Amy Sheppard

Experience

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  Glacier Wilderness Guides

  Jan 1994 - Sept 2012

  Expedition Leader/Hiking Guide

  In 1994 I started leading day hikes and backpacking trips in Glacier National Park. Almost every summer since I've returned to Glacier to lead trips for eco-tourism companies, such as Country Walkers, Classic Journeys, and Adventure Women. I manage all the logistics for 5-7 day trips including day hikes, picnics, boat trips, and overnights in Glacier's historic hotels.

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  ExplorationWorks

  Jan 2007 - Jan 2017

  Events and Adult Program Manager

  ExplorationWorks is the largest interactive science center in Montana. I developed and managed the adult programs and classes - which means I found experts and activities that answer questions, like, what is the Large Hadron Collider, how is beer made, what is hydraulic fracturing, what is Robotics? I also developed and managed fundraising events - such as our annual Craft Beer Fest, our adult Halloween costume party and auction, Nightmare Affair, and our annual Girls STEM Round-up.

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  PechaKucha

  Jan 2012 - Jan 2016

  City Organizer

  In January 2012 I attended a PechaKucha Event in a nearby city. The next day I applied for (and was granted!) the exclusive rights to start PechaKucha in my town. PechaKucha Nights are informal and fun gatherings where creative people get together and share their ideas, works, thoughts,and inspirations in the PechaKucha 20 image x 20 second format.I gathered an organizing committee to help recruit, select, and mentor up to 9 presenters for each event. Our 5th PechaKucha night is coming up soon. I am proud to say that our community loves PechaKucha Nights in Helena - we've gathered a sold-out crowd at each event. Show less

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  Habitat X

  May 2012 - Jul 2016

  Operations Manager

  I work with the Habitat X team managing event and conference operations and logistics. Habitat X provides training solutions to the sustainable housing industry, working with individuals and organizations to optimize the performance of people and their systems.Our core services are the Habitat X Conferences, held both at our headquarters in Helena, Montana, and at various host locations. These focused and fast-moving events redefine the professional conference to meet the evolving needs of the modern marketplace. Show less

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  Orbridge

  Jan 2013 - Dec 2016

  Travel Director and Expedition Leader

  Orbridge is a leading travel company specializing in small group travel and expeditions. I guide trips in Western Europe and National Parks of the western United States and Canadian Rockies. I have the privilege of introducing guests to these amazing natural and cultural history destinations. I provide in-field interpretation and lectures to inquisitive guests. I manage logistics and work with local suppliers and guides to ensure a high quality experience for our travelers.

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  The Nature Conservancy

  Jan 2017 - now

  As Development Program Manager I work towards meeting the strategic priorities of the Montana Development program by working with the Director of Development to construct and manage a multi-year strategic fundraising plan focused on major and principal gifts, donor stewardship and engagement, and operational support. I am responsible for managing performance metrics, portfolio distribution, data analysis, donor stewardship, and administrative support for the team. I ensure that the Montana development team’s work is a collaborative and well-integrated effort within the Montana chapter and across the organization. I am responsible for ensuring consistency in the organization's policies and procedures and providing direction related to aligning fundraising efforts with the Montana strategic plan and TNC’s 2030 goals. I examine key metrics and lead indicators of progress and assist the DOD in the annual goal setting process. I provide advice, guidance, and oversees training, professional development and team effectiveness. I lead diverse activities, develop complex processes, project outcomes, and initiate solutions to improve effectiveness. I serve as team leader for the enhancement of systems and tools used by the team. TI leverage constructive and effective relationships with a wide range of people, including senior management, public and private sector colleagues, and partners including financial/legal advisors. Show less As Donor Relations Manager I was responsible for the identification and qualification of major and planned gift prospects and assisted in cultivating and soliciting donors through direct contact. I coordinated work with senior fundraisers and moved prospects capable of gifts of higher amounts to the prospect pool for management by senior fundraising staff and integration into the Moves Management process. I worked on a variety of activities including providing program information to prospects and drafted routine correspondence and acknowledgments. I used the Conservancy’s donor database to update donor information, produced reports, and tracked and cultivated donors. Show less

  • Development Program Manager

    Apr 2022 - now

  • Donor Relations Manager

    Jan 2017 - Apr 2022