Steve Blake, M.Ed., FCEP

Experience

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  Baltimore Colts

  Jul 1983 - Mar 1984

  Public Relations Assistant

  Assisted the public relations director as a full-time intern, during which time I developed the NFL's first game-by-game player highlight package for use by network broadcasters and reporters.

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  Salisbury University

  Jul 1984 - Aug 1985

  Assistant Public Relations Director and Sports Information Director

  I spearheaded media relations for this Division III intercollegiate athletics program, gaining regional and national acclaim at the start of its run to perennial national title contention.

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  University of Virginia

  Aug 1985 - Aug 1988

  Assistant Sports Information Director

  While working in media relations for the University's football, basketball, baseball, and swimming programs, I developed a video highlight and interview global distribution system that became an industry standard.

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  Georgetown University

  Aug 1988 - Jul 1989

  Sports Information Director

  I led 18 full and part time staff members in media relations for Georgetown's intercollegiate athletics program (except men's basketball), coordinated advertising sales and assisted in promotions efforts.

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  Towson University

  Jul 1989 - Aug 1991

  Executive Director, The Tiger Club

  By instituting sport-specific athletic alumni programs, a computerized records system, and increasing marketing and promotions efforts, I helped my alma mater's intercollegiate athletics program realize a 62% increase in annual contributions.

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  Northern Kentucky University

  Aug 1991 - Feb 1996

  Executive Director, Norse Athletics Club

  In a market dominated by NCAA Division I university athletics programs and major professional teams, NKU Athletics, a Division II program, saw a 90% increase in revenue from efforts I led in fundraising, marketing, promotions, ticket sales, and guest/community relations.

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  Xavier University

  Jan 1995 - Jan 1996

  Adjunct Faculty Member

  I developed and taught SPMG 642 - Sport Fundraising.

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  University of Rhode Island

  Feb 1996 - Aug 2001

  Executive Director/Assistant Athletic Director

  URI Athletics was consistently in the national spotlight and set records throughout my tenure leading fundraising, marketing and promotions efforts for its 22 intercollegiate sport, club, intramural and recreation sports program.

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  Bucknell University

  Sept 2001 - Oct 2007

  Senior Regional Manager of Major Gifts

  Bucknell is known as a highly selective, private liberal arts college, ranked among the nation's best, providing great outcomes from experiences gained in and outside the classroom. Its alumni, parents and friends are incredibly proud and loyal, and I worked with those in New Jersey and New York City to increase philanthropic support for the university.

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  Mercersburg Academy

  Oct 2007 - Jun 2010

  Senior Director of Major Gifts and Planned Giving

  I took full advantage of a great career opportunity to create and lead a talented team that built philanthropic support of this private, coed, college preparatory boarding school. With approximately 440 students in grades 9-12 and postgraduate, Mercersburg offers 170 courses, including AP and Honors, more than $7 million in financial aid, 26 varsity sports, and a state-of-the-art performing and visual arts center.

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  Penn State University

  Sept 2010 - now

  I inspire philanthropic relationships between Penn State and its alumni, parents and friends, and add value to existing relationships, by providing expertise in creating the most advantageous giving scenario possible. In assisting in communication and cooperation between internal and external constituents, I act as an honest broker to ensure donor intent is clearly communicated and honored in perpetuity. I mentor development and alumni relations colleagues on the complexities of gift planning, conduct subject-matter workshops, and make presentations to prospective donors and volunteers in the use of planned giving vehicles in philanthropy. Show less

  • Gift Planning Officer

    Aug 2017 - now

  • Director of Major Gifts, Smeal College of Business

    Jan 2015 - Aug 2017

  • Director of Development, Research and the Graduate School

    Sept 2010 - Jan 2015