Cynthia Echols Email and Phone Number

Responsible for managing all aspects of development work (through June 2012)Responsible for Grants and Advancement Services (July 2012 onward)Oversaw department of 9 direct reports (major gift officers, annual fund manager, donor relations manager, grant writer, prospect researcher, gift processor/data manager); charged with rebuilding Advancement operation and growing philanthropic support (from 2009-10 with $2.6M to 2011-12 with $4.7M). Worked with faculty, administrators, and students on range of initiatives including scholarships and programmatic support; directly worked on proposals and reports to annual foundation benefactor at 7-figure level.

Responsible for proposals, donor and prospect correspondence, stewardship reportsServed on Vice President’s executive staff charged with strategic communication on principal gift-level prospects and donors. Conceptualized and drafted Trustee materials for Development Committee as well as monthly reportouts to University senior leadership.

Oversaw team of 4 FTEs (grantwriters) and 3 FTEs (donor relations staff); directed creation of development communications ranging from strategy briefings to grants to benefactor reports; managed gift acknowledgement process, new gift agreements, and endowed fund reporting.

Responsible for supporting major gift solicitations and stewardship; liaison to Council on the GSBWorked with faculty and Dean to conceptualize new initiatives and prepare case statements and proposals. Wrote proposals, pledge agreements, letters of gift. Oversaw major donor stewardship, prospect research and briefings; managed advisory board including communications, semiannual meetings, and followup.