Susan Schafron Email & Phone Number

Toronto, On, Ca

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Provide strategic, operational and team effectiveness leadership and oversight to achieve revenue and relationship goals. Oversee team of 3 writing, stewardship and operations professionals. Expertise in strategy development and implementation contributed to increasing revenue by 40% in 4 years (during 2+ years of COVID restrictions) in a predominantly Major Gift environment. In less than 2 years (again, during COVID), built a new high-performing team of 7 fundraising professionals from 2 legacy staff. Instituted a planning process involving entire team, resulting in very high engagement and accountability, clarity of direction and responsibility, that leveraged expertise of every team member – setting the foundation for stellar revenue results and a positive team environment. In October 2023, took on role of Interim VP with added responsibilities, including a deeper level of involvement in donor strategy (team, CEO, Board-level Advancement Committee of volunteers), participation in Executive Committee and oversight of entire Advancement Team of 7, and addition of 2 direct reports.

Toronto, Canada Area

Recruited to oversee, develop and advance structures and processes required for the smooth operation of the new Foundation. Partnered with Foundation President, Board Chair and Nominating & Governance Committee Chair to develop documents and processes to lay groundwork for effective, continued governance of new Foundation. Overhauled volunteer award program, including revision of criteria and composition of nomination and selection committees, to bring rigour and transparency without diminishing previous efforts. Developed $2M revenue and expense budgets and high-level plan approved by Investment & Finance Committee and Board of Directors. Directed team of 4 responsible for annual giving, data, alumni/donor relations and events.

Toronto, Canada Area

Spearheaded and led teams in the development and launch of $40 million Resounding! The Campaign for The Royal Conservatory, which raised 76% of goal in 11 months. Initiated first prospect review involving the full Board to actively build a major gift pipeline, leading to the excellent early results achieved in the Resounding! campaign. Developed and executed plan to increase scholarship support, including leadership of senior volunteer committee in raising $1.57M (20% increase). Initiated comprehensive engagement and fundraising plans for key donor group and Board alumni. Developed and oversaw implementation of Major Gift and Stewardship Plans. Directed a team of 4 fundraising and stewardship professionals.

Toronto, Canada Area

Oversaw team of 19 providing prospect research, strategic writing, stewardship, gift planning and data expertise to Major Gifts, Planned Giving and Corporate Partnerships fundraisers across Canada. Coached fundraisers on business plan development, fundraising strategy and revenue ($38.7M) and direct expense ($1.4M) budgets. Prepared and delivered presentations and reports for the Board and senior executives. Planned and implemented a national re-organization to improve ROI, saving $200K annually, re-aligning roles to areas of expertise and improving morale. Provided coaching and direct involvement in pitch to a top-tier foundation, resulting in $205K grant. Built mutual understanding with Finance department to effect organizational change on new national budgeting tool and new method of setting and reporting of budgets and results.

Toronto, Canada Area

Oversaw 12 staff (Leadership Gifts, Major Gifts, National Campaigns, Campaign Operations) providing processes and tools to enable effective cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of corporate and individual donors. Developed and oversaw implementation of the Operations Business Plan to address the analysis, planning, execution, monitoring and training requirements of a $116+M annual campaign. Provided leadership in risk management. Member of lead team in multi-million dollar selection and implementation of new CRM system. Developed and led change management plan for 70-member department. Initiated transformation of the pledge-form vehicle that decreased operational risk, reflected the brand better, provided opportunities for increased customization to increase donations and improved efficiency resulting in cost savings of ~$50K annually on materials alone. Provided genuine mentorship to a high-performing team resulting in two nominations for living the organizational values, demonstrating excellence and embracing leadership – an annual award for staff.

Toronto, Canada Area

Coached and motivated 6 professional fundraisers in the achievement of $18 million annually (20% of the organizational goal). Oversaw Training & Communications Team, which provided training on mission, impact and fundraising best practices to hundreds of senior volunteers and workplace volunteers. Developed and delivered training to fundraising department on critical strategies: goal setting, preparation for corporate solicitation, managing senior volunteers and other sensitive topics. Decreased training program costs by 43% ($16K) over 3 years.

Toronto, Canada Area

Developed and executed strategies to increase corporate philanthropic gifts and support to workplace campaigns from a portfolio of 60 supporters annually: increased revenue by $1.8 million or 18% over 3 years, and secured 30 new accounts in one year with a combined worth of more than $350K. Collaborated with senior volunteers to maximize their leverage, develop rationale and negotiate corporate gift increases.

Toronto, Canada Area

Developed annual marketing plan to help increase revenue by 35% over 2 years to more than $5.8 million. Created promotional tools for field staff use. Planned, presented and facilitated training sessions for 100+ provincial field staff and provided ongoing coaching.

Toronto, Canada Area

Developed and implemented the Volunteer Recruitment Plan, Training Plan and Check-in Centre Plan. Recruited and managed 500 volunteers. Co-recipient of the HSFO Spotlight Award.

Bachelor Of Fine Arts (Bfa) In Graphic Design

Co-Op Education Diploma, Marketing Management