Sue Ward Email & Phone Number

Chicago, Il, Us

Atlanta, Georgia, United States

The National Sr. Director, Special Events is part of an integrated team that aligns volunteer leadership, mission execution, field staff management, and revenue generation to expand and empower individuals nationwide to boldly address arthritis through living better lives and finding a cure. The National Sr. Director, Special Events is responsible for the overall strategic direction and management of the community events program, ensuring its seamless integration within the integrated team and that resources and strategy are deployed to build an extensive nationwide network of volunteers, supported by highly trained foundation experts who helps the volunteers achieve maximum success in fundraising of the Arthritis Foundation priorities.

Wheaton, Illinois

• Direct oversite of strategy development and the integrated execution of an annual fundraising plan generating $3.8M in yearly income.• Developed the tactics and staffing plans to improve the fundraising program and successfully increase annual income by $2.6M in less than two years.• Responsible for oversite and strategic guidance of six direct reports in all functional areas of fundraising and marketing. These areas include Corporate Relations, Retail Corporate Procurement, Individual Giving and Major Gifts, Special Events, Grants, and Marketing.• Serves as part of the Senior Leadership Team for two large-scale affiliates in the Chicagoland area.• Cultivates strong relationships with board members, donors, prospects, and the philanthropic community to keep the institution's financial needs in forefront.• Generates financial resources for the organization through corporate and individual sponsorships, grants, and special events.

Chicago, Illinois

• Leads the development and execution of an integrated strategic plan for advancing the chapter’s donor development program. Including revenue growth and stewardship strategies focused on major gifts, institutional giving, foundation giving, planned giving and donor stewardship activity. Directs the donor development department to ensure high potential donors are identified and cultivated across all campaigns and activities of the chapter. • Cultivates and stewards relationships with key prospects within the chapter’s chartered area. Leads chapter in the development of a pipeline of prospective donors at individual and major gift levels with an overall goal of $3.1M.• Leads the chapter’s interaction and collaboration with National Office donor development team to secure major gifts and work on lead projects. Also, work closely with National Office team to set chapter DD goals / initiatives and provide metrics of chapter’s DD activities.• Ensures that donors and prospects are informed of research advances, etc. through communication and donor research events.• Direct management of all staff in the areas of logistics, marketing, and volunteer engagement.• Responsible for the overall vision, coordination, and implementation of the Society’s volunteer engagement program, marketing and communication plans.• Responsible for building organizational capacity by establishing a robust and meaningful culture of volunteer engagement that aligns with the strategic plan. With oversight of cross-departmental trainings, curation of volunteer recognition and retention programs and identifying future volunteer needs. • Serves as the primary liaison to prominent volunteers and to Board of Trustees.

Greater Chicago Area

• Implemented the comprehensive strategic plan for LLS fundraising campaigns which includes organizational best practices, specific revenue and expense budget, timeline, logistics, volunteer activities and recruitment, marketing, logistics and sponsorship plan for each event with overall goal of $2.3M.• Developed positive volunteer interactions through recruitment, mentoring, and providing comprehensive support for volunteer leadership and participants to develop and achieve personal fundraising plans, while focusing on the mission of LLS.• Implemented organizational best practices with regard to recruiting and managing high level volunteers, revenue generation activities, expense and fiscal controls and marketing/promotions and logistics resulting in chapter revenue growth and achievement of revenue goals.• Responsible for supervising and training campaign and support staff in the delivery of special events, chapter marketing, volunteer development, and chapter logistics. • Identified target audiences and build appropriate recruitment and fundraising strategies to successfully recruit, acknowledge, and retain and upgrade event donors/participants.• Responsible for building organizational capacity by establishing a robust and meaningful culture of volunteer engagement that aligns with the strategic plan. With oversight of cross-departmental trainings, curation of volunteer recognition and retention programs and identifying future volunteer needs. • Evaluated the effectiveness of the on-going fundraising campaign(s), including fundraising efficiency (cost/expense), community engagement, event satisfaction, and overall success of the campaign.• Ensured media, material, in-kind and cash sponsorships are secured through a coordinated plan that includes proposal development, prospect identification, cultivation, retention and recognition.• Direct manager of all staff in the areas of fundraising campaign, logistics, marketing, and volunteer engagement.

