Cheryl Pray Email & Phone Number

Saint Paul, Mn, Us

Greater Minneapolis-St. Paul Area

Greater Minneapolis-St. Paul Area

Providing strategic counsel in all areas of fundraising and advancement, including:• Implementing capital campaigns and ongoing development programs;• Board development and training, and development staff training;• Effective use of data in goal setting, planning and implementation of effective development programs;• Institutional and campaign messaging and communications;• Fundraising program and campaign assessments.

Greater Minneapolis-St. Paul Area

The Philanthropy and Development Program at Saint Mary's University of Minnesota was one of the most unique and innovative master’s degree programs in the country. The program was closed effective July, 2020 due to COVID. As Program Director and faculty member for this program, I developed the curriculum and taught master level courses focused on best practices in philanthropy including:• Advancement services (CRM, gift processing, prospect research, stewardship).• Annual giving (personal solicitation strategies, direct mail, segmentation).• Marketing and communication (digital content development, brand development).• Major gifts (identification through stewardship).• Board governance and strategic planning.

Responsible for representing and advocating for providers that care for people with disabilities in Minnesota at the State Capitol.Responsibilities included:• Board of Directors oversight with 8 working committees.• Legislative advocacy and lobbying on behalf of people with disabilities.• Operational oversight of finance, human resources, and programmatic initiatives.• Liaison to the Department of Human Services and DEED to promote the implementation of the Olmstead plan for people with disabilities.

Greater Minneapolis-St. Paul Area

Accomplishments: Raised $2.5M from individuals, corporations and foundationsThe March of Dimes mission is to protect the health of America’s children through cutting edge research to determine causes of birth defects and premature birth. Responsibilities included oversight and direction for the Minnesota Chapter of the March of Dimes:• Board governance and state-wide management of 20 staff.• Strategic planning to meet and exceed budgeted goals.• Led the initiative to utilize prospect research, data analytics and major gift fundraising • Managed state-wide grant award program including defining goals and objectives, identification of key partners, evaluation of grantees based on leadership, track record and fiscal health.

Jupiter, Fl

Accomplishments: Raised $4M from individuals, corporations and foundationsResponsible for overall management and oversight of the Foundation which included:• Oversight of the largest charity golf tournament in the U.S. with revenues in excess of $2.5M.• Planned and implemented three-large scale fundraising events which raised in total $1.5M.• Managed a portfolio of 50 high net worth individuals by designing personal solicitation strategies leading to 6- and 7-figure gifts.• Identified and cultivated relationships with key corporate partners contributing to $4M in revenue. • Implemented a detailed financial, management, and strategic plan with measurable results that advanced the philanthropic mission of the organization.• Oversight of three international programs (UK, Canada and South Africa).

"Cheryl was initially hired as a Development officer but was quickly promoted to Director of Development. During the time Cheryl was at Hazelden, she effectively led the development team and achieved the fundraising goals. This was particularly challenging in 2010 when staff changes occurred and she hired new Development officers. During 2011 Cheryl also focused on, and was successful in improving employee engagement in the Development Department. Cheryl is a seasoned development professional and can achieve results."Mark MishekPresident/CEOResponsible for working collaboratively with senior leadership to develop a five-year strategic plan in alignment with organizational priorities at Hazelden’s facilities in MN, IL, NY, FL, and OR. Primary accomplishments included:• Implemented a major gifts program by utilizing data metrics and wealth screening to identify, cultivate and solicit major gift prospects which increased giving by 46% from $3.4M to $5.4M.• Wrote and designed marketing materials to educate and inform constituencies on the mission of the organization.• Worked with senior leaders and program staff to identify and cultivate donor relationships.

Senior leadership position responsible for working collaboratively with managers in finance, marketing, technology, philanthropy and international programs in 32 countries to develop a strategic plan which would leverage resources to benefit communities around the world through a $5B conservation campaign. • Responsible for project management and supervision of 20-person global team to meet annual 7 and 8-figure revenue goals to benefit developing communities. • Managed stewardship plans for resources devoted to international programs totaling $10M. • Responsible for budget oversight and alignment of programs to meet operational goals. • Implemented performance-based metrics for optimum program success.

Alexandria, Va

Responsible for implementing an infrastructure to increase private support and public awareness of Challenger Center within the community and around the world.• Key member of senior leadership team ensuring fundraising plans and revenue were in alignment with organizational objectives.• Responsible for strategy, implementation and execution of a black-tie gala in Houston, TX, chaired by President Bush to honor the crew members of Apollo, Challenger and Columbia.• Implemented strategic, results-driven plan to increase private support from $500,000 to $2M.

Baltimore, Maryland Area

"During Cheryl's tenure with JHU, she secured numerous major gifts to support a variety of initiatives within the University. In addition, she was instrumental in implementing creative programs to connect with donors, alumni and friends around the country. In addition to her fundraising responsibilities, she managed a team of staff members with professionalism, sensitivity and diplomacy. She has excellent interpersonal relationship skills as well as a commitment to high moral and ethical standards, which are critical leadership attributes. I therefore highly recommend her for a leadership development position in any organization seeking a motivated, creative fundraiser." Charlie PhlegarAssociate Vice PresidentJHU Development and Alumni RelationsProvided leadership and oversight of the Development and Alumni Relations staff within the School of Nursing including identification, cultivation and solicitation of corporations, foundations and individual donors for general support as well as for specific priorities. • Created a strategic plan for the implementation of a $40 million capital campaign in collaboration with the School of Public Health, the School of Medicine and Johns Hopkins Hospital.• Collaborated with community leaders to provide access to affordable health care through community clinics sponsored by the School of Nursing.• Wrote successful proposals seeking financial support for palliative care, community health programs and scholarship support for a diverse, multicultural student body. • Provided structure and oversight of the School of Nursing National Advisory Board.

Washington D.C. Metro Area

Broad responsibilities included: Event management for donor cultivation; annual giving campaign (direct mail content and segmentation); Capital Campaign planning; design and implementation of strategies for securing private support from staff and faculty, alumni, parents, corporations, foundations and international businesses and philanthropists.

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Bachelor'S Degree