Amy M. Sikes, Phd

Amy M. Sikes, Phd Email and Phone Number

Director of Financial Aid @ Palo Alto University
Williamsburg, VA, US
Amy M. Sikes, Phd's Location
Williamsburg, Virginia, United States, United States
Amy M. Sikes, Phd's Contact Details
About Amy M. Sikes, Phd

With over 30 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, I am a mission-driven professional who brings passion, enthusiasm, and joy to my projects. I have a PhD in Higher Education Policy, Planning, and Leadership and a proven track record of increasing unearned revenue and diversifying revenue streams for various organizations. In the last five years, I have raised almost $24 million for causes I care about.Currently, I am a Fundraising Strategist and Grant Writer at Novant Health, where I spearhead new fundraising initiatives for the Digital Health & Engagement Team. I created the first grant program strategy for the team, leading to increased revenue generation. I also work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders to identify and respond to funding opportunities, lead the strategy, vision, and approach for the team, and manage all grant deliverables. I am a creative and strategic thinker and problem-solver who can see the big picture and the tactics needed to attain strategic goals. I am also a team-builder, mentor, and equity, diversity, and inclusion champion who values collaboration, support, and understanding.

Amy M. Sikes, Phd's Current Company Details
Palo Alto University

Palo Alto University

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Director of Financial Aid
Williamsburg, VA, US
Amy M. Sikes, Phd Work Experience Details
  • Palo Alto University
    Director Of Financial Aid
    Palo Alto University
    Williamsburg, Va, Us
  • Palo Alto University
    Director Of Financial Aid
    Palo Alto University May 2024 - Present
    Palo Alto, California, Us
  • Palo Alto University
    Interim Director Of Financial Aid
    Palo Alto University Sep 2023 - May 2024
    Palo Alto, California, Us
  • Women Unite!
    Grants & Development Contractor
    Women Unite! Feb 2023 - Present
    Chicago, Il, Us
    • Clients: o Equiticity o Disability Philanthropy Forum o BandWith Chicago• Work with clients to build out stewardship, sponsorship, major gift, annual campaign, and capital campaign strategies.• Write compelling grant proposals and reports for federal, state, and private foundation opportunities.• Research, vet, and qualify prospects.
  • Aurkei
    Director Of Grants
    Aurkei Feb 2023 - Present
    Chandler, Az, Us
  • Diabetic Cats In Need
    Executive Director, Development Director, Supplies Manager - Volunteer, Remote
    Diabetic Cats In Need 2015 - Present
    Part of Founding Team for organizational revamp and relaunch. Provide organizational leadership (including developing and implementing strategic fundraising plan) for an all-volunteer animal welfare nonprofit serving low-income caregivers of diabetic cats, act as a spokesperson within the realm of feline diabetes and other health issues, and raise funds from individuals and foundations to support mission.• Develop and execute overall strategic plan remotely in conjunction with other Board members (all remote); develop and execute strategic annual fundraising plan and budget, with focus on maintaining individual donor base and recruiting new donors. More than doubled overall fundraising by using innovative measures; increased number of major gift donors by 60%; received notification of first planned gifts.• Coordinate with other Board and Team members to ensure good communication across a geographically dispersed organization.• Create and promote creative online fundraisers, including emergency/critical care appeals.• Analyze and evaluate our large national programs to ensure they best support our low-income clients.• Identify grant funding opportunities; write and submit grant applications; manage awarded grants.• Leverage funds to maximize outcomes (number of cats helped and/or saved).• Recruit and manage remotely-based volunteer special project teams for fundraising initiatives throughout year; manage and promote special projects.• Manage and fulfill supplies requests using Slack.• Assist in maintaining website (WordPress platform).• Write and coordinate most social media posts, with a reach of almost 14,000 fans.• As of July 1, 2015, serve as Acting Social Media Director.• As of July 1, 2016, promoted to Deputy Director.• April 4, 2020 - July 24, 2022, served as Acting Executive Director.• As of July 24, 2022, promoted to Executive Director.
  • Rainbow Unicorn Consulting Llc
    Owner And Principal Consultant
    Rainbow Unicorn Consulting Llc Jan 2011 - Present
    • Support fundraising strategic planning for 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) organizations.• Work with clients to build out stewardship, sponsorship, major gift, annual campaign, and capital campaign strategies.• Write compelling grant proposals and reports for federal, state, and private foundation opportunities.• Research, vet, and qualify prospects.• Manage a nationally dispersed portfolio of clients, including (sample list):o Novant Healtho Urban Allianceo Aurkeio PharmD Liveo College Bridgeo Women Corporate Directors Education Foundationo Marin Shakespeare Company – particularly Shakespeare for Social Justiceo Air Race Classico Endless Possibilities for the Disabledo ARCHIVE Globalo COSAC Foundationo Virginia Turfgrass Foundationo Historical Society of West Point (Virginia)o Parent Child Development Centero Ritz Theatre
  • Novant Health
    Fundraising Strategist And Grant Writer (Contractor, Remote)
    Novant Health Aug 2022 - Oct 2023
    Charlotte, Nc, Us
