Scott Podraza Email & Phone Number

Chicago, Illinois, United States

Responsible for the leadership, strategy, development, and execution of a comprehensive, state-of-the-art, multi-channel direct-response fundraising program. Oversee the management of two key donor societies, the Friends of Lyric ($50-$5,000) and the Patron Program ($5,000-$25,000)Collaborate with colleagues in prospect management, major giving, and planned giving to identify and develop a pipeline of new major donors. Supervise and expand development services processes, including gift processing, acknowledgment, and reporting. Maximize database potential, explore new ecosystem partners, and improve efficiencies in development operations.Ensure the delivery of donor privileges and benefits for Friends and Patrons, while developing and executing strategies that shift focus from transactional to philanthropic motivations for giving, Design and implement new programs in telephone and digital fundraising.Oversee a staff of six and be accountable for the team’s results in direct mail strategy, digital fundraising, telephone fundraising, and other direct-response efforts, as well as gift processing, acknowledgment, and reporting.

Greater Chicago Area

Responsible for the leadership, strategy, development, and execution of a comprehensive, state-of-the-art, multi-channel direct-response fundraising program. Oversee the management of two key donor societies, the Friends of Lyric ($50-$5,000) and the Patron Program ($5,000-$25,000)Collaborate with colleagues in prospect management, major giving, and planned giving to identify and develop a pipeline of new major donors. Ensure the delivery of donor privileges and benefits for Friends and Patrons, while developing and executing strategies that shift focus from transactional to philanthropic motivations for giving, Design and implement new programs in telephone and digital fundraising.Oversee a staff of two and will be accountable for the team’s results in direct mail strategy, digital fundraising, telephone fundraising, and other direct-response efforts.

Greater Chicago Area

Maintain the Lyric's Membership Renewal Notice system (MRN), including renewal of major gifts, project support, leadership giving, and annual fund. These efforts include monthly, bi-monthly, and quarterly solicitation letter cycles; direct mail efforts; automated multi-touch email solicitations; and personal portfolio management. Representing more than $7 million annually.Project lead the Valhalla Circle, offer exciting donor benefits centered around our 4-year commitment to producing Wagner's Ring cycle. Circle support more than tripled in its second year. The initial 4-year goal was completed in the first 22 months. The campaign is projected to finish 75% above goal.Partner with Annual Giving team to produce copy and additional assets for direct mail, email, digital advertising, text messaging, website, and video fundraising.Instituted new mass stewardship efforts: Donor Serenade, an e-newsletter with content showcasing the impact of donor support, and a Season Welcome Package with customized letter, membership card, and invitations.Produced four editions of the company’s Annual Report, collaborating with each department of the organization to represent the successes of our season.Redeveloped donation pages with Adage Technologies to allow for more a more specific and robust online giving experience. One of two Tessitura power users for the department and member of the organization's Tessitura Advisory Group. Served on the Tessitura Learning & Community Conference planning committee in 2017 and presented at the conference in 2013, 2015, 2016, 2018, and 2019.Oversee the Annual Giving team, which includes Donor Relations and Digital Fundraising staff.

Greater Chicago Area

Execute all direct response giving programs, including phone campaign, direct mail appeals, subscription renewal solicitations, eblast solicitations, online campaigns, social media fundraising, and commemorative giving. Manage a portfolio of 15-20 mid-level donors up to $5,000.6% average year-over-year increase in annual support for the past 5 years. In Fiscal Year 2014, a 6% growth in donor retention and a 33% growth in new donor acquisition.Partner with Marketing, Ticket Services and New Media teams to maximize contributions made with ticket and subscription sales.Identify innovative approaches to fundraising, including new opportunities to increase contributed revenue and cultivate new and/or potential donors.Implement new ways of using of the Tessitura database for development needs.Train and oversee development staff on gift processing and reporting, including writing documentation for reports and protocol, and onboarding training programs for new staff.Produce regular contribution reports and campaign analysis.

Greater Chicago Area

B.A., Theatre Arts

Activities and Societies: Alpha Psi Omega

Diploma