* Processing of daily, weekly, and monthly gifts. * Generation of annual statements, acknowledgement letters and tax receipts* Data management, including updating donor information and performing data hygiene including duplicate merging and account changes such as deceased, address changes, and billing updates* Donor relations, including troubleshooting donor inquiries, managing sustaining donor portfolio, processing in-house cultivation, stewardship, and solicitation mailings

* Identified, cultivated solicited, and stewarded current and prospective foundation donors in Central and South Texas at the $10,000+ level.* Developed and executed ongoing regional strategy for donors to ensure retention, growth of donor contributions, and recapture of previous donors. * Worked collaboratively with development and other departments to create customized solicitation strategies matching the objectives of the organization and the interests of the donor. * Met personal annual revenue target ($500,000) by working with assigned portfolio of foundation donors and prospects. * Delivered grant follow-up and final reports to foundations as required.* Maintained donor and prospect files in Sales Force.

* Researched and developed grant proposals for private foundations, government agencies and corporate philanthropies* Created strategy plans for engagement and solicitation* Drafted follow-up reports and other materials for donor reporting and internal record keeping* Maintained tracking systems for submitted proposals and fostered relationships with benefactors* Coordinated with Development Officer and PR and Marketing Manager to obtain sponsorship for events* Worked closely with Development and Programs staff to ensure program goals are met in accordance with donor requirements* Utilized effective planning skills to achieve effective organizational growth rates* Utilized strong writing and research skills

* Developed, administered and monitored fundraising programs and activities* Identified funding sources and opportunities* Prepared grant applications, proposals, letters, grant reports and other materials* Researched donor prospects and prepared strategy plans for engagement and solicitation* Prepared and presented talks about the organization* Maintained major donor records and major gift prospect lists* Drafted follow-up reports and other materials * Assisted with management and planning of all special events, including event coordination and creation of volunteer assignments and materials* Responsible for tracking and meeting special events budget* Managed event details, logistics, sponsors, solicitation of in-kind donations, and assisted with marketing details including press releases* Worked closely with program staff to ensure grant objectives were met

* Correspondent and weekly columnist for Today’s Zaman, Turkey's largest media outlet* Print and on-air correspondent for BBC, Radio Zinzine (France), Radio Pacifica* Consultant for The History Channel and Oprah Show* Feature article writer for National Geographic* Corporate editor, writer and speechwriter* Owner of Personal Shopper, featured in Washington Post and National Geographic* Freelance reporter for Rivard Report, San Antonio, TX* Outreach and media consultant for Dialogue Institute of the Southwest, San Antonio, TX * Guest speaker on antique Ottoman textiles at the University of the Incarnate Word, San Antonio, TX

• Managed all individual major gifts and fundraising special events.• Prepared annual plans for individual donor program and fundraising events, including dollar goals and timelines.• Managed acquisition, renewal, cultivation, and stewardship of all major donors.• Coordinated logistics for meetings, trips, receptions, and other donor cultivation events.• Planned and coordinated annual silent and live auctions, including solicitation of items, maintenance of database, publicity, on-site preparation and execution and follow-up.

• Provided support for department of seven, Vice President, National Co-Chair and Directors.• Created and produced department annual report.• Researched potential foundation and individual donors.• Co-wrote concept papers for submission to potential donors.• Managed project briefings with donors.• Monitored financial and progress reports submitted by grantees.• Served as liaison between foreign governments, embassies and donor organizations