Greater Chicago Area

• Responsible for leading client relationships for nonprofits and business partners within the US.• Examined fundraising programs from top to bottom, using both qualitative and quantitative methodology to help prioritize staff and monetary resources and develop plans for organizational growth to reach fundraising potential.• Engaged nonprofit staff, leadership, volunteers, and donors in discussion about what they are trying to accomplish and how to get there. • Developed roadmaps for staffing and fundraising success for and in collaboration with nonprofit leadership. This included, but was not limited to, comprehensive presentations, documented reports, and white papers on all discovery findings, opportunities, and outlines for success.• Presented on findings and lead discussions with nonprofit leadership to correct the course of struggling peer-to-peer fundraising programs.• Worked with organizations pursuing major fundraising initiatives, helping nonprofits reinvigorate stalled campaigns, and guiding organizations with a history of fundraising success as they pursue their most ambitious campaigns to date.• Managed internal and external account teams to achieve all aspects of each scope of work.• Analyzed and assisted with every aspect of peer-to-peer platforms, from materials and calendars to plans and strategies.• Conducted and developed peer-to-peer fundraising training sessions for national nonprofit organizations.• Authored blog postings on topics pertaining to leadership, fundraising, volunteerism, and strategy.

Greater Chicago Area

Developed and implemented the first nationwide, grassroots brain tumor volunteer program – ABTA CommYOUnity™, a nationwide volunteer network. Responsible for the vision, mission, policies and procedures, and integration of the national volunteer program. Design the infrastructure of national volunteer program. Including, but not limited to, applications, agreements, position descriptions, tracking, evaluations, training and orientation for all staff, Board of Directors, and volunteers. Advanced the national volunteer network with the creation of the first brain tumor one-on-one peer mentoring program in the nation, the ABTA CommYOUnity™ Connect, a peer support network. Responsible for the vision, policies and procedures, and database design. While overseeing the recruitment, interviews, onboarding, schedule, and partnering of volunteers to support the peer to peer matching program. Facilitates efforts to bring resources and events of the organization to the local brain tumor communities ensuring that the volunteer experience is easy to access, meaningful to the volunteer and productive for the ABTA. Develops budgets for the national volunteer network and manages financial resources within the approved budget to ensure good stewardship. Provides leadership for the volunteers and staff while directing the execution of an effective online presence for volunteer activities. Works with the CEO and the Advancement team to develop volunteer-to-donor and donor-to-volunteer initiatives, to increase individual donations from volunteers in appropriate ways that align with best practices. Builds and cultivates strong relationships with key community and corporate partners.Identifies opportunities for new volunteer partnerships and programs. Develops, formalizes, and implements strategic community relations and volunteer activities that strengthen the ABTA’s capacity and reach in support of programs and events.

Central Region

Facilitates training, in collaboration with division staff and trainers, to meet the staff and volunteers needs in area of Distinguished Events & Giving including, but not limited to: Major Gifts, Corporate Sales, Gala, Golf, special events and fundamentals for ACS. Ensure learning opportunities meet field/division needs while aligning to enterprise strategy.  Member of the Central Area training team with a focus on Distinguished Events and Giving and professional development training for national staff and volunteers. Delivers and facilitates training for Distinguished Events & Giving staff to support and meet organizational goals and support ongoing learning and development. Designs, manages and implements training plan for assigned area/divisions.  Among the key competencies is the ability to design and deliver training, manage the learning function, measure and evaluate the results of training, and manage organizational knowledge. Manages the training functions to ensure that it meets its objectives and delivers a return on investments. Designs training curriculum for staff and volunteers based on skill sets, adult learning, and overall outcome of advancing the organization through learning opportunities.

