Jessica W. Morris Email & Phone Number

As Director of Development, I direct the fundraising activities for Opera Columbus, the McCoy Center for the Arts, the Lincoln Theatre, and the Drexel Theatre.• Drive Revenue Growth: Exceed fundraising targets across all four organizations through successful campaigns with individuals, corporations, grants, major gifts, and special events generating more than $2.5 million in contributed revenue annually.• Enhance Donor Relations: Cultivate and steward relationships with volunteers, donors, and board members through transparent, effective, and consistent communication.• Strategic Leadership and Team Empowerment: Provide clear, timely guidance to direct reports, peers, and leadership on project objectives and deliverables, ensuring successful outcomes.

Central Ohio Chapter

• Cultivated Key Partnerships: Developed and stewarded relationships with key volunteers, donors and sponsors.• Strategic Fundraising Leadership: Provided strategic direction and implementation for all aspects of fundraising plans for 10 Great Strides walks and other assigned fundraising events.

Columbus, Ohio Area

• Comprehensive Fundraising Management: Led all aspects of fundraising, including major gifts, annual fund campaigns, grants, and events, resulting in an 80% increase in contributed revenue in 2013.• Relationship Development: Cultivated and maintained meaningful relationships with board members, donors, media, and clients, fostering a supportive network and enhancing the organization’s visibility and support.

Responsible for soliciting and stewarding corporate and individual support of CCAD through annual giving initiatives.• Expanded Donor Base: Enhanced and revitalized CCAD’s Senior Fashion Show with a donor-centric solicitation and stewardship plan, leading to increased revenue from both individual and corporate sponsors.• Managed Complex Live Event: Directed the planning and execution of CCAD’s 800-person annual fundraiser, overseeing budget management, ticket sales, vendor relations, and the event schedule to ensure a seamless and impactful experience.• Coordinated Project Logistics: Orchestrated the logistics for CCAD’s design projects, including negotiating contracts, fees, and timelines between clients and campus resources to ensure successful project delivery.

• Event Management: Controlled all aspects of planning and delivery of Kenyon College’s three-day athletic center dedication weekend including overall event schedule, budget, and travel arrangements.• Fundraising Management: Provided development and event planning services to CAPA during a transition period including annual gala planning, year-end reporting, and staffing changes.

• Cultivated Strategic Partnerships: Managed the sales, renewal, and fulfillment of sponsorship and corporate membership relationships with major banks, airline, and retail organizations.• VIP Ticketing Strategies: Developed and implemented VIP ticketing strategies for events within and outside CAPA venues, including a shared suite at local sports arena.

Sold computer hardware to State of Ohio, Franklin County, City of Columbus.