Communications, Development, Client Relations, Fundraising
Resume:
GAURI RAMNATH
PHONE: 917-***-**** EMAIL: ***********@*****.***
Mission-driven communications professional with 10+ years of experience in strategic message development, recognized for fostering culture and community through diplomatic relationship building to promote organizational mission and values.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 2024 – Present
Fundraising Coordinator, Health Sciences Development
• Analyzed donor history using Blackbaud CRM, cross-referenced data in OTG, and synthesized donor information to support targeted cultivation strategies and informed decision-making.
• Maintained strict confidentiality of donor files and sensitive information, demonstrating impeccable integrity and discretion when working with donors, alumni, students, administrators, and colleagues.
• Drafted personalized donor acknowledgment letters, meticulously tracked all major gifts for the annual fundraiser, and supported the Children's Health Division and UCLA Mattel Children’s Hospital philanthropic efforts.
• Managed responses to all gift donations, requests and volunteer inquiries, ensuring timely communication and fostering positive donor and volunteer experiences.
• Managed gift processing and requested accurate tax receipts to ensure compliance and maintain donor satisfaction.
• Facilitated donor engagement by coordinating hospital tours, special events, scheduling meetings between development staff and donors, and supporting donor cultivation efforts to strengthen relationships and advance fundraising goals.
Gauri Brienda Consulting, Santa Monica, CA 2009 – 2024 Strategic Communications
• Spearheaded a cross-functional effort with the CEO and teams across marketing, communications, and IT to optimize communication channels, enhancing organizational transparency and employee connection to the company mission.
• Served as a strategic advisor to C-suite executives, formulating key internal messaging and communication strategies to align with organizational goals and employee engagement initiatives.
• Spearheaded a change management campaign amidst an extensive organizational restructure, fostering unity and adaptability among both union and non-union employees. This initiative paved the way for smooth transition to new executive leadership, ensuring all teams were aligned with the evolving strategic objectives of the company.
• Directed the focus on employee engagement and communication during the onboarding of new staff and C-suite leaders, prioritizing managerial alignment and team cohesion.
• Designed and executed a series of brand-building events targeting media, industry publications, and experts to enhance brand visibility and reputation.
• Work closely with sales, marketing, product development, and graphic teams to ensure a cohesive brand experience. Facilitated trainings and workshops, including DEI, to embed brand values across the organization.
• Clients & Partnerships included: Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows, Fig Restaurant, Santa Monica Pier-Twilight Concert Series, Terranea Resort, Beyond Yonder Festival, Creative Visions Foundation, Hourglass Cosmetics, Casa Noble Tequila & Carlos Santana, Cazcanes Tequila, Chef Jamie Oliver - Food Revolution Tour, Chef Marcus Samuelsson - C House Restaurant, Nike Goddess, David Lynch Foundation.
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MixR, Santa Monica, CA 2018 – 2019
Director of Strategic Partnerships & Business Development
• Worked collaboratively with global team to develop and implement strategic outreach plans that drove engagement to achieve organizational goals.
• Established, developed & nurtured 30+ accounts using cold call selling strategies that established the client roster for this start-up B2B employee engagement platform. Clients secured included T-Mobile, Lululemon, Lionsgate Entertainment, UN Women, Me Undies and Santa Monica Chamber of Commerce.
• Managed the integration of a comprehensive design strategy across internal marketing teams and external PR partners, streamlining brand communication.
• Created internal content covering media recaps, client acquisitions, product and department updates for the Paris and Santa Monica offices for use on digital communication platforms.
• Pitched employee resource groups (ERG) including women’s, BIPOC, and LGBTQIA+ to generate brand awareness and acceptance of the mission & vision of the platform. City of Santa Monica, Santa Monica, CA 2013 – 2017 City Commissioner on the Status of Women & Girls (appointed)
• Produced and Co-chaired the International Women’s Day Celebration with Chamber of Commerce and Organization of Women Leaders for 4 consecutive years highlighting exceptional Los Angeles County women social change makers.
• Producer & TV Host - co-produced, co-hosted, and co-wrote the series, Candid Conversations. An innovative talk show showcasing political, nonprofit and businesswomen leaders in Santa Monica and Los Angeles County.
• Community advocate and public speaker in the areas of public safety, emergency response, human trafficking, health & wellness, and the homelessness crisis.
• Spearheaded the community outreach campaign on domestic violence awareness by creating the messaging, meeting with city leaders to discuss issues and solutions, and attended community events to build awareness.
Whole Foods Market, Santa Monica, CA 2010 – 2014
Director of Marketing & Community Relations
Received the 2012 Regional Marketer of the Year Award for the Southern CA market and CEO, John Mackey’s outstanding recognition award.
Whole Planet Foundation
• Secured sponsorships, local event partnerships and increased fundraising returns by communicating the mission of Whole Planet Foundation to county and city stakeholders, and local businesses.
• Lead outreach director for Whole Kids Foundation partnership with former First Lady, Michelle Obama's LET's MOVE campaign educating Los Angeles County neighborhoods on health and wellness.
• Created community-based partnerships between Whole Planet Foundation and Los Angeles County nonprofits, local farmers and vendors that aligned with WFM’s locally sourced and sustainability values for brand exposure and fundraising opportunities resulting in $225K+ in revenue per year. Whole Foods Market
• Coordinated supplier in-store events educating consumers on the social good of the products and WFM sustainable programs.
• Customized social media campaigns to increase product awareness, nonprofit partners, brand stories and WFM values.
• Contributed to the creation and design of 50+ product media pitch decks resulting in $198K in revenue in the 1st year using an entrepreneurial sales approach.
• Designed and executed seminars on Holistic Living for women, mothers, and girls, healthy eating, sustainable business models and Corporate Social Responsibility. Page 3 of 3
EDUCATION
DePaul University, Chicago, IL
M.A. Professional Communications – Media & Public Relations 2022 B.A. Communications - Minor in Human Development
Commencement Speaker
TECHNICAL SKILLS
• Proficiency Google docs, Google forms, Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook
• Blackbaud CRM
• Concur
• SalesForce Marketing Cloud
• Opentext - AppEnhancer - OTG
• Citrix
• BruinBuy Plus
AWARDS
Santa Monica Chamber of Commerce:
- Chamber Chairman's Award
- California State Congressional Recognition
- California State Senate Recognition
- Los Angeles County Recognition
- Commendation - City of Santa Monica
YPO – Young Professionals Organization Speaker Award CIVIC ENGAGEMENT
Grades of Green – Marketing Advisory Committee 2021-2022 Santa Monica Chamber of Commerce – Board Director (elected) 2017-2019 Citizen Police Academy 2017
CA State & Santa Monica Commissioner on the Status of Women & Girls (appointed) 2013-2017 OWL – Organization of Women Leaders – Co-Chair 2011-2016 Creative Visions Foundation – Strategic Partnerships Advisor 2011-2014
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