Kathryn Wagner Email and Phone Number

Freelance soprano with a particular focus on choral work either within a liturgical setting, symphonic and opera chorus, or choral ensemble.

Led the development and implementation of major gifts and planned giving programs for a prominent university performing arts presenter.Key Responsibilities and Achievements:*Spearheaded the launch and management of major gifts and planned giving programs, significantly enhancing donor engagement and financial support.*Evaluated and optimized fund development strategies across all departmental levels to maximize fundraising effectiveness.*Developed and oversaw patron travel programs on both national and international scales, enhancing donor cultivation and engagement efforts.*Advised the Chief Development Officer on strategic initiatives, including developing and launching an endowment campaign to ensure sustainable funding for future growth and impact.

Interim Director of Development for a prominent university performing arts presenter, acting as a key strategic partner to the Executive and Artistic Director, with a primary responsibility to grow the organization's revenue to support an ambitious new strategic direction. Serve as a member of the Executive and Artistic Director's Direct Reports Team, and an active participant in making strategic decisions affecting the organization. Key Responsibilities:*Oversight of all department budgeting and fundraising efforts ($6M+ annual goal).*Organizational leadership, including strategic planning and implementation.*Oversight of forthcoming launch of an endowment campaign, in consultation with campaign consultant.*Principal gifts fundraising and partnership with the central campus University Development and Alumni Relations staff on coordinated solicitation strategies of selected donors and prospects.*Development team co-management alongside part-time Interim Chief Development Officer.*Board of Trustee and volunteer relations.

As Program Director for a pivotal initiative within a $5B fundraising campaign ($350M arts goal), I collaborated closely with university leadership including the Chancellor, Provost, Campus Architect, and Associate Vice Chancellor for Development. Leading a team of three, I oversaw two advisory boards—one internal (comprising deans and faculty) and one external—to ensure effective stewardship and strategic alignment.Key Achievements:*Directed arts-focused capital projects encompassing theaters, renovations, and innovation hubs, ensuring their successful development and execution.*Commissioned new works of art, secured public art loans, and developed innovative public arts programming that further embedded the arts into campus life.*Campaign events design, programming, and execution including principal gift prospect dinners, receptions at the chancellor’s home, and campaign close celebration.*Orchestrated a national Creative Placemaking Leadership Conference in 2022, welcoming 250+ leaders across arts, placemaking, economic development, and nonprofits.*Developed and implemented comprehensive initiative programs, including:—Campus arts grants programs allocating over $100k annually to foster curiosity, community building, and equity and inclusion.—Cross-disciplinary academic courses in the arts, annually impacting 300+ non-arts majors.—Innovative collaborations with the Orange County Arts Commission and the Town of Chapel Hill to enrich communities and support local economic growth.—Established recurring fellowships and initiatives to attract and retain graduate students in the arts.

Led the Marketing and Communications Department for a prestigious university performing arts presenting program, overseeing comprehensive branding initiatives and strategic communications efforts.Key Achievements:*Directed the organizational rebranding initiative, including redesigning the logo and website to enhance brand identity and user experience.*Skillfully managed multiple significant PR challenges, ensuring effective crisis communication and maintaining the program's reputation.*Crafted speeches for campus leadership including the university president, aligning messages with institutional goals and enhancing public perception.

Supported the senior publicist and founder in managing the client list of a prominent public relations firm, overseeing artist tour schedules, social media platforms, and national press coverage.Key Responsibilities and Achievements:*Collaborated closely with senior team members to manage artist tour schedules and ensure effective client representation.*Orchestrated successful national press coverage for the Minnesota Orchestra’s historic tour to Cuba, enhancing the orchestra's international visibility.*Partnered with violinist Jennifer Koh to develop and publish engaging travel blog posts for her Bridge to Beethoven programming, expanding audience engagement and promoting cultural exchange.*Assisted conductor James Conlon in the strategic announcement of a new appointment to the RAI National Symphony Orchestra, effectively managing publicity and media relations.

Managed a front-of-house staff of 20 and a back-of-house staff of 15 at this high-volume NYC restaurant. Responsible for hiring, scheduling, inventory, sales and promotions, and compliance with Department of Health standards, among other tasks.

One of three managers sent to NYC to open the first Manhattan location for the National company.