Nicholas G. Becerra Email and Phone Number

The Texas legislature commissioned the Center for Transportation Research and the LBJ School of Public Affairs to conduct a research study to examine the organizational deficiencies of the Department of Public Safety’s Driver License Division (DLD). As a Graduate Researcher this past spring, I worked with a research team to execute this study, which included developing research instruments; conducting interviews, workshops and focus groups; engaging in data analysis; and conceptualizing/drafting the final report.In the fall, I worked on a separate research project in partnership with the City of Austin and McCann Adams Studio to assess street tree planting efforts in cities across the country, especially as it relates to combatting heat island effect. Under the direction of Professor Sherri Greenberg, the research team engaged in a thorough literature review; chose a sample of cities to interview; developed and administered a survey instrument; collected and analyzed data; and wrote a final report following a final presentation of our findings.

Developed and led Fountain House’s government and community relations strategy and advised the President and leadership team on policy changes that impacted Fountain House and its unique approach to mental health recovery. Maintained relationships with key government and community stakeholders and worked with the organization to identify and launch policy advocacy campaigns.

Responsible for raising over $1M from private foundations and corporations. Collaborated with a grant specialist to develop a yearly schedule of grant solicitations/reports and a strategic plan for securing funding for new, existing and special projects. Developed new and maintained current relationships with funders to further engage them. Reached out to key elected officials to develop partnerships, raise the profile of the organization and secure capital and programmatic funding from public sources. Responded to and planned for changes at the city, state and federal level that may impact Fountain House and its approach to mental health recovery.

Managed yearly schedule of grant proposal solicitations. Identify various needs within the community/promote existing projects to secure funding. Cultivated relationships with past, current and prospective foundations. Foundations & Corporations will raise $800,000 in support revenue per year. Managed portfolio of online cultivation and fundraising campaigns from concept to execution. Identified fundraising and marketing opportunities within the organization and developed a cohesive message through email marketing, social media and web promotion that will engage online supporters or raise funds. Online campaigns will raise $200,000 of support revenue per year.

Co-managed Fountain House’s yearly portfolio of cultivation and fundraising events with support from Director of Special Events which raised over $1.3M per year. Launched and managed social media strategy with Communications Director, building online communities on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Conceptualized and wrote sponsorship proposals/letters, speeches for honorees, e-blasts, event media alerts, acknowledgement letters and other forms of external communication. Managed development department office, including the department budget.

Responsible for managing and executing annual Red Hot Chili Pepper Bike Rally fundraiser with Executive Director. Also responsible for general marketing and advertising of event, which includes contacting local media, writing press releases, and creating flyers/posters. Responsible for contacting prospective and past donors to solicit monetary as well as in-kind donations. Also nominated by board to lead grant proposal project.Responsible for executing direct mail and email campaign for the annual appeal. Other duties as assigned by Executive Director.

General administrative duties including: answering phones, filing paperwork, screening applicant inquiries.Performed research for the Cox School of Business policy review pertaining to alumni class audits. Assisted with special events and competitions that were coordinated by the Assistant Dean of Student Services.Assisted Associate Dean of Graduate Programs with annual Cox Scholars "Week on Wall Street" event in NYC.

General administrative duties.Researched fundraising and grant opportunities for non-profit organizations. Contacted members to attend networking events and galas organized by the GVCCC.