Bridgette Parker, CFRE

Experience

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  Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre Foundation

  Jan 2000 - Jan 2009

  Senior Development Officer

  In this role, where my passion for fundraising truly took hold, I managed the Annual Giving Program with a $1.1 million budget, consistently meeting or exceeding financial targets. As part of a organizational merger, I played a crucial role in developing and streamlining policies and procedures to integrate the fundraising operations of two organizations, ensuring a seamless transition and improved program effectiveness. Each year, I organized multiple successful fundraising events, taking on greater responsibility as I deepened my expertise. I also served as the Staff Lead on the Board of Directors Development Committee, contributing to strategic planning and board engagement in fundraising initiatives.With extensive multi-project management experience, I consistently delivered results that surpassed expectations. I built lasting relationships with donors and volunteers, fostering a strong network of support for the organization. Additionally, I conducted annual reviews of all fundraising programs, providing strategic analysis to optimize resources and identify underperforming programs to be scaled back or cut, resulting in more efficient and effective fundraising efforts. Show less

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  St. Boniface Hospital Foundation

  Jan 2009 - Jan 2010

  Director of Annual Giving

  I managed the Annual Giving Program with a $742,000 revenue goal, overseeing its successful execution and growth. During my tenure, I supervised the Special Events Coordinator and conducted a comprehensive program analysis upon starting the role, identifying key areas for growth and process improvements. Based on this analysis, I developed an 18-month Annual Giving and Special Events Program Plan, which strategically guided fundraising initiatives and enhanced operational efficiency. Additionally, I created and managed the budget for the Annual Giving Program, ensuring financial alignment with organizational goals while driving increased donor engagement and revenue growth. Show less

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  Assiniboine Park Conservancy

  Jan 2010 - Jan 2012

  Director of Fund Development

  I successfully managed the Community Campaign, overseeing both the Capital and Annual Giving portions, with a total revenue budget of $1.5 million. Leading a team of two employees, I consistently met and exceeded financial targets, ensuring the successful execution of fundraising initiatives. Additionally, I provided strategic direction for the Annual Giving Program, which included Grants & Sponsorship, Events, and the Dedication Program, driving increased donor engagement and revenue.As part of my efforts to establish the Resource Development Department, I laid the groundwork with key processes and systems. This included developing policies for Gift Acceptance, Donor Recognition, and Third-Party Events, which improved operational efficiency and governance. I also launched a direct mail program and created essential tools such as gift forms, pledge forms, and payroll deduction forms, streamlining donor contributions and enhancing overall fundraising operations. Show less

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  St. Bernadette Parish

  Sept 2011 - Jun 2014

  Volunteer - Renewal Project
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  University of Manitoba

  Oct 2012 - Mar 2019

  As Major Gifts Officer for multiple faculties, I manage a donor portfolio of 120 individuals and organizations, working to achieve a personal fundraising goal of $3.7 million as part of the $500 million Front and Centre Capital Campaign. My responsibilities include developing faculty cases for support, writing proposals, and working with senior volunteers on the President’s Campaign Team to create engagement strategies. I also focused on donor development, transitioning annual donors to major gift donors, and facilitating planned giving discussions. I also worked on creating professional development plans for the benefit of the entire Major Gifts team. Show less I managed the Annual Giving Program with a $2.5 million revenue budget, directly supervising 3 staff and indirectly overseeing 35 staff, conducting performance reviews. The team exceeded the revenue goal by nearly $300,000 while minimizing program costs. My responsibilities included conducting job analyses and revamping job descriptions, as well as creating new roles within the department. Additionally, I developed reports to more accurately reflect program outcomes and led program planning, including analyzing past results, implementing best practices, and ongoing monitoring and review. I also helped to lead staff training for call centre staff, worked to create meaning recognition programs and provided meaning performance feedback to callers. Show less

  • Donor Relations Officer

    Aug 2013 - Mar 2019

  • Manager, Annual Giving

    Oct 2012 - Aug 2013
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  Association of Fundraising Professionals Manitoba Chapter

  Jan 2013 - Jun 2015

  Chair Awards and Scholarships
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  Association of Fundraising Professionals -Manitoba Chapter

  Jul 2015 - Jun 2018

  Volunteer- Treasurer
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  The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award - Manitoba

  May 2018 - Jan 2020

  Volunteer- Board of Directors
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  Winnipeg Harvest

  Mar 2019 - Jan 2020

  Director Of Development

  I oversaw the development program with a revenue budget of $3.7 million, providing strategic direction to standardize the use of the donor management system and development a comprehensive stewardship program. I lead the creation and implementation of a gift acceptance policy and managed a team of four, offering coaching and mentorship. Additionally, I handled public relations, including media interviews including radio and television. Worked on building a donor pipeline through data analysis to create a more formal major gifts program. Show less

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  Children's Hospital Foundation of Manitoba

  Mar 2020 - Nov 2021

  Vice President Development

  I oversaw the development program with a revenue budget of $8.5 million, while working on the quiet phase of a $75 million comprehensive campaign, including volunteer engagement, case development, and proposal writing. I provided strategic direction for donor management systems, standardizing processes for moves management and reporting. I lead a team of six, focusing on mentorship and professional growth. Additionally, I manage the development of a comprehensive stewardship program, created and implemented a gift acceptance policy, and handled public relations, including media interactions. During the global pandemic, I adjusted budgets and revised plans, prioritizing donor stewardship. Fundraising targets were exceeded in to 2020 & 2021. Show less

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  Riverview Health Centre Foundation

  Nov 2021 - Aug 2024

  Executive Director

  I consistently exceeded revenue targets for a $1.1 million operating budget by implementing strategic fundraising initiatives that drove sustained financial growth. By developing new Board Governance tools and policies, I improved board effectiveness and governance practices. I strengthened relationships with key stakeholders and donors, boosting engagement and support, which contributed to the success of fundraising campaigns. I also diversified fundraising efforts by launching new programs like the Employee Giving and expanding the Grateful Patient and Monthly Giving programs, increasing donor participation and revenue.Additionally, I revamped the organization’s communications strategy to focus on donor impact storytelling, leading to the launch of a new website and improved donor engagement. My public relations and media management efforts enhanced visibility, strengthened the organization’s reputation, and secured positive media coverage. Show less