Saúl Valdez Email & Phone Number

Los Angeles, Ca, Us

Los Angeles, California, United States

Promoted to senior program office role in January 2023 to spearhead portfolio management, overseeing the distribution of millions of dollars in funds to organizations focused on systems change in higher education. Generated intuitive reports to optimize decision-making and presented funding opportunities to the foundation’s Board of Directors. Identified and managed third-party consultants, including third-party researchers, technical assistance providers and evaluation partners.Constructed a robust grantmaking strategy with hundreds of grantees and partners. Pioneered the Men of Color Initiative, a first-of-its-kind grantmaking strategy to support colleges and universities in adopting equity-centered programs and practices for males of color; generated a $20M funding commitment across 5 years. Headed project management for the Catalyzing Transfer Initiative in 2020, a national shared learning and collaboration effort across 5 high-impact grantees on transfer and credit mobility with $4.5M in funding.Consistently developed portfolio-specific and foundation-wide strategy and process documents. Demonstrated ability to foster relationships for potential co-funding opportunities with other leaders in the postsecondary sector to support student persistence toward bachelor degree attainment.

Seattle, Washington, United States

Managed a philanthropic donor portfolio totaling 8-figure funds while providing research and grantmaking consulting to 50+ philanthropists by leveraging foundation relations. Constructed and commanded the Youth Grantmaking Board, leading initiatives that allowed 20+ youth to learn about local issues, invest in local nonprofits, and build the next generation of philanthropists. Leveraged exceptional communication and critical thinking skills to review research on cross-sector collaborations and identify investment and donor engagement opportunities. Previously served as Seattle Region Partnership Intern through a public-private partnership housed at the Foundation, orchestrating regional workshops to identify new ways to increase middle-income jobs and student career pathways. Coordinated manufacturing and maritime, and healthcare convening to identify new ways to increase the number of middle-income jobs in Seattle. Also planned workshops for the Seattle Chamber’s Region Leadership Conference and Education Workshop to help develop ties between employers and community groups.

Houston, Texas, United States

Selected as 1 of 500 fellows chosen for Education Pioneers’ leadership development program, a competitive fellowship for MPA and MBA students who have a passion for K-20 education. Placed at a local think-tank in Houston; developed and launched a robust city-wide outreach effort to inform 2,500 English and Spanish-speaking families about the renewed FAFSA and TAFSA financial aid process.Conducted data analysis and researched best practices in student support. Produced a public-facing Tableau dashboard that compared higher education institution pathways for students and adult learners.Selected as 1 of 500 fellows chosen for Education Pioneers’ leadership development program. Developed and launched a robust city-wide outreach effort to inform 2,500 English and Spanish-speaking families about the renewed FAFSA and TAFSA financial aid process. Explored and synthesized data from higher institutions to produce recommendations on improving student success.

Seattle, Washington, United States

Selected as the sole graduate student intern to work with the Loaned Executive Team for the fall of 2015. Championed strategic fundraising efforts by assisting local corporations in executing successful workplace campaigns. Served as the spokesperson for United Way at over 10 campaign events while leading project planning and execution for multiple strategies focused on fundraising and portfolio expansion.Leveraged extensive communication skills to build relationships and educate hundreds of company volunteers on the value of United Way and King County’s health and human services. Guided event planning and public speaking for assigned portfolio accounts.

Atlanta, Georgia, United States

Steered program development and administration for the Latino Youth Leadership Academy Programs, overseeing 5 teachers and 5 interns to serve over 125 middle and high school students each year. Recruited and trained more than 200 undergraduate and graduate student volunteers to execute the annual Latino Youth Leadership Conference, which attracted over 2,000 participants.Developed a database of all participating high school students to track and monitor student progress and fulfillment of high school graduation requirements. Liaised between cluster feeder schools, the organization, partners, and higher education institutions to drive on-time graduation and student success; enabled over 60 students to successfully graduate. Coordinated and organized the LAA Parent Advisory Committee, which helped drive local school and community-based events.

Lincoln, Nebraska, United States

Led program development and implementation for 5 highly engaging youth programs that served over 100 students daily to develop personal growth, health, and community awareness skills. Guided records management and maintenance, arranging and filing documents for the City of Lincoln Parks and Recreation Department. Translated all written company communications into Spanish as the interpreter, effectively serving Spanish-speaking clients and enhancing the overall experience.

Lincoln, Nebraska, United States

Delivered one-to-one supportive services and mentoring to the Nebraska College Preparatory Academy, a college-prep program for 80 first-generation high school students that would cover their college tuition after successfully completing the program and graduating from partner high schools in Grand Island and Omaha, Nebraska.Designed the curriculum and directed the implementation of the Summer Institute of Promising Scholars, a summer-long residential program for 30 incoming first-generation, first-year students enrolled at UNL where each student learned college navigations skills and received 4 academic credits in math and English.

Master Of Public Administration (Mpa), Non-Profit/Public/Organizational Management

Activities and Societies: Chair of Working Group on Recruitment, Retention and Safe Spaces, Partnership for Community and Diversity.

Nonprofit Management Certificate, Non-Profit/Public/Organizational Management

Bachelor Of Science - Bs, International Business

Activities and Societies: University of Nebraska Union Board Member (2009 - 2010) and Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities.

Bachelor Of Arts - Ba, Spanish Language And Literature

Activities and Societies: Executive President (2011-2012) and Vice-President (2009-2010), Phi Alpha Chapter - Sigma Lambda Beta.