Benay Hicks Email & Phone Number

North Carolina, United States

Benay oversees the organization’s marketing, communications, and development activities at Book Harvest. She serves as the driver for raising the awareness, brand value, and revenue needed to operate smoothly while achieving high-minded mission-oriented goals.

Leads the team that raises the resources required to meet the annual budget; builds and executes brand; furthers and strengthens marketing and communications; fosters strategic partnerships; maximizes sponsorship programs; and expands relationships with influencers and stakeholders.

As Associate Director of Communications and Marketing at Book Harvest, Benay provides leadership, strategic vision, and direction to the organization in all its communications, marketing, and public relations efforts. She is responsible for building awareness and support for all of Book Harvest’s wide range of programs, in order to drive program growth and participation, community support, and philanthropy.

I develop, design, and implement effective communications and outreach strategies, tools, and events to successfully advance Book Harvest’s mission and to strategically influence and advance public awareness about children’s literacy.

Durham, North Carolina, United States

Clients included Partnership for a Healthy Durham, Hayti Heritage Center, Krav Maga Raleigh, The Coalition, and Wood Duck Photography.

Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina Area

Managed operations of BGCDOC sites with primary concern for program development and implementation, staff development, supervision of program staff, facilities and budget management. Also responsible for overseeing program grants and marketing (website, emails, social networks).

Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina Area

Develops and executes annual fundraising planSecures financial support from individuals, foundations and corporationsManages the donor databaseDevelops and maintains ongoing relationships with major donorsCreates and executes a strategy for a large sustained base of annual individual donorsOversees organization of special eventsDevelops and tracks proposals and reports for all foundation and corporate fundraisingOversees all marketing materials including website, social media, and email correspondence

Greater St. Louis Area

Provided support for the Hawthorn team by assisting in the fields of operations, project management, volunteer coordination, development, and communication. Coordinated and executed a $250,00 fundraiser alongside a planning committeeHelped in the hiring process of 15 faculty and staffAssisted with the managing of donorsManaged social media & the websiteGot the new school building ready by doing research and compiling various quotes for custodial, heating/cooling, electricity, IT, landscaping, security, etc.Organized and maintained files and recordsVarious administrative tasks

Greater St. Louis Area

Coordinated small and large-scale fundraising events (ranging from $1,000 to $130,000+). Strove to build/maintain a connection between the surrounding community & SOMO.Assisted in planning fundraising events with local law enforcement agencies.Coordinated the Drive-it-Home Raffle for the St. Louis area. Managed incoming revenue for the St. Louis area.Managed a team of development interns.

Durham, North Carolina

Overall increased level of responsibility and acted as the person in charge in the absence of the CPO. Responsible for managing the volunteer program, arranging and keeping track of in-kind donations, assisting the Chief Professional Officer in administrative tasks, acting as a liaison with IT contractor, and keeping the Club organized and functioning on a daily basis. Acted as a point person for various IT functions and the phone system. I was an integral part of the Senior Management Team, and provided support in the areas of public relations, marketing, and development as needed.

Durham, North Carolina

Responsible for building and managing the volunteer program. During my tenure I recruited and oriented over 250 volunteers. During that time, they contributed over 1500 volunteer hours. Furthermore, I was responsible for arranging and keeping track of in-kind donations, assisting the Chief Professional Officer in administrative tasks, acting as a liaison with IT contractor, and keeping the Club organized and functioning on a daily basis. I acted as a point person for various IT functions and the phone system, was an integral part of the Senior Management Team, and provided support in the areas of public relations, marketing, and development as needed or by tasks assigned by the CPO.

Durham, North Carolina

Worked as a full-time agent for the luxury hotel associated with Duke University by making reservations for esteemed college professors, politicians, and CEOs. This consisted of maintaining a strong sense of professionalism at all times, utilizing excellent communication skills, and applying business tactics that will be useful when engaging in nonprofit management.

Greater Boston Area

Newsletter & Website Editor; Co-Coordinator of Events

Indianola, Iowa

Worked with students and local nonprofit organizations to form a collegiate network of volunteering. Also coordinated six alternative Spring Break work trips to places such as Mexico and Kansas City, as well as additional Fall Break service trips to inner-city Chicago and hurricane ravaged Biloxi, Mississippi.

Indianola, Iowa

Worked as the summer day-camp coordinator for Shalom Zone Ministries in Des Moines, Iowa. This involved working with 40-60 inner-city children ranging from first grade to seventh grade and organizing daily activities such as trips to the pool, bowling alley, miniature golf course, and the library. It also involved supervising a team of four to six staff members.

Certificate, Nonprofit Management

Master’S Degree, History Of Religion, Cum Laude

Bachelor’S Degree, Psychology, Relgion

Activities and Societies: Delta Delta Delta, Alpha Phi Omega, Psychology Club, Lilly Initiative, Religious Life, Literacy Club, Up 'til.