Community Engagement Service Representative

Haze Hernández Brooklyn, NY **************@*****.*** 917-***-****

Professional Summary

Dynamic art professional with 10+ years of experience combining fundraising, program management, and advocacy. Proven success in cultivating donor relationships, securing major gifts, and driving impactful fundraising campaigns. Skilled in creating community engagement initiatives and organizing large-scale events to raise awareness for social justice through art. Committed to advancing equity, inclusion, and social change by leveraging the power of the arts.

Relevant Experience

Independent Contractor Performing Arts Assistant Director New York, NY April 2015 – Present

● Fundraising & Stakeholder Engagement: Lead fundraising efforts for arts organizations, securing financial support from individual donors, foundations, and corporate sponsors. Increased donor engagement by creating tailored outreach strategies and deepening relationships through personalized stewardship.

● Event Planning & Community Engagement: Coordinating and executing over 15 performances and events, fostering engagement with over 1,000 participants annually. Created educational and advocacy-driven theater workshops focused on social issues like environmental justice, immigration, and racial equity.

● Partnership Development: Collaborating with BIPOC artists, community organizations, and institutions

(e.g., Bushwick Starr, Flynn Center) to develop social justice-driven programming. Built strategic partnerships to promote art as a platform for advocacy and raise funds for community initiatives. Latino Commission on AIDS Direct Services Manager New York, NY March 2022 – March 2025

● Event Coordination & Strategic Partnerships: Orchestrated high-profile events, including the National Latinx Health Leadership Summit, generating sponsorships and raising funds for public health programs. Cultivated relationships with over 20 community and institutional partners, securing new funding opportunities.

● Grant Management & Reporting: Managed a federal $2.5M COVID disparities grant, overseeing compliance and optimizing service delivery while keeping donors informed and engaged.

● Fundraising & Donor Engagement: Increased donor engagement through strategic outreach and relationship-building efforts, securing contributions for public health initiatives. Managed a portfolio of major donors, ensuring strong stewardship and communication. Treasure and Bond Sales & Relationship Manager New York, NY August 2011 – August 2013

● Philanthropic Sales & Relationship Building: Raised over $200,000 through sales, promoting community-based philanthropic initiatives benefiting at-risk youth. Fostered strong customer loyalty by integrating community engagement strategies into sales practices, building long-term relationships with donors and supporters.

Education CUNY Brooklyn College B.A. Theater Arts Studies Relevant Coursework: Sundance Theater Program: Analyzed over 100+ playwriting submissions. The Public Theater: Produced plays focusing on migrant and formerly incarcerated populations. Core Competencies

● Fundraising & Donor Cultivation: Major gifts, planned giving, event-based fundraising, donor stewardship, prospect research.

● Event Planning & Community Engagement: Organizing large-scale events, donor cultivation through ticket sales, community-based programs.

● Arts Advocacy & Social Justice: Using art to advocate for marginalized voices, fostering inclusive spaces for creative expression.

● Team Leadership & Collaboration: Leading diverse teams of artists and staff, fostering collaboration to execute mission-driven projects.

● Strategic Partnerships: Building long-term relationships with donors, institutions, and community organizations to drive funding and support for arts initiatives.

● Technical Skills: CRM systems (Salesforce, Raiser’s Edge), Microsoft Office Suite, fundraising platforms

(Givesmart), email marketing (HootSuite).

● Languages: Fluent in Spanish (written and verbal), with experience in live translation. Volunteer Experience

Department of Health (DOH NYC) - Transgender and Gender Non-Conforming Advisory Board Advisory Board Member New York, NY 2022 – 2023

● Provided policy recommendations to ensure equitable healthcare access for transgender and gender non-conforming individuals, contributing to public health initiatives in NYC. Big Brothers Big Sisters NYC

Volunteer Mentor New York, NY 2014 – 2015

● Mentored a young individual, providing guidance on reproductive health and life challenges, fostering empowerment.

Key Accomplishments

● Raised funds for large-scale events such as Cielo Gala, national summits, and theater performances, driving success for community-centered programs.

● Developed and led community engagement strategies for arts organizations, creating opportunities for underrepresented groups to engage with and contribute to social justice causes.

● Increased donor engagement at Latino Commission on AIDS through personalized outreach and in-person meetings, securing funding for critical public health initiatives. Certifications & Professional Development

● Fundraising Leadership & Management Hispanic Federation – Hispanic Leadership Institute

● Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Fundraising Training ECornell University

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