Integrated Donor Development Story teller, Annual Giving
Resume:
Joseph A. Ferraro, CFRE
Email: *********@*****.*** Phone: 914-***-**** LinkedIn: ferraroja
Professional Summary
Dynamic fundraising, marketing, and communications strategist with over 30 years of experience driving transformative growth for nonprofit organizations. Expert in creating donor-focused, relationship-centric programs that generate millions in revenue, strengthen donor relationships, and support mission-critical objectives. Proven leader in direct response storytelling, omnichannel outreach, and strategic planning. Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) with a track record of over $300 million raised for vital causes.
Key Skills
Strategic Fundraising & Development
Direct Response Marketing
Donor Cultivation & Retention
Comprehensive Campaign Management
Digital Marketing & Social Outreach
Leadership & Team Building
Multi-Channel Communication Strategies
Data-Driven Decision Making
Professional Experience
Pulse Marketing, Development & Communications (PULSE-MDC)
Strategy Consultant
2007 – Present
Deliver comprehensive donor-focused and relationship-driven fundraising solutions for nonprofit clients.
Create integrated marketing programs leveraging mail, phone, web, email, and advertisements, resulting in multimillion-dollar revenue generation.
Develop strategic roadmaps to strengthen donor engagement and retention.
The Jackson Laboratory (JAX)
Director, Direct Response Fundraising & Social Outreach
2018 – 2020
Generated $2.5 million annually through The Helix Fund via omnichannel outreach, including mail, email, phone, and social media.
Spearheaded the "Another Sunny Day Initiative," resulting in a 177% increase in new donors and a 15% increase in $1,000+ donors.
Designed mid-to-major donor giving societies with graduated benefits for cumulative gifts from $1K–$100K.
Played a key role in strategic planning for the organization’s largest-ever capital campaign.
Manhattan College
Director of Development
2003 – 2007
Raised over $3 million in unrestricted giving and tens of millions in restricted giving annually.
Launched the “Fund for Manhattan” campaign, increasing donor participation and media visibility.
Unified and streamlined fundraising efforts across annual, planned, corporate, and event programs.
American Bible Society
Director of Annual Programs
1996 – 2002
Raised $125 million over five years by restructuring and launching national branding campaigns.
Increased donor response rates by 400% and lowered average donor age by 15 years.
Reduced costs by $425,000 annually through department integration and efficiency improvements.
Uni-Mail Fund Raising
Director
1992 – 1996
Developed innovative fundraising strategies, including Make-A-Wish Foundation’s first national campaign, attracting over 250,000 new donors.
Secured accounts with major nonprofits, including the American Heart Association and Red Cross.
Education & Certifications
Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE)
Master of Science (MS), Nonprofit Management – New School University
Bachelor of Science (BBA), Marketing & Computer Information Systems – Manhattan College
Professional Affiliations & Volunteer Leadership
President, Board of Trustees, Putnam Valley Free Library
President, Board of Trustees, Stone’s Throw Theatre Company
Former Vice President, Putnam Valley Central School District Board of Education (12 years)
Founding Board Member, Educational Chair, AFP-NY, Westchester Chapter
Former Board Member, Direct Marketing Fundraisers Association
Selected Client & Partnership Experience
Nonprofit Organizations:
American Heart Association
Make-A-Wish Foundation of America
American Lung Association
American Red Cross
Mercy Home for Boys and Girls
St. Joseph’s Indian School
Boys & Girls Clubs of America
Key Accomplishments:
Raised over $300 million for mission-driven organizations.
Successfully developed groundbreaking campaigns that expanded donor bases and secured critical funding.
Published thought leader with contributions to NonProfit Times and DM News.
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