Elizabeth Cleary, CAP

Experience

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  George Street Playhouse

  Sept 2006 - Aug 2007

  Manager of Special Events

  As the Manager of Special Events, I developed and oversaw all aspects of keystone fundraising events, including the annual gala, golf tournament, wine tasting benefit, and opening night soirées. I built relationships with vendors and developed a project management system to track event progress. Additionally, I collaborated with development officers to identify potential donors.

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  Bergen Performing Arts Center

  Aug 2007 - Jun 2010

  Development Associate of Membership and Special Events

  In my role as Development Associate I overhauled the membership benefits program and ensured timely stewardship of all donors. I managed the annual fund campaign, and planned a range of bergenPAC community events including the annual spring gala, VIP experiences, Meet & Greets, and cultivation receptions.

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  University of Connecticut

  Dec 2010 - Apr 2011

  Program Assistant in University Events

  As Program Assistant, I aided the Department of University Events in the execution of high-profile events from conception to execution. This included creating and managing budgets, developing event concepts, handling printing and collateral materials, arranging catering and audiovisual needs, coordinating staffing and transportation, and managing on-site operations.

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  Bergen Performing Arts Center

  May 2011 - May 2014

  In my role as Associate Director of Development, I provided leadership and direction for bergenPAC’s fundraising campaigns involving individuals, corporations, foundations, and government agencies. I built and nurtured relationships with existing donors and clients, while researching, identifying, and arranging meetings with potential national and local sponsors. My administrative responsibilities included creating prospect lists, solicitation decks, presentations, sponsorship contracts, invoices, agendas, and fundraising activity reports. Additionally, I oversaw the fulfillment of membership benefits and managed major events. Show less

  • Executive Assistant to the CEO

    Jun 2012 - May 2014

  • Associate Director of Development

    May 2011 - May 2014
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  Kent Place School

  Aug 2014 - Oct 2023

  Executive Assistant to the Head of School

  As strategic partner to the Head of School, I stewarded confidential assignments, resolved conflicts, redirected issues, managed events, and ensured logistical support for the school’s institutional priorities. I was directly responsible for the development and implementation of a successful staff engagement program and recruited and supervised a team of volunteers to foster and enhance campus community life. Additionally, I oversaw a substantial six-figure budget, making independent and mission-aligned spending decisions for the Head’s office. I was selected to serve on the Strategic Communications Committee and the Hiring Task Force to further the school’s commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. My work directly supported Kent Place School’s mission to empower young women to be confident, intellectual, and ethical leaders who advance the world. Show less

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  Bay Building Industries Association

  Aug 2024 - now

  Program Coordinator