Throughout my career, I have been blessed to serve in dynamic organizations with talented and passionate colleagues. My experiences are diverse having served in program management, volunteer management, event planning, budgeting, strategic planning, board relations, development, marketing and communications, and teaching.
Check out more on my LinkedIn profile.
Both in and out of my professional work experience, I love to be involved in creative endeavors. See some examples here:
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Senior Director of Brand Advancement and Alumni Engagement
2021 – Current
- Serve as lead strategist and project manager charged with executing all brand advancement, marketing and communications efforts for this diverse, global, 120+ year old seminary.
- Capture and tell stories of impact as experienced by donors, students and alumni designed to support the institution through student recruitment and retention, donor recruitment and retention and alumni engagement.
- Work closely with all campus departments including Admissions, Advancement, Academic Programs and the Office of the President.
- Creates programming and services to engage alumni and create or strengthen bonds between former students and their alma mater.
- Serve as part of the Leadership Team reporting to the President.
Director of Marketing & Communications
2016 – 2021
- Created and implemented integrated marketing and communications plan based on research, strategy, resources, budget and goals.
- Completed special projects in support of $30M capital campaign and building project such as creating campaign website, brochures, talking points, press releases and social media.
- Served as Editor-in-Chief, primary writer and photographer of the Donnelly Digest magazine.
- Directed creative content for website, social media and advertising campaigns.
- Led public and media relations efforts.
- Assisted in special event planning including concepting and planning AV support, video and on-stage program at SHINE.
- Served as primary photographer for the College.
- Managed one full-time staff, and two freelance professionals.
- Attended meetings and present quarterly report at the Development Committee of the Board of Directors.
Annual Fund Manager (promoted)
2014 – 2016
- Led annual fund efforts for the institution through written appeals, stewardship and fundraising events, and personal communication.
- Concepted, planned and executed SHINE, Donnelly’s largest annual fundraiser.
- Attended meetings and presented quarterly report at the Development Committee of the Board of Directors.
- Recorded notes from donor interactions in Raisers Edge and ensured timely gift acknowledgement.
- Worked closely with the Office of the President to record donor visits, prospecting and interaction.
- Reported to the Vice President of Advancement.
Supplemental Faculty
- OL 482, Directed Readings in Organizational Leadership (Summer 2019)
- OL 481, Independent Study in Organizational Leadership (Summer 2019)
- OL 405, Senior Seminar: Planning (Spring 2017)
- OL 406, Senior Seminar: Implementation (Spring 2017)
- ENG 100, Freshman Seminar (Fall 2015) co-taught with VP of Enrollment Management
Development Manager
2012 – 2014
- Created and implemented first corporate and individual membership giving programs (programs currently known as Spotlight and Ensemble).
- Solicited new gifts and renewal gifts from individuals and corporate members.
- Served as the point person for individual and corporate donors interested in visiting the center or needing personal attention.
- Recorded notes from donor interactions in Tessitura database and managed one staff person who was responsible for timely gift acknowledgement.
- Facilitated creative fundraising opportunities such as the Children’s Handprint Wall.
- Planned strategies and events for donor recruitment, stewardship and appreciation.
- Led development team efforts, and assisted with event concept and logistical support for EVE, a New Year’s Eve event with over 2,500 attendees.
- Coordinated Open Doors program providing transportation reimbursement assistance to schools attending productions, and providing free and reduced-price tickets to non-profit organizations.
- Reported to President and CEO until a Vice President of Development was hired.
Volunteer and Tour Coordinator (promoted)
August 2012 – December 2012
- Created and implemented strategic plan for volunteer recruitment and management.
- Assisted volunteer coordinator in expanding volunteer usher corps from 300-500 people, and managing approx. 30 volunteer tour guides.
Healthy Community Director and Trainer
2009 – 2012
Personal Trainer and Wellness Coach
- Provided small group and 1-on-1 coaching and fitness training. Offered custom programs to special populations (Autism and Alzheimer’s).
Healthy Community Director
- Managed all aspects of Healthy Living department including: supervision of 15-20 part-time employees, revenue and expense budget, safety compliance, youth sports, Kids Night Out and Teen Night.
- Promoted from Youth and Family Program Assistant (Dec. 2009 – Dec. 2010)
Group Sales Manager
2007 – 2009 (position eliminated)
- Established new and cultivated existing relationships with organizations and groups to attend productions.
- Promoted from Marketing Assistant (February 2007 – January 2008)
Assistant to the City Administrator
2006 – 2007 (Management Training Program)
- Managed all aspects of seasonal aquatics, sports and recreation program including; hiring and supervision of 80 seasonal employees, management of $1M budget, program planning and conducting employee orientations.
Research & Graduate Assistantships
2003 – 2005
Graduate Teaching Assistant
Cookingham Institute of Public Affairs
- Tutored students, graded assignment and proctored exams for a graduate-level Financial Accountability and Policy Development course for public administration students.
Research Coordinator
Center for Supplemental Instruction
- Analyzed and evaluated effectiveness of an academic support program both institutionally and nationally.
Graduate Research Assistant
Midwest Center for Nonprofit Leadership
- Assisted staff with administrative support duties.
Student Services Specialist
2001 – 2003
- Provided prospective and current students with admissions, registration, testing, financial aid information and additional student service support.
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
Dream Manager
January 2021 – Current
From the Dream Factory of Greater Kansas City website:
“As children, we all dream big. Some of us imagine visiting storybook, far away places. Others long for a furry, four-legged friend. Still, others dream of meeting our heroes. And if we are lucky, many of us see those dreams become reality somewhere along the road of life.
But for children struggling with critical or chronic illnesses like diabetes, cystic fibrosis or cancer, the road may be all too short and there is little time to realize such big dreams. The dream factory exists for them.”
Awarded the Innovative Dream Award, December 2022
EDUCATION
University of Missouri – Kansas City
Master of Public Administration, Emphasis: Education Policy
Graduated: May 2003
Certificate in Fundraising, Midwest Center for Nonprofit Leadership, Bloch School
Completed coursework: 2005
Doctoral coursework
Additional 12 hours of coursework toward interdisciplinary Ph.D. program. with primary emphasis in Education Leadership, Policy and Foundations and secondary emphasis in Public Affairs and Administration.
Kansas State University
Bachelor of Science, Major: Social Science
Graduated: May 2001
CERTIFICATIONS
Accredited Professional Coach (ICF Certified Program)
Earned October 2023
Mental Health First Aid
Earned December 2021
CRAIG STEPHEN DOTY 