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curriculum vitae

PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY

Innovative and mission-driven advancement professional with 20+ years of progressive leadership in nonprofit fundraising, marketing, and donor engagement. Proven success in building philanthropic pipelines, strengthening community partnerships, and growing revenue through strategic planning and compelling communication. Adept in grant writing, digital marketing, capital campaigns, and donor stewardship. Recognized for emotional intelligence, creativity, and a passion for driving sustainable impact.

CORE SKILLS & COMPETENCIES

  • Strategic Fundraising & Donor Cultivation

  • Staff & Board Leadership

  • Grant Writing (Local, State, Federal)

  • Digital Marketing & Online Engagement Strategy

  • Planned Giving & Major Gifts Development

  • Event Management & Revenue Growth

  • Brand Management & Public Relations

  • Data-Driven Fundraising Analytics

  • Governance Capacity Building

  • Technical Proficiency:

    • Adobe Creative Suite

    • MS Office

    • Google Workspace

    • Multiple CRM Platforms

    • WordPress and Page Builder Platforms

    • All-In-One Marketing Platforms

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

2024 - Present

HEALING ACTION NETWORK, INC.

Director of Advancement

  • Increased fundraising revenue by 600% for the organization’s annual signature event through a data-driven strategy and innovative community outreach.

  • Founded and led a Young Professionals Network, strengthening next-generation donor engagement, volunteerism, and leadership development.

  • Launched a Planned Giving Program to enhance long-term financial sustainability and legacy-based philanthropy.

  • Developed and implemented a targeted digital marketing strategy, resulting in a 16% increase in donor conversion and significantly expanded brand visibility.

  • Created and activated a diversified revenue strategy, increasing unrestricted funding by 123% across private donors, corporate sponsors, and institutional partners.

  • Designed branded materials and fundraising collateral for cross-platform use, ensuring consistency in visual identity and messaging.

  • Secured over $1.8M in FY24 through successful grant writing at federal, state, and foundation levels.

  • Led board development trainings to strengthen governance capacity, mission alignment, and fundraising engagement.

  • Facilitated organization-wide strategic planning, aligning operational goals with long-term vision and measurable outcomes.

  • Coordinated legislative engagement efforts, building relationships with policymakers and advancing policy priorities through testimony, advocacy days, and coalition work.

  • Managed press outreach and donor communications, expanding public awareness and brand reach to over 1.5 million people.

2021 - 2023

SAFE CONNECTIONS

Chief Development & Marketing Officer

  • Spearheaded the agency’s first comprehensive strategic fundraising and marketing plans, aligning them with organizational priorities. Plans were informed by competitive analysis of peer organizations in St. Louis and similar markets nationwide

  • Increased individual donor engagement by 15% and drove a 62% growth in overall contributions by strengthening giving programs and cultivating deeper relationships with major donors.

  • Provided strategic leadership and coaching to the development committee, board members, and staff, delivering training in effective elevator pitches, donor solicitations, and brand storytelling to enhance organizational pride and visibility.

  • Managed a cross-functional team of five, overseeing efforts in in-kind donations, planned giving, fundraising events, grant writing, young professional engagement, community partnerships, and integrated digital marketing campaigns.

2018-2021

RESPOND NOW

Director of Development

  •  Led relationship-centered fundraising strategies that resulted in a 220% increase in revenue from corporate and individual donors.

  • Trained and guided development committee members, board leaders, and staff on brand storytelling, effective solicitations, and elevator pitches to strengthen organizational advocacy.

  • Successfully executed capital campaigns, including securing the organization’s first federal appropriation through advocacy efforts with Congresswoman Robin Kelly.

  • Partnered cross-functionally with finance and program teams to develop and submit competitive government grant proposals.

2014-2018

INDEPENDENT CONSULTANT

Multiple Roles

  • Led strategic planning and brand development for nonprofits including Haven of Grace and Girls Inc., aligning messaging with organizational goals to drive community engagement and growth.

  • Raised nearly $1M through the design and launch of a successful Planned Giving Program, establishing long-term donor pipelines.

  • Designed and implemented integrated communications and fundraising platforms, resulting in up to 300% revenue growth and a 44% increase in visibility and mission awareness.

  • Secured over $2.5M in capital funding through tailored campaign messaging, donor engagement strategies, and data-driven communications.

  • Developed and delivered board training programs, created organizational policies and procedures, and supported strategic planning initiatives to strengthen internal capacity.

  • Served as Interim Executive Director, providing leadership continuity, team oversight, and operational stability during organizational transitions.

2011-2013

DELTA GAMMA CENTER

Director of Development

  • Increased event sponsorship revenue by 25% year-over-year through strategic outreach, relationship cultivation, and compelling sponsorship packages.

  • Founded and led a “Young Friends” initiative to expand community engagement, resulting in a 20%+ increase in both donors and volunteers.

  • Oversaw all digital and donor communications, including social media strategy, donor recognition, and CRM database management to strengthen stewardship and retention.

  • Managed the organization’s Planned Giving Program, adding 10 new legacy donors and growing the endowment to $6.7M. Investment income from this portfolio generated an additional $110,000 in annual revenue.

2005-2010

METROPOLITAN SCHOOL

Director of Institutional Advancement

  • Led a successful capital campaign for a new facility and endowment fund, securing a $1M lead gift and establishing long-term financial sustainability.

  • Designed and executed all marketing and development materials, including building a user-friendly website to support online donations and event registrations.

  • Developed foundational donor management systems and trained staff on CRM best practices to streamline fundraising operations and strengthen donor relationships.

2003-2005

ALMOST HOME

Director of Development and Public Relations

  • Designed and launched the organization’s first-ever suite of branded collateral materials and website, establishing a cohesive visual identity and digital presence.

  • Implemented and managed a comprehensive donor database, including staff training to ensure organization-wide adoption and effective utilization.

  • Created and produced print and digital assets—including annual reports, brochures, event invitations, and program guides—to support fundraising and community engagement.

  • Led external communications strategy to promote the organization’s mission through press releases, media outreach, and storytelling.

  • Crafted persuasive solicitation materials for annual appeals, increasing donor response and contributions.

  • Wrote and submitted grant proposals to corporate and private foundations, contributing to sustained program funding.

  • Reimagined and enhanced signature fundraising events to expand audience reach and deepen participant engagement.

  • Cultivated relationships with major donors and prospective funders, including individuals and corporations, to support long-term development goals.

EDUCATION

MASTER OF ARTS IN NONPROFIT MANAGEMENT

Washington University in St. Louis

Completed a comprehensive program focused on nonprofit leadership, fundraising, and strategic management.

BACHELOR OF ARTS IN MARKETING

Washington University in St. Louis

Completed a comprehensive program emphasizing marketing strategy, consumer behavior, branding, and market research.

© 2025 Cassandra Cooke.
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