Elizabeth Dickson, CFRE

Experience

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  Barbara Wilson Howard Hanna Real Estate Services

  Jun 2009 - Jan 2013

  Receptionist

  I answer phones, schedule appointments, create listing, buyer and offer packages, and assist with other tasks.

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  The Post

  Sept 2009 - Mar 2011

  Culture Staff Writer and Stringer

  I wrote articles on the arts, events and minority and international affairs, for this daily student-run newspaper. I contributed articles once a week as a stringer and twice a week as a staff writer. I also attended weekly meetings, pitched ideas and conducted interviews.

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  Ohio Today

  Apr 2010 - May 2013

  Editorial Assistant

  I wrote feature and department pieces for both the print and digital editions. I also conducted interviews and research, as well as copy-editing and fact-checking. Additionally, I helped develop a Facebook response campaign, worked on content for university fundraising campaign coverage and pitched stories.

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  Ideastream

  Jun 2012 - Aug 2012

  Health Unit Intern

  I helped with the production of one of the health in it's footprint programs "Be Well: Addiction." As an intern I conducted research, had pre-interviews for those involved in our segments, scheduled and went out on shoots, logged and transcribed footage, and researched, produced and wrote the script for an online exclusive segment.

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  Southeast Ohio Magazine

  Aug 2012 - May 2013

  I worked with the Editor in Chief and Faculty Adviser to produce the Spring/Summer 2013 issue of this award winning student-run magazine. I helped interview and fill staff positions, create a production schedule and story budget, make story assignments, proofread and oversee a staff of 15-20 student journalists. Also worked with the Editor in Chief to develop web components to articles, and ways to market the magazine. I oversaw a staff of eight copy editors in line editing and fact-checking all pieces for the Fall/Winter issue of the magazine. I developed a copy editing schedule, assigned pieces to editors, assisted in copy editing and fact-checking and resolved any major issues. I also helped with final proofing of the issue.

  • Managing Editor

    Jan 2013 - May 2013

  • Copy Chief

    Aug 2012 - Dec 2012
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  The Coshocton Tribune (Gannett Publishing)

  Jun 2013 - May 2014

  News Reporter

  Wrote and produced news and feature stories for print and online editions for the news section of this daily newspaper that is part of the Media Network of Central Ohio and Gannett Publishing. Contributed photography, video and social media posts that accompanied news stories and coverage.

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  Lori Schwarz Real Estate Team, Keller Williams

  May 2014 - Feb 2015

  Marketing Assistant/ Administrative Assistant

  Promoted real estate listings and agents through marketing, including a WordPress blog and social media pages. Used social media and other print and web platforms to market both the office, agents and listings. Assisted with listed and closing of real estate transactions and performed general office administration.

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  Newseum

  Feb 2015 - Dec 2017

  Managed the donor relations program for all individual, corporate and foundation donors, through thoughtful and meaningful stewardship. This included writing and preparing grant applications and reports; planning and implementing donor recognition; preparing gift acknowledgments; managing a donor communications calendar; and developing content for monthly newsletters, stand-along donor communications and an annual impact report. Managed the activation of corporate sponsorships and partnerships at all levels and manage a corporate portfolio of donors at lower membership levels and in-kind donors.Communicated with donors about benefits and assist in fulfilling donor requests including tour and ticket requests. Created individualized stewardship plans and benefit structures in collaboration with gift officers. Conducted financial reporting and oversee timely gift processing and receipting. This included working with the finance team to ensure all gifts are recorded and designated appropriately and that all pledge and gift agreements are on file.Collaborated with multiple departments including marketing, exhibits, programming, finance, technology, visitor services, video and more to fulfill donor needs including recognition, benefit fulfillment, grant compliance, donor communications and more. Additionally I provided support with the planning and execution of select development events. This included assisting with the event invite and RSVP lists, event timelines and staff assignments, managing on-site registration and sponsor recognition and more. Show less Developed a comprehensive donor relations program for all individual, corporate and foundation donors. This included grant reporting, donor recognition implementation, creating a donor communications calendar, and overseeing gift acknowledgment processes. Created individualized stewardship plans and benefit structures in collaboration with gift officers, including the stewardship plans for the Free Expression Awards gala. Conducted financial reporting and oversee timely gift processing and receipting. Collaborated with multiple departments to fulfill donor needs including recognition, benefit fulfillment, grant compliance, donor communications and more. Assisted with the activation of corporate sponsorships and partnerships at all levels and manage a corporate portfolio of donors at lower membership levels and in-kind donors. Provided additional support to the development team with research for donor meetings and event briefings, maintained the integrity of the donor database Raiser's Edge, and provided support with the planning and execution of select development events. Show less Managed schedule, correspondence, expenses, travel and meeting preparation for the CEO's office. Assisted with CEO transition including planning introductory meetings with staff and constituents. Supported the preparation for Board of Trustees meetings and served as a primary contact for the Board of Trustees.Additionally continued work with the development team including writing gift reports for major gift donors, managed the acknowledgment letter process and provided event assistance. Show less

  • Manager, Corporate and Donor Relations

    Sept 2017 - Dec 2017

  • Donor Relations Coordinator

    Dec 2015 - Sept 2017

  • Administrative Assistant to the Chairman and CEO

    May 2015 - Dec 2015

  • Development Events Intern

    Feb 2015 - May 2015
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  Center for American Progress

  Jan 2018 - Jun 2018

  Foundation Relations Manager

  Solicited and stewarded five to seven-figure gifts from foundation donors to support programmatic work for several policy teams. This included preparation of concept papers, proposals, submission of grant reports and budgets and crafting donor acknowledgments.Led foundation prospecting efforts for the foundation unit. Developed briefings for executive level meetings with foundation donors.

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  Freedom Forum

  Jun 2018 - Sept 2023

  Responsible for a fundraising portfolio of corporate, individual and foundation donors for programs, exhibits, general support and more. Led strategy for the organization's mid-level giving society. Managed the fundraising team's efforts for signature event the Free Expression Awards. This included committee development, prospecting, outreach, correspondence with sponsors and stewardship.In conjunction with the fundraising team, developed goals for giving programs and track projections. Monitored and provided guidance on grant spending and deliverables. Led activation of partnerships and sponsorships. Assisted with the development a proposal narratives and budgets. Show less Responsible for a fundraising portfolio of corporate, individual and foundation donors for programs, exhibits, general support and more. Managed the fundraising team's efforts for our signature event the Free Expression Awards, which had its most successful year in 2019. This includes committee development, prospecting, outreach, correspondence with sponsors and stewardship.Responsible for the activation of all corporate sponsorships and partnerships including brand recognition, assistance with corporate events, and other benefits. This includes working with six and seven figure donors on customized opportunities, etc.Lead donor relations and stewardship strategy including donor reporting, donor communications and more. Responsible for prospect research and coordination of pipeline development. Work with finance department on gift reconciliation. Show less

  • Director Of Development

    Jan 2020 - Sept 2023

  • Senior Manager, Institutional Giving and Donor Relations

    Jun 2018 - Jan 2020
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  Center for Democracy & Technology

  Oct 2023 - Jul 2024

  Associate Director of Development & External Affairs

  Responsible for soliciting and stewarding foundation donors to support general operating and programmatic work. This includes preparing and submitting grant proposals and budgets, review of grant agreements, monitoring grant spending and progress on deliverables, ongoing donor stewardship, and submission of grant reports. Also responsible for prospect development and identifying new foundation funding sources. Other responsibilities include cultivating relationships with other civil society organizations and partners. Show less

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  Student Press Law Center

  Jul 2024 - now

  Development Director