Experience

Opera Theatre of Saint Louis

• Non-profit Organizations
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Director of Development

  • Dec 2019 - Present



St. Louis Shakespeare Festival

• United States
• Performing Arts
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Director of External Affairs

  • Oct 2015 - Dec 2019

  Through clear and dynamic communication of the Festival's mission, vision, values and activities; and a warm, personal engagement with its many constituencies; this role is responsible for the design and implementation of all the organization's fundraising, marketing and public relations strategies. Through clear and dynamic communication of the Festival's mission, vision, values and activities; and a warm, personal engagement with its many constituencies; this role is responsible for the design and implementation of all the organization's fundraising, marketing and public relations strategies.



The Civic Federation

• Director of Communications

  • Dec 2011 - Oct 2015

  Develop and implement internal and external communications strategy for non-partisan government research organization; coordinate release of over 30 reports and position statements per year among key stakeholders including legislators, public officials, media contacts and Board members; write, edit, and produce annual report, monthly newsletter and regular website content; edit all publications and public statements; supervise two full-time staff members• Summarize complex research reports of 70-100 pages into press release, public testimony, and talking points• Collaborate with research staff to gather data and develop positions in response to frequent media inquiries • Monitor local, state, and national policy developments on issues relevant to the Federation’s work• Oversee planning and implementation of all meetings and special events including annual awards luncheon for 600 government officials, business and community leaders, Board members, and press• Cultivate relationships with foundation partners including writing grant applications, reports, and periodic updates



Opera Theatre of Saint Louis

• Non-profit Organizations
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Manager for Board and Media Relations

  • Jan 2010 - Jan 2012

  Serve as primary contact for press and Board of Directors; write and distribute press releases; pitch features to local and national press; supervise graphic designer and company photographer; hire and train two seasonal interns; develop regular website content and assist with website redesign; write and design monthly e-newsletters using Content Management System and HTML• Managing editor for 160-page program book which serves as the company’s flagship publication• Manage annual budget of $150,000, generating regular projections and managing expenses • Set apart as final editor for all external publications, monitoring accuracy, usability, and adhesion to strategic goals, contractual requirements, and style guidelines• Maintain delicate balance between press requests, union regulations, and artistic priorities• Coordinate annual black-tie dinner for 100 guests including board members, local politicians, and press• Trusted to draft remarks and correspondence for General Director and Board Chairman

• Executive Assistant to the General Director

  • Sep 2008 - Jan 2010

  Served as liaison between General Director and all departments within the organization, requiring advanced knowledge of the legal and financial functioning of the company; drafted correspondence for General Director; coordinated schedules; managed travel arrangements for General Director and visiting VIPs• Played integral role in maintaining continuity during leadership transition period and sustaining high level of professionalism, courtesy, and attention to detail in General Director’s office• Coordinated completion of year-long strategic planning process involving Board, artists, volunteers, and staff, and monitored progress toward the adopted mission and goals of the process

• Development Systems Manager

  • Jul 2007 - Sep 2008

  Maintained donor database system; coordinated membership campaign; composed donor correspondence; tracked donor acquisition campaign; developed monthly projections; responded to donor requests• Designed customized reports to collect, organize, and present donor information using Tessitura database, Microsoft SQL, and Microsoft Excel• Recorded and ensured prompt acknowledgment of contributions for $11 million capital campaign and $4 million annual giving campaign• Streamlined contribution classifications within development software to match financial GLs and facilitate monthly reconciliation between finance and development departments