustained as a member of the National Junior College Athletic Association and Scenic West Athletic Conference. In concert with campus constituents, put in place the program’s strategic plan which defined values and priorities as well as initiatives that resulted in desired outcomes being achieved. Developed a budget and assumed control of budget stewardship, with the effective and strategic distribution of funds having been critical in the program remaining viable. Generated immediate support for the program having introduced a solicitation plan that captured new, sustainable streams of external giving. Identified potential joint ventures that elevated the department and contributed to TMCC institutional and athletics goals being attained.

●Created and increased awareness of the program having developed marketing and communications plans in conjunction with the TMCC marketing and communications team, and managed media relations efforts.

●Increased support for the department and its various sports programs having introduced the booster program and athletic scholarships.

University of Nevada, Reno 2014 – 2018

Associate Athletics Director – Admin & Alumni Athlete Outreach

In concert with / support of the Athletic Director, planned and launched department-wide and sport-specific actions that ensured department longevity primarily through fundraising and outreach which established and reestablished connections between the school and former student-athletes. Among coaches and the development office, gathered vital information related to sports program needs and introduced plans that led to considerable money being secured. Developed and leveraged events such as The Blue Tie Ball, The Governor’s Dinner, and 50 / 50 raffle which created new revenue streams and generate new levels of fundraising among existing donors.

●Served as a member of the athletic director’s senior management team, sport supervisory team, Athletics Department Development and Fundraising team, and external operations team.

●Governed over multiple programs including the Men’s and Women’s Tennis teams, Women’s Swimming and Diving, and Women’s Track and Field.

●Spearheaded the athletics department’s inaugural 50 /50 raffle which produced $50K+ in gross revenue.

●Launched the Wolf Pack’s initial Day of Giving: PACK-Giving Day and raised $50K.

●Managed all aspects of the Drivers and Spike golf tournament and raised $20K specifically for the Women’s Track and Field / Cross Country and Women’s Golf programs.

Additional Experience

Sports Management Professor, University of Nevada, Reno, 2016 – Present

Director of Athletics, Health & Wellness, Truckee Meadows Community College, 2018 – 2022

Asst. Women’s Director / Soccer Sports Chair, Scenic West Athletics Conference / NJCAA Region 18, 2019 – 2022

Partner, The PICTOR Group Consulting Company, 2014 – 2022

Associate Athletics Director – Internal Operations, University of Nevada, Reno, 2013 – 2014

Assistant Athletics Director – Internal Operations, University of Nevada, Reno, 2012 – 2013

Fiscal Coordinator / Interim Director of Games Management, University of Nevada, Reno, 2009 – 2012

Interim Director of Compliance, University of Nevada, Reno, 2010

Compliance Coordinator, University of Nevada, Reno, 2004 – 2009

Technical Proficiencies

Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint), Compliance Assistant internet, NCAA Single Source, Jump Forward email platform, Blue Frame Streaming platform, Side Arm website development, NCAA IPP Data Dashboard, Quickbooks, and NJCAA Eligibility platform.

Education

Doctor of Education, University of Nevada, Reno

Masters of Education, Arizona State University

Bachelor of Arts in Education (cum laude), Arizona State University

Activities: Softball player (two-time team captain and Academic All-American)

Professional Training

Founded and facilitate the Nevada Athletics Professional Development Group, 2012 – Present

NCAA convention in Indianapolis, IN, 2018

Women’s Leadership Symposium, 2010 and 2011

NCAA Regional Rules Seminars, 2005 – 2008

Western Athletics Conference Compliance Summer Meetings, 2005 – 2008

NCAA / NACUBO (National Athletics College University Business Officers) Program

Scenic West Athletics Conference meetings and seminars

Licenses & Certifications

UC Davis Fundraising and Development – Certificate of Completion, Coursera

UC Davis Major and Principal Gifts – Certificate of Completion, Coursera

UC Davis Annual Campaigns: Building a Case for Support – Certificate of Completion, Coursera

UC Davis Planned Giving – Certificate of Completion, Coursera

Associations

NACWAA – Member

Serving on the foundation committee.

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