Courtney Neil
Columbia
Summary
Dynamic fundraising professional with a proven track record at the University of South Carolina, adept at strategic planning and fostering collaboration. Spearheaded initiatives that increased donor participation and revenue, while demonstrating strong communication skills and proficiency in Blackbaud CRM. Track record of leading successful fundraising campaigns through collaborative efforts and adaptive strategies.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Annual Giving Programs and Services
University of South Carolina
02.2023 - Current
- Lead a team of development professionals, fostering a collaborative work environment and providing guidance on best practices in annual giving strategies.
- Spearhead collaboration between development team members across multiple departments to boost college and unit annual giving revenue and donors.
- Responsible for the coordination and management of the direct and digital marketing solicitation and engagement services for the University of South Carolina system.
- Oversee the annual giving programs, including digital philanthropy, matching gifts, student philanthropy, employee giving, and the day of giving: Give 4 Garnet.
Alumni and Development Coordinator
Ben Lippen School
07.2018 - Current
- Completed $5.5 million campaign one year earlier than scheduled.
- Responsible for spearheading annual fund drives for parents, alumni, and past parents, increasing amount given by 35% in four years.
- Increased faculty and staff giving from 45% to 82% participation in three years.
- Coordinated all donor relations efforts for school.
- Created prospect list for current campaign and coached headmaster on how to approach major donors.
- Devised and implemented development plan for Ben Lippen School.
- Developed Ben Lippen's first Impact Report.
- Created brochures, invitations, cards and other event and marketing materials.
Director of Annual Giving and Donor Relations
Columbia College
05.2001 - 07.2004
- Developed one of the country's most successful employee-driven fundraising programs on the collegiate level with 98% participation. Presented a seminar at the annual Southeastern CASE (Council for Advancement and Support of Education).
- Planned, developed, and executed a personalized and fully integrated print, web, and telemarketing campaign for the Loyalty Fund.
- Successfully interacted with a wide range of individuals, including, but not limited to, alumni, students, faculty, staff, administration, volunteers and other friends of the college.
- Created an Annual Fund consortium for higher education annual fund professionals in South Carolina.
- Visited the college's major donors with Vice President of Advancement.
Annual Fund Staff Associate
Washington and Lee University
07.1999 - 05.2001
- Worked with team to raise $4.2 million annually for the Annual Fund.
- Supervised young alumni giving and donor relations programs.
- Traveled to major cities across the United States to engage young alumni and solicit financial support.
- Organized and supervised student-led phonathons with dozens of college students.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Communications and American Studies
Queens University of Charlotte
Charlotte, North Carolina05.1999
Skills
- Proficient in Blackbaud CRM
- Proficient in Microsoft Office
- Strong written and verbal communicator
- Effective collaborator
- Organized and detail-oriented
- Self-Starter
- Relational
- Strategic Planning
Timeline
Director of Annual Giving Programs and Services
University of South Carolina
02.2023 - Current
Alumni and Development Coordinator
Ben Lippen School
07.2018 - Current
Director of Annual Giving and Donor Relations
Columbia College
05.2001 - 07.2004
Annual Fund Staff Associate
Washington and Lee University
07.1999 - 05.2001
Bachelor of Arts - Communications and American Studies
Queens University of Charlotte
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