Executive Development Director Fundraising Leader

NIKITA SYE, MBA, aPHR

Houston, Texas ***** 832-***-**** *********@***.***

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/nikita-sye

EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT &

FUNDRAISING DONOR RELATIONS

EXECUTIVE PROFILE

Strategic development and operations professional with demonstrated success in philanthropic fundraising, grant writing, donor relationship management, capital campaigns, and organizational leadership. Secured $6.8 million in philanthropic gifts during tenure with Houston Habitat for Humanity, processed 99% of new philanthropic fundraising, and coordinated five capital campaigns. Combines business and marketing education with hands-on experience in donor stewardship, volunteer engagement, team leadership, financial management, and customer-focused operations. Brings a service-centered leadership philosophy grounded in integrity, compassion, relationship building, and a commitment to making a meaningful difference in the lives of others. Prepared to leverage fundraising expertise, executive-level business acumen, and faith-informed service to advance Youth For Christ Houston’s mission of reaching young people with the Gospel.

CORE COMPETENCIES

● Philanthropic Development & Fundraising Strategy

● Major Gift Development & Donor Stewardship

● Grant Writing & Institutional Partnerships

● Capital Campaign Coordination

● Donor Relations & Philanthropic Communications

● Volunteer Engagement & Community Partnerships

● Strategic Planning & Organizational Leadership

● Financial Management & Budget Accountability

● Team Development, Coaching & Performance Management

● Operational Excellence & Process Improvement

● Stakeholder Engagement & Relationship Management

● Customer Experience & Service Excellence

● Human Resources & Organizational Development

● Compassionate, Faith-Informed Service

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

H-E-B Retail Leadership & Operations

Houston, Texas Leadership experience; employment dates to be confirmed Provide leadership and operational oversight in a dynamic, customer-centered retail environment, emphasizing team development, financial performance, operational accountability, and exceptional service.

● Lead, motivate, and develop diverse teams while fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.

● Support staffing, onboarding, training, performance management, and employee development to strengthen team effectiveness.

● Oversee operational execution, inventory management, safety, regulatory compliance, and adherence to established standards.

● Monitor financial performance and key performance indicators, identify improvement opportunities, and implement strategies to support business objectives.

● Promote customer satisfaction through relationship building, issue resolution, service recovery, and consistent execution of service standards.

● Collaborate with leadership colleagues to align operational priorities, share best practices, and improve organizational performance. Selected Recognition

● 2016 — Spirit of H-E-B Award

● 2018 — Bob Brandt Customer Service Award

● 2021 — Harvey Mabry Excellence in Management Award

● 2023 — Innovation Award

Houston Habitat for Humanity Corporate Development Officer & Grant Writer Houston, Texas 2010–2016

Led and supported philanthropic development activities, donor relations, grant writing, capital campaigns, and volunteer engagement in support of the organization's mission.

● Secured $6.8 million in philanthropic gifts, contributing substantially to organizational fundraising and mission sustainability.

● Processed 99% of all new philanthropic fundraising, supporting the execution and administration of fundraising activities.

● Managed donor relations functions, cultivating relationships and supporting donor engagement, communication, and stewardship.

● Coordinated five capital campaigns, helping advance fundraising priorities and organizational development initiatives.

● Conducted grant-writing activities to support institutional fundraising and philanthropic investment.

● Spearheaded volunteer builds and engagement initiatives involving 12,010 supporters, strengthening community participation and mission awareness.

● Collaborated with internal stakeholders and community supporters to connect philanthropic contributions and volunteer involvement with organizational impact.

● Supported fundraising operations through attention to detail, relationship management, and disciplined execution of development responsibilities. ADDITIONAL SERVICE EXPERIENCE

Pastoral Care Volunteer

2025–2026

● Provided emotional and spiritual support in healthcare settings, offering compassionate presence and attentive listening to individuals and families.

● Fostered trust-based relationships through empathy, dignity, and respectful communication.

● Supported opportunities for spiritual encouragement and reflection in alignment with individual needs and circumstances.

Patient Care Volunteer

2024–2025

● Provided direct patient support with an emphasis on dignity, empathy, and family-centered engagement.

● Demonstrated compassion, discretion, and sensitivity when interacting with individuals experiencing vulnerable circumstances.

● Strengthened interpersonal communication and service skills through direct engagement with patients and families.

EDUCATION

Master of Business Administration (MBA), Healthcare Management University of Phoenix 2006

Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA), Marketing Houston Christian University 1999

CERTIFICATIONS & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

● Associate Professional in Human Resources (aPHR) 2024 AWARDS & RECOGNITION

● 2024 — Associate Professional in Human Resources Recognition

● 2023 — Innovation Award

● 2021 — Harvey Mabry Excellence in Management Award

● 2018 — Bob Brandt Customer Service Award

● 2016 — Spirit of H-E-B Award

LEADERSHIP & MISSION ALIGNMENT

Committed to relationship-centered leadership, responsible stewardship, compassionate service, and community engagement. Offers transferable experience in philanthropic fundraising, grant writing, campaign coordination, volunteer mobilization, and people development to support mission-driven organizations and their long-term sustainability.

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