Greater Chicago Area

•Member of Division wide strategic direction team responsible for multiple fundraising platforms. Works with leadership to determine appropriate strategic direction for a portfolio of more than $47.3 million.•Serves as consultant to 12 regional offices. Providing consistent customer service, problem solving, training, direct support, and guidance.•Key relationship-holder for Fortune 1000 partners. Responsible for developing partnerships, increasing revenue, and engaging new corporations. Increased revenue by 17% in the last calendar year. Revenue totals over $1.6M statewide and $18.1M nationally.•Serves as member of nationwide decision making committees developing strategies and processes for retention, acquisition and ongoing evaluation of customer experience. Also works with national team to determine promotional products, marketing resources, print on demand materials, and recognition for participants.•Project manager for sponsorship programs within multiple fundraising platforms. Including development of packages, relationships with leadership within companies, retention of current sponsors, recruitment of new sponsors, and division wide training of staff and volunteers. Generating over $3M annually.•Responsible for critical thinking and data analysis, including utilizing data for strategy development, income growth, retention of participants, increase in customer experience, and staff and volunteer training. •Developed division training curriculum specific to onboarding of new event staff, continued learning, and Society volunteer development. Comprehensive focus on recruitment, marketing, engagement, event fundamentals, income growth, conflict resolution, strategic planning, goal setting, sales, and volunteer development.

Chicago

Contributes to and implements a successful Illinois Division Relay For Life Program that ensures current growth and viability and follows expectations of a comprehensive multi-year strategic plan. •Develop and implement strategies to maintain yearly income growth as determined by Vice President, Annual Giving and Director, Relay For Life•Responsible for maintaining a comprehensive Relay For Life Training Program •Selects, positions and utilizes human, technological and fiscal resources to reach the Division’s objectives.•Assists in the coordination and facilitation of all RFL Division Training,•Serve as a consultant to the field and provide consistent customer service and guidance.•Contributes to the development and implementation of a comprehensive communication and cultivation plan for RFL donors, participants and volunteers. •Develops programs and activities, which position the American Cancer Society for the future and prioritizes issues ad makes decisions based on relevance to Illinois Division objectives. •Acts as a catalyst for change and encourages and supports others in their change efforts. •Participate in developing strategic plan increasing and retaining individuals and teams at recognition levels..•Oversee recognition programs and year –round CRM for key customer segments.•Responsible for developing relationships at the Regional or Corporate level to increase National Team and Non – National Team engagement and revenue.•Lead staff for sponsorship programs and workgroups. Track sponsorship asks, retention and be available to help solicit sponsorship.•Partner with the Division Communications team to ensure experience of E-communications and print materials to support strategic outcomes.•Participate and coordinate collateral development for special events.

Oakbrook Terrace, Il

• Responsible for providing staff leadership to ensure strong income campaigns in assigned areas.• Responsible for leading solicitation efforts of corporations in DuPage area.• Responsible for providing event reports for region.• Responsible for budgeting for events in DuPage County.• Responsible for working closely with volunteers in communities.• Accurately and effectively represents the American Cancer Society.• Aggressively works toward event goals and overall assigned income success.• Identifies opportunities for Cancer Programs, Workplace Giving, and Communications/Public Affairs.• Responsible for identifying opportunities for the development of Cancer Programs and Workplace Giving.

Oakbrook Terrace, Il

The Corporate Relations Manager acts as the primary relationship manager for partners at regions larger employeer companies and identified Illinois Priority Accounts. The CRM develops new and renews existing corporate partnerships at the Regional, Divisional and National level. The CRM strategically develops partnerships with Fortune 1000 companies and Illinois Priority Accounts that will significantly increase ACS' ability to reach the 2015 goals. The CRM focuses on accessing large employers (>1,000) with ACS health initiative program; increases revenue through income development activities including: payroll deduction, cause related marketing, corporate sponsorships; and promotes employee engagement programs around Relay For Life and Making Strides Against Breast Cancer programs. As an integral part of the Division's mission outreach/fundraising efforts, the CRM plays a significant leadership role in crafting opportunities, cultivating account executives and soliciting funds to achieve divisional health initiative and income development goals. The Corporate Relations Manager manages an annual giving portfolio of $1,000,000 - $1,500,000 and a required new cause related marketing growth portfolio of $100,000. Responsible for identifying and recruiting volunteer leaders to achieve identified health initiative, income goals, and board member leadership.Responsible for working with executive level workplace leaders.Responsible for relationship building, business development, and sales.Responsible for developing and making presentations to senior management and/or corporate executives.