    Expert Fundraising Strategist and Grant Writer hired to spearhead new fundraising initiatives for Digital Health & Engagement (DH&E) Team. New position embedded within the DH&E Team to collaboratively develop grant funding strategies and better manage all grant deliverables.• Created first grant program strategy for DH&E, leading to increased revenue generation.o Identify and respond to funding opportunities with foundations, governmental agencies, and corporate and community-based funding organizations to meet financial and operational goals.o Lead the strategy, vision, and approach for the team to successfully manage growing funding portfolio.• Work collaboratively with team and organizational leaders to drive innovation and uncover new funding opportunities, brainstorm ideas, discuss pros/cons, and develop ways forward.• Serve as a knowledgeable leader in growing our foundations and government partnerships program to bring in significant funding for team’s cutting-edge projects.• Spearheaded the annual planning process for DH&E fundraising and implemented a new system to ensure progress on strategic initiatives and tracking of grant opportunities.
  • Pharmd Live
    Director Of Grants
    Pharmd Live May 2021 - Dec 2022
    Washington, Dc, Us
    Provide high-level guidance on grant strategy, provide leadership around accessing and maintaining new sources of revenue in the range of $1 million or greater, and support creation of non-profit arm of for-profit start-up telehealth company. Identify new potential large revenue sources, write and submit successful grant proposals and accelerator applications, support partnership development, and steward funding sources to foster and grow a productive relationship with repeat successful funding opportunities.
  • Urban Alliance
    Interim Development Director (Temporary)
    Urban Alliance Mar 2022 - Sep 2022
    Washington, D.C, Us
    Served as experienced Development consultant with primary responsibility for writing grant proposals and reports to government, foundation, and corporate donors.• Led or supported proposals resulting in over $6.5M in total funding. • Prepared reports that led to renewal funding. • Collaborated with the CDO and regional EDs to implement fundraising strategies through prospect research along with designing and implementing cultivation and stewardship plans.
  • Alliance For A Healthier Generation
    Development Officer And Grant Writer/Manager Corporate, Foundation, And Government Grants
    Alliance For A Healthier Generation May 2019 - May 2021
    Portland, Oregon, Us
    Led all grant-related writing projects for a fully remote national PK-12 public health organization with $11M annual budget; provided leadership and guidance around strategic fundraising processes and income diversification; spearheaded Culture of Philanthropy work across a complex organization.• Led successful grant proposals for amounts ranging from $5,000 to $6.5M to foundations, corporations, and government entities in support of an $11M annual budget. • Designed and led collaborative, complex, and diversified projects, coordinating the work of cross-team colleagues, developing and managing budgets, and ensuring accountability.• Streamlined processes for grant proposals and reports, leading to less time needed from cross-team colleagues for successful project completion.• Provided leadership and strategic guidance during transition period for Development Team.o Utilized collaborative problem-solving skills to understand team and cross-team challenges and make smart decisions through effective communication and leading by example.• Managed up to Senior Leadership Team to ensure outstanding fundraising performance.• Provided organization-wide coaching on implementing tactics in support of overall fundraising strategy.• Instrumental in creating an organization-wide culture of philanthropy and improving DEI efforts.• Recognized for exemplifying cultural norms of “We Are Trailblazers” and “We Have an Inner Fire.”
  • Literacy For Life
    Development Director
    Literacy For Life 2017 - May 2019
    Williamsburg, Virginia, Us
    Provided leadership for strategic fundraising, resulting in sustained improvement in organizational financial health. • Responsible for raising almost 85% of total budget. o Increased overall income by almost 40% in two years.o Transformed 5-figure annual gala into a 6-figure signature event.o Increased special event income by almost 50% in two years.o Increased annual fund income by over 15% in two years.• Developed, expanded, and managed annual fundraising budget in coordination with Board and ED.• Managed Development Team consisting of Development Assistant and 7 Board members plus volunteer teams of 20-30 people. • Enhanced and expanded major gifts program, leading to annual individual giving increase of over 30%. • Initiated, developed, and implemented legacy/planned giving program, giving circles, and donor appreciation events.• Led writing of all fundraising documents. o Increased grant income by over 200%.• Coached and counseled leadership to diversify Board.• Managed donor and grants databases.
  • Various Organizations
    Professional Service
    Various Organizations 2008 - 2018
