Jennifer Bitner Email & Phone Number

Punta Gorda, Florida, United States

The Executive Director is responsible for managing the human and financial resources to achieve the orchestra's mission and serves as the chief operating officer for the Symphony. The Executive Director collaborates with the Music Director on development and monitoring of the orchestra's artistic objectives. The ED ensures effective communication with the Symphony's constituencies including all government and public agencies. Lead all fundraising activities including major gift cultivation, annual fund drives, corporate sponsorships, special events, planned giving program and grant writing. Directs all advocacy activities at local, state and federal levels.

Sarasota, Florida, United States

Pensacola, Florida

Developed a strategic plan with the Board of Directors along with the annual budget. Identified and improved performance measures and strategies used in the organization’s programs, policies, and initiatives for sustainable future growth. Achieved annual financial success through fundraising and operational revenue. Hosted exciting fundraising events like Barktoberfest, the Fur Ball gala, Paws on Palafox, and the one of kind Mardi Gras Krewe, the Krewe of Paws. Maintained an 85% intake diversion rate, and helped over 3,000 cats and dogs with positive outcomes in the first 6 months with the innovative Pet Resource Team. Funded the Humane Express Adoption, Disaster, and Community Support Bus through partnership and grant funds from Impact 100 of Escambia County. Hosted “Feline Frenzy” in partnership with Alley Cat Allies, a high-volume cat spay-neuter event. Received multiple Maddie’s Fund and PetSmart Charities Innovation grants to implement new shelter pilot programs to increase lifesaving, including foster programs, and intake diversion.Active in animal welfare advocacy initiatives to protect both pets and their people. Served as a Board Member, FAAWO (Florida Association of Animal Welfare Organizations), from 2018 to 2022. Animal Services Executive Leadership Graduate, partnership of Best Friends and Southern Utah University.

Nw Florida Panhandle, Pensacola And The Emerald Coast

Lead highly successful Cattle Baron's Ball events, engaging over 1000 guests, donors, volunteers and sponsors, to raise record numbers to support child and adult patients with cancer. Generated excitement and successfully engaged new sponsors, donors and supporters to support the mission of American Cancer Society.

Jacksonville And North Florida

Generated $1million in revenue through events like Light the Night to improve the quality of life for people living with leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease and myeloma, contributing to the LLS investment of more than $600 million in research specifically targeting blood cancers.Advanced partnerships with large scale companies and universities to support fundraising, outreach programs and advocacy initiatives.

Pensacola To Port St Joe Fl

Generated 6,000+ new clients for twenty-one offices in the Florida Panhandle District for tax year 2015. Coached and trained five District Marketing Ambassadors and twenty-one Office Marketing Ambassadors on effective marketing activities for their office. Developed new partners in the business for the district to grow new clients. Developed and managed media relationships for the district and directed media buys.

Wichita, Kansas Metropolitan Area

Lead annual fundraising programs and events, as well as chapter communications, marketing, program outreach, advocacy and policy initiatives, legislative outreach, and volunteer development for 100 counties in Kansas. Managed the chapter operations and a staff of eight full-time professionals. Serving as the Campaign Manager for the 2014 Man Woman of the Year fundraiser, raised a record $450,000, a 275% YOY increase.

Northwest Florida & Southwest Alabama

Lead fundraising, communications, marketing, program outreach, and volunteer development in NW FL and SW AL. Utilizing the Annual March of Dimes Report Card on maternal and child health statistics, developed new relationships with individual donors, foundations, corporations, and community organizations to create awareness and social change, impacting maternal and child health outcomes by ensuring access to care and services. Lead large-scale partners and sponsors, including Publix Supermarkets, Macy’s, Walmart, and HCA Healthcare across the region, to fundraising and campaign success, accomplishing shared goals. Energized Signature Chef’s Auctions in every market to exceed fundraising goals and guest expectations with high-energy auctions, guest appearances and event activities. Recognized by peers with the State Public Affairs Award for leadership of youth involvement in the annual March of Dimes Public Affairs Day at the State Capitol. Lead the state Family Teams and Ambassadors initiative to improve mission impact in all communities. Developed curriculum based on national best practices and trained staff and volunteers on identifying and engaging families for greater mission impact in their local communities.

Best Friends Executive Leadership Certification

Education record