Nicole McWhorter, CFRE

Experience

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  Advanced Technology Learning Center at Texas Tech University

  Jul 1999 - Jul 2002

  Marketing Student Assistant

  •Responsible for the creation and execution of the marketing plan for the Division of Information Technology•Designed campaigns to target the University population and educate them on the use of various IT products and services including Raiderlink, the primary University information web site•Developed and maintained marketing literature and promotional materials including the concept creation •Designed and created advertisements for the University Daily and other various mediums

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  Big Brothers Big Sister of Lubbock

  Jan 2002 - Jul 2002

  Marketing and Public Relations Internship

  •Planned and executed volunteer recruitment campaigns and participated in the execution of fundraising campaigns•Created and maintained agency web site and aided in the creation of collateral materials

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  Austin Groups for the Elderly

  Jan 2003 - Sept 2004

  Outreach and Development Director

  •Oversaw all public relations, marketing and advertising functions including message development, crisis communications, collateral development, and community outreach for a human service agency•Managed day-to-day fundraising operations for annual and major gifts including: prospect identification and research; cultivation and communications strategies; proposal development: writing, submission, and tracking of grants; solicitation strategies; stewardship; database management; and volunteer relations•Increased annual giving by 400%+ and doubled corporate funding •Developed the AGE Durable Medical Equipment Lending Closet to lend equipment to seniors and the disabled, including the creation of all initial forms, procedures, and policies for the program•Implemented a targeted outreach campaign to health care professionals increasing Elderhaven clients by 20%+•Negotiated practical, tailored, and valuable funding opportunities for prospects and current donors Show less

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  Design At Work

  Sept 2004 - Jul 2005

  Account Executive

  •Managed the day-to-day aspects as the lead public relations consultant on multiple accounts in various industries including agriculture, accounting, aviation, energy, insurance, finance, health care, and technology•Provided strategic counsel, message development, crisis communications, community outreach, collateral development, copyrighting, event planning and management, and other marketing and public relations functions •Built and maintained strong working relationships with national and local media through proactive pitching, development of editorial calendars and responding to media inquires•Created, maintained and distributed media materials including press kits, press releases, and media advisories•Developed and implemented integrated marketing campaigns including brochures, advertisements, newsletters, direct mail, web sites, multi-media pieces, and point of purchase materials •Conducted communication audits for new clients and prepared, conducted and analyzed market research•Trained clients on message development, media, professional presentations, and communication strategy Show less

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  Dini Spheris

  Aug 2005 - now

  •Advise and coach clients of all sizes (budgets ranging from $250,000 to $100,000,000+) in all sectors, including health care, arts and culture, social and human services, wildlife and nature, and education, on building effective philanthropic and nonprofit management programs •Serve as the strategic lead on consulting engagements and guide the project management ensuring client goals and milestones are met•Work with client's philanthropic prospects and donors to develop relationships and secure gifts of $1,000,000+•Provide strategy and counsel related to capital campaign planning and implementation; strategic planning and leadership development; and organizational, development assessments •Work with donors and nonprofit organizations to develop and advance meaningful partnerships•Developed an endowment planning guide for a community foundation to distribute to nonprofits to assist in determining readiness and developing an action plan related to endowments•Conduct operational and financial analysis of organizations to evaluate structure, management and operations in order to identify issues and develop strategies to address opportunities and challenges •Design and create tools to assist organizations in assessing performance, capabilities and perceptions •Developed toolkit for a national organization for use with local affiliates including online self-diagnostic tool and related resources to assist 100+ affiliates nationwide in the integration of best practices throughout development and organizational operations by benchmarking and improving performance through a tailored plan of action•Guide conversations, both one-on-one and with larger groups, to facilitate collaboration, teamwork, and to implement solutions that enhance mission delivery•Frequent speaker with experience developing and delivering recommendations and solutions to executive staff and volunteer leadership•Craft messaging for nonprofit organizations to communicate their mission and impact Show less

  • Senior Consultant

    Aug 2005 - now

  • Senior Consultant

    Aug 2005 - now
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  University of Houston

  Feb 2007 - now

  Instructor

  •Developed the curriculum for the Fundraising and Grants Course as part of the American Humanics Certificate Program in the Graduate School of Social Work•Serves as a primary instructor for the course

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  Rice University - Susanne M. Glasscock School of Continuing Studies Center for Philanthropy & Nonpro

  Mar 2012 - now

  Instructor
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  YMCA of Greater Houston

  Sept 2021 - now

  Vice President of Community Philanthropy