    PROFESSIONAL SERVICE:• Member, Virginia Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (VASFAA)’s Conference Committee, 2010-11, 2011-12, 2012-13, 2014-15, and 2015-16. Planned annual conference for 300+ attendees.• Access Ambassador, VASFAA, 2014-Present. • Member, Project HOPE Virginia’s Higher Education Initiative, 2014-2016.• Member, VASFAA’s Diversity Committee, 2007-08, 2008-09, 2013-14, and 2014-15. 2008-09 committee won VASFAA Committee of the Year Award for promoting unity versus division.• Member, Gilman Scholarship Selection Panel (national search; study abroad scholarship), 2013.• Presenter, VASFAA 2013 Conference: Positioning Your Office for Customer Service Success; Understanding Professional Judgment; Understanding the EFC When Using Professional Judgment.• Presenter, VASFAA 2012 Conference: Effective Communication Strategies; Financial Aid Outreach.• Presenter, VASFAA 2011 Conference: Financial Aid Outreach.• Presenter, VASFAA 2008-09 Non-conference Training via Webinar: FAFSA 101; FAFSA Problem Solving.
  • William & Mary
    Fundraising Writer & Analyst For Corporate & Foundation Relations
    William & Mary 2015 - 2017
    Williamsburg, Va, Us
    Led research and all grant-related writing elements for a team with a $10M annual goal.• Led writing of numerous successful six-figure grant proposals.• Wrote letters of inquiry, project budgets and financial reports, program updates, and narrative reports; drafted acknowledgement letters for upper administration (e.g., college president).• Conducted research on current and prospective corporate and foundation partners and individual donors; analyzed grant-making interests and histories to align funders’ philanthropic priorities with W&M’s areas of programmatic need; analyzed database to match prospective individual donors to W&M’s needs.
  • William & Mary
    Assistant Director Of Financial Aid
    William & Mary 2007 - 2015
    Williamsburg, Va, Us
    Served as de facto director for office, overseeing daily operations, providing executive direction of program strategy, compliance, quality assurance, and program efficiency; ensured staff understood population’s diversity and that written materials reflected equity, diversity, and inclusion.• Supervised customer service team, including office manager; created supportive and student-centered work environment that elevated and maintained team and department morale.• Awarded financial aid following federal, state, and institutional policies.• Developed processes that streamlined the financial aid application process at the William & Mary level.• Interpreted federal regulations for implementation.• Administered the Federal Pell, SMART, and Academic Competitiveness Grant Programs, including fiscal reconciliation and student eligibility.• Served as website designer and administrator.o Developed website content and ensured that it and all other publications conveyed accurate, useful, and transparent data.• Counselor for LGBTQ+ students following completion of SafeZone training; member EqualityWM and SafeZone Network.• Served as liaison to the Dean of Students Office, the Reves International Center, and the First-Year Experience, establishing and maintaining strong relationships with our key internal stakeholders; represented Financial Aid at numerous W&M multicultural events.• Completed SPARK Leadership certification.• Developed, managed, and assessed a financial literacy program for W&M and the community.• Member of cross-functional W&M teams to develop, evaluate, plan, and implement policies and procedures.• Gave presentations to parents, area high schools, and other groups; developed outreach items.• Sought-after presenter for sessions and webinars for state-level financial aid organization.Former president of William & Mary, W. Taylor Reveley, III, to a parent: "By any measure, Amy does her job unusually well."
  • University Of Virginia
    Financial Aid Administrator
    University Of Virginia 2005 - 2007
    Charlottesville, Va, Us
    * Awarded financial aid to undergraduate students using federal formulae, institutional policies, and professional judgment* Administered and managed the Federal Work-Study Program, including fiscal reconciliation; revamped campus program for better efficiency and departmental/student ease of program understanding and use* Administered the Federal Verification Process to ensure that all application data was accurate* Administered the Federal Pell, SMART, and Academic Competitiveness Grant Programs, including fiscal reconciliation and student eligibilityo Streamlined program processing.* Counseled students and parents on all aspects of student financial assistance* Acted as Outreach Counselor to the surrounding community for all aspects of financial assistance; created and presented PowerPoints
  • University Of Virginia
    Customer Service Specialist
    University Of Virginia 2004 - 2005
    Charlottesville, Va, Us
    * Promoted to Financial Aid Administrator on strength of rapid on-the-job development of financial aid knowledge and outstanding customer service* Provided excellent customer service via telephone and in person* Answered questions about student accounts and financial aid* Maintained scholarship check list* Updated handouts
  • University Of Virginia
    Professor
    University Of Virginia 1996 - 2004
    Charlottesville, Va, Us
    Taught curriculum courses in the Department of History and the Division of Technology, Culture, andCommunication (TCC) - School of Engineering. • History courses included mentoring undergraduate students in research projects as part of a senior seminar.• TCC courses focused on developing composition, grammatical, critical thinking, and presentation skills and generally on providing Engineering students with outstanding humanities skills.• Developed two new courses: Stalin & Stalinism; Technology & Aggression: Nuclear War.• Managed classes of 20-30 students.• Served as Freshman Advisor to engineering students.• Average student rating of 4.2 on a 5-point scale – generally higher than tenure-track professors.• Completed certification program from the Center for Teaching Excellence.

