Manal Issa

President, AUK Endowment at The American University of Kurdistan
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Contact Information
us****@****om
(386) 825-5501
Location
IQ

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Credentials

  • Verified International Academic Qualifications
    World Education Services
    Jan, 2022
    - Oct, 2024
  • Leadership Strategies for Women
    LinkedIn
    Mar, 2021
    - Oct, 2024
  • Certificate in Fundraising Management
    Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy
    Apr, 2019
    - Oct, 2024
  • International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP)
    U.S. Department of State
    Sep, 2017
    - Oct, 2024
  • Spring Institute in Educational Fundraising
    Council for Advancement and Support of Education
    Apr, 2015
    - Oct, 2024
  • Leadership Development Program
    Columbia Business School
    Jan, 2008
    - Oct, 2024

Experience

  • The American University of Kurdistan
    • Iraq
    • Higher Education
    • 1 - 100 Employee
    • President, AUK Endowment
      • Jun 2022 - Present

      Institutionalizing the newly registered AUK Endowment, 501c3 Foundation; leading its operations; planning and executing fundraising; ensuring with the Secretary of the Board the complete process of registration, governance, and investment plans and operations.

    • Director Of Advancement
      • Aug 2021 - Present

      My role is to establish the first-ever advancement function at AUK. I focused on raising awareness of philanthropy. It is establishing philanthropy in a culture extensively consumed by religious charity. Working with the Advancement Committee of the Board, the University President, the University departments, the local community, and the Kurdish Diaspora in the US and Europe. We have remarkably achieved:- Articulated the vision for fundraising in the context of AUK- Developed the fundraising strategy in alignment with the University's strategy and vision. Stating short-term, Mid-term, and long-term needs and goals. - Created a new market strategy, and raised funds for the first year, exceeding the annual target and the cost of establishing Advancement for the first year.- I have been mapping prospect opportunities locally, regionally, and internationally, creating profiles for principal and major prospects, and starting the cultivation of relationships.- Started Friends of AUK Network internationally.- Established the Alumni Relations Program - Created policies and procedures, customized business processes, and financial, and internal systems.- I have been hiring and training staff on advancement operations, CRM and fundraising.- Developed and reviewed policies and procedures across the University as part of my role as a member of the University Cabinet and the President's Council.

  • Naqleh Consulting
    • Founder
      • 2022 - Present

      At Naqleh we provide consulting services to non-profit organizations, foundations, corporations, and philanthropists. Our goal is to collaborate with our partners to advance the practice of giving and receiving for the benefit of humanity. We focus on developing fundraising capacities for non-profit organizations, enhancing the impact of funding for foundations, and advising individuals and families on planning their philanthropy. Our approach is driven by professionalism, trust, and establishing long-lasting relationships with our partners. To achieve results, we identify new growth opportunities, address constraints, and develop custom solutions that are cost-effective and tailored to our partners' needs. We provide a range of services for fundraising strategy and planning, capacity development, governance, program assessment and development, comprehensive fundraising campaigns, best practices in fundraising, alumni relations, and interim fundraising program management. Our team of experts across the globe works hand in hand to bring out the best in every institution and transform it into a philanthropy-centric organization.

  • Birzeit University
    • Palestine, State of
    • Higher Education
    • 700 & Above Employee
    • Vice President For Advancement
      • Aug 2019 - Jul 2021

       Established fundraising programs for major giving, annual giving and principal giving.  Facilitated fundraising work with the Board’s Development Committee, created fundraising opportunities for the Board while expanding the donor base.  Managed a portfolio of 30 major donors and principal donors.  Led PR efforts locally and internationally for fundraising purposes.  Secured private donations for project priorities, endowment and un/restricted funding.  Integrated philanthropy with the PR function.  Revitalized and reorganized alumni relations management.  Activated the role of friends’ chapters in the USA, UK and Palestine.  Led the digital transformation of fundraising efforts during and after the Covid-19 pandemic.  Developed initial (draft) endowment policies and procedures.  Taught Philanthropy Studies as part of the MA Government and Local Governance Program.