Tinley Park, Il

Responsible for following, implementing and successfully executing Division Income Development strategic plan of action. Identified opportunities for the development of Cancer Programs and Workplace Giving. Assists with execution of Division-led marketing communications, media relations and advocacy strategies as assigned.Successfully planned and executed special events in order to raise funds in support of the mission of the American Cancer Society.Reached all income goals for 5 community Relay For Life events.Ensured strong logistical coordination for assigned events, including communications, sponsorships, event management, volunteer partnerships, and media integration.Assertively promoted the American Cancer Society to community members, potential donors, and assigned business partners within the Region.Identified and executed market opportunities by networking with key community members, organizations, and associations.Identified and recruited volunteers for the purpose of raising funds for the American Cancer Society. Provided training and direction to volunteers; builds volunteer structure to ensure success.Developed, managed, leveraged, communicated with and executed CRM strategies with key community relationships and accounts; including event leaders, businesses, teams, participants schools and organizations towards achievement of American Cancer Society, Illinois Division, Inc. priorities and fundraising outcomes.Utilized specific measures of desired outcomes to assess event performance, such as analysis forms, campaign summary reports, monthly/quarterly monitoring. Maintain accurate records of operation. Responsible for accurate and timely reporting of event status, revenue projections, and other information as required. Coordinated appropriate retention of income and donor records as required by SIEBEL and other database/record keeping requirements.

Joliet

Responsible for developing an environment that creates excitement for guests and employees, promoting and retaining a highly skilled work force. Also responsible for identifying, cultivating and bringing casino high value customers to the casino or sister location. Results driven with skills in building and leveraging a powerful internal and external network to develop new casino customers, and maintain productive relationships with existing customers to insure repeat visits to casino. Portfolio of 1000 + VIP customers across the US with $25,000,000.00 potential.Responsible for generating casino revenue through development of VIP accounts while maximizing existing revenue streams utilizing our active databases and implementing creative marketing programs.Responsible for building loyalty among valued VIP customers by developing relationships effectively utilizing marketing and upscale sales techniques.Responsible for maintaining relationships with VIP guests through personal contact by phone and in person with the ultimate goal of maximizing gaming revenue goals.Responsible for a significant amount of time customer facing; participating in special events and social functions.Responsible for anticipating, responding to and consistently exceeding the needs of guests including, but not limited to, transportation and accommodation arrangements.Coordination as needed with VIP Concierge team to lead to successful delivery of pre-trip itinerary; leveraging partnerships throughout the property (Gaming, Hotel, Food & Beverage, etc.) to maximize smooth, high end service delivery.Established, coordinated, and lead both on and off-property VIP events. Extensive travel to Harrah's properties across the US.Handled difficult guests and situations in a calm, professional and prudent manner.Reached all goals and bonus levels during tenor.Supports and cultivates new ideas and methods to deliver business solutions.

Joliet

Owned all aspects of strategic relationships with a specific group of 500-1000 VIP players for whom the direct account development, relationship building and service while on property. Focused on developing a lasting, growth-oriented relationship with each customer through a combination of in-person and on the phone sales activities. Responsible for generating casino revenue through development of VIP accounts while maximizing existing revenue streams utilizing our active databases and implementing creative marketing programs. Responsible for building loyalty among valued VIP customers by developing relationships effectively utilizing marketing and upscale sales techniques.Responsible for maintaining relationships with VIP guests through personal contact by phone and in person with the ultimate goal of maximizing gaming revenue goals.Responsible for a significant amount of time customer facing; participating in special events and social functions.Responsible for anticipating, responding to and consistently exceeding the needs of guests including, but not limited to, transportation and accommodation arrangements.Coordination as needed with VIP Concierge team to lead to successful delivery of pre-trip itinerary; leveraging partnerships throughout the property (Gaming, Hotel, Food & Beverage, etc.) to maximize smooth, high end service delivery.Established, coordinated, and lead both on and off-property VIP events.Handled difficult guests and situations in a calm, professional and prudent manner.Fully empowered with comping authority.Supports and cultivates new ideas and methods to deliver business solutions.Identified ways to increase efficiencies or improve product or service.Stayed up to date with the latest developments in the industry, current market trends and all on-property and competitor events.