Looking for a job

Michael Collins

@michaelcollins1

Message

I lead nonprofit fundraising, donor stewardship, and engagement operations.

United States

Message

What I'm looking for

I'm looking to lead fundraising, donor stewardship, and advancement operations for a mission-driven organization, building strong teams, donor engagement strategies, communications, and sustainable revenue growth.

I've led advancement, donor relations, and stewardship operations for iMentor, SOS Children's Villages Illinois, Safe & Sound, and other mission-driven organizations. At iMentor, I directed stewardship initiatives, gift processing, Salesforce database management, donor communications, and organization-wide forecasting.

I've managed teams and revenue programs ranging from annual fundraising to major gifts, grants, capital campaigns, and events. At SOS Children's Villages Illinois, I launched an annual fundraising event that raised approximately $125,000 in its first year, while at Safe & Sound I managed a $1.3 million headquarters capital campaign.

I bring a practical, relationship-centered approach to donor engagement, communications, budgets, and event strategy. Across prior roles, I increased special-event revenue by approximately 40%, grew giving by approximately 20%, and supported programs generating millions in annual revenue.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Managing Director, Philanthropic Operations

iMentor

Apr 2024 - Jul 2026 (2 years 3 months)

Directed planning and execution of stewardship initiatives to improve donor engagement and retention. Led team managing gift processing, Salesforce database, and knowledge management resources.

Donor Relations Stewardship Salesforce Gift Processing Knowledge Management Forecasting Marketing Communication Skills

Chief Advancement Officer

SOS Children's Villages Illinois

Sep 2022 - Dec 2023 (1 year 3 months)

Managed a team of three advancement staff and achieved annual revenue goal of approximately $2 million. Implemented new fundraising initiatives including a new annual event and major gifts initiative.

Fundraising Team Management Strategic Planning Major Gifts Event Planning External Communications

Director of Development and External Affairs

Safe & Sound

Aug 2020 - Sep 2022 (2 years 1 month)

Managed a team of four and achieved annual revenue goal of approximately $2.3 million. Supervised all fundraising events and managed a $1.3 million capital campaign for new headquarters.

Fundraising Team Management Capital Campaigns Event Management Communication Skills Media Relations

Communications and Development Director

CASA of Brown County

Jun 2017 - Dec 2019 (2 years 6 months)

Supervised all fundraising events and grew giving by approximately 20%. Managed communications including website, social media, and written correspondences.

Fundraising Event Management Communication Skills Social Media Budget Management Vendor Management

Development and Communications Manager

Equip for Equality

Apr 2016 - May 2017 (1 year 1 month)

Managed grants process and supervised fundraising events. Created communications and marketing materials for internal and external audiences.

Grant writing Fundraising Event Management Communication Skills Marketing Budget Management

Senior Advancement Officer

Envision Unlimited

Oct 2013 - Jan 2016 (2 years 3 months)

Supervised special event fundraising and increased revenue by approximately 40%. Managed foundation and grant application process to reach annual goal of $900,000.

Fundraising Grant writing Event Management Marketing Budget Management Vendor Management

Assistant Director of Alumni Relations and Development

University of Chicago

Nov 2011 - Oct 2013 (1 year 11 months)

Planned special events for alumni and donors, managed meetings and lectures, and created engagement plans for alumni. Managed budgets and worked with Graphic Arts for promotional materials.

Alumni Relations Event Planning Budget Management Communication Skills Presentation Skills

Senior Manager of Corporate Volunteer Events

Chicago Cares

Jun 2010 - Nov 2011 (1 year 5 months)

Supervised one-day corporate volunteer projects engaging nearly 7,500 volunteers and raising approximately $1.2 million annually. Coordinated multi-site events and managed a team of five.

Event Management Volunteer Management Team Leadership Corporate Sponsorships Vendor Management