Amy M. Sikes, Phd Skills

Teaching Technical Writing Grants Curriculum Design Editing Research Analysis Proofreading Customer Service Community Outreach Management Event Management Social Media Microsoft Excel Public Speaking Powerpoint Blogging Microsoft Office Microsoft Word Budgets Team Building Team Leadership Strategic Planning Higher Education Volunteer Management Fundraising Creative Writing Event Planning Student Affairs Staff Development Grant Writing Social Networking Nonprofits Leadership Program Development Writing Training Student Development Public Relations Donor Engagement Donor Research Donor Development Grant Preparation Prospect Research Volunteer Recruiting Volunteer Training Public Policy

Amy M. Sikes, Phd Education Details

  • William & Mary
    William & Mary
    And Leadership
  • South Carolina College (University Of South Carolina)
    South Carolina College (University Of South Carolina)
    History And International Studies (Double Major)
  • University Of Virginia
    University Of Virginia
    History

Frequently Asked Questions about Amy M. Sikes, Phd

What company does Amy M. Sikes, Phd work for?

Amy M. Sikes, Phd works for Palo Alto University

What is Amy M. Sikes, Phd's role at the current company?

Amy M. Sikes, Phd's current role is Director of Financial Aid.

What is Amy M. Sikes, Phd's email address?

Amy M. Sikes, Phd's email address is as****@****ive.com

What schools did Amy M. Sikes, Phd attend?

Amy M. Sikes, Phd attended William & Mary, South Carolina College (University Of South Carolina), University Of Virginia.

What skills is Amy M. Sikes, Phd known for?

Amy M. Sikes, Phd has skills like Teaching, Technical Writing, Grants, Curriculum Design, Editing, Research, Analysis, Proofreading, Customer Service, Community Outreach, Management, Event Management.

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