  • Non-profit Organizations in the Middle East
    • Middle East
    • Fundraising Advisor
      • Jul 2017 - Jun 2019

       Advise and mentor organizations in the planning of fundraising campaigns, the asking process, donor relationship management, and training on fundraising from philanthropic sources. Select organizations include Mohamed bin Rashid University (U.A.E), AFAC: Arab Foundation for Arts and Culture (Lebanon), Basement Cultural Foundation (Yemen), Riwaq: The Center for Architectural Conservation (Palestine), and the Khalil Sakakini Cultural Center in Ramallah (Palestine).  Train fundraisers in specific cultural and social contexts.  Conduct workshops on establishing the development function within an organization and setting-up fundraising systems.  Conduct fundraising audits.

  • Birzeit University
    • Palestine, State of
    • Higher Education
    • 700 & Above Employee
    • Director of Advancement
      • Jun 2011 - Aug 2017

       Established the Advancement Office at the University. Formulated systems and procedures for advancement operations: designed roles, work processes, operations, and materials (annual giving report and stewardship materials). Devised working systems with other University units, in support of fundraising and gift administration. Trained staff in face-to-face fundraising, prospect research, and stewardship. Identified BZU priorities for fundraising, working closely with the President, the Board’s Development Committee and various academic departments to classify and document needs. Initiated fundraising programs, conducted fundraising tours with the President. Organized fundraising events and secured the first pool of donors.

    • Director of Public Relations
      • Jul 2009 - Jun 2011

      ● Developed communication plan and media relations including website content and annual reports; oversaw publications; edited newsletters, brochures● Restructured operations through organizing alumni events, cultivating sponsorships, initiating fundraising, developing capacities, and coaching team

  • UNDP
    • United States
    • International Affairs
    • 700 & Above Employee
    • Human Resources Management Expert (consultant)
      • Feb 2010 - Oct 2010

      ● Led UNDP’s human resource development within the Capacity Development Initiative Program for the civil service sector - the Palestinian General Personnel Council ● Mapped out organizational arrangements for Human Resources and Training Directorate General ● Prepared a white paper on civil service sector training and a report on lessons learned by the donor community in its capacity development projects ● Led UNDP’s human resource development within the Capacity Development Initiative Program for the civil service sector - the Palestinian General Personnel Council ● Mapped out organizational arrangements for Human Resources and Training Directorate General ● Prepared a white paper on civil service sector training and a report on lessons learned by the donor community in its capacity development projects

  • Qattan Foundation
    • Palestine, State of
    • Civic and Social Organizations
    • 1 - 100 Employee
    • Director of Administration
      • Jun 2005 - Jul 2009

      ● Led administration; liaised between board and management committee ● Oversaw implementation of annual plans, policies, and procedures, and managed educational projects ● Initiated publishing of the foundation’s annual public report ● Initiated fundraising for new programs in education such as Teachers’ Drama Summer School and the first teacher center - Ni’lin; administered a scholarship program for teachers ● Led administration; liaised between board and management committee ● Oversaw implementation of annual plans, policies, and procedures, and managed educational projects ● Initiated publishing of the foundation’s annual public report ● Initiated fundraising for new programs in education such as Teachers’ Drama Summer School and the first teacher center - Ni’lin; administered a scholarship program for teachers

  • Various Non Profit organizations
    • Civic and Social Organizations
    • 700 & Above Employee
    • Administration
      • 1994 - Feb 2005

      ● Led administrative operations for non-profit organizations in Ramallah, Palestine. ● Various administrative positions at private companies, Damascus, Syria. ● Led administrative operations for non-profit organizations in Ramallah, Palestine. ● Various administrative positions at private companies, Damascus, Syria.

Education

  • Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy
    MA, Philanthropic Studies
    2017 - 2019
  • Birzeit University
    Master of Business Administration - MBA, MBA
    2001 - 2004
  • Damascus University
    Bachelor’s Degree, English Language and Literature/Letters
    1990 - 1994

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