Deborah L. Magnezy
Fundraiser | Manager | Consultant
Tel Aviv
Summary
An experienced development professional specializing in higher education and capital campaigns. Robust track record of closing major and principal gifts from prominent philanthropists and first-time donors; equally comfortable and effective at cultivating meaningful donor relationships in a boardroom and on a Zoom call. Excels at managing talented frontline gift officers and leading department turnaround operations. Driven by data and measurable impacts. Values kindness, empathy, and authenticity in colleagues and work environments.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
6
6
years of post-secondary education
1
1
Certification
Work History
Assistant Dean of Development
Northeastern University D’Amore-McKim School of Business
Boston, MA
11.2018 - 08.2022
- Provided strategic direction, leadership, and oversight for a comprehensive fundraising operation in collaboration with cross-university partners, including Corporate & Foundation Relations, Planned Giving, Parent Giving, Annual Giving, Data & Prospect Research, Donor Relations and International Philanthropy
- Led and grew a team of talented major gift officers
- Worked closely with the school’s Dean, Associate Deans, faculty and university leadership to raise more than $32M for DMSB’s top priorities
- Held a portfolio of the School’s top donors and prospects, soliciting several six- and seven-figure gifts
- During tenure, rebuilt and restructured the entire major gifts team and increased the size of the team by more than 50% in order to meet the strategic needs of the School's fundraising operation
- Facilitated a development strategy that more than doubled the total number of major gifts and first-time major gifts that the school received year over year
- Spearheaded an unprecedented $100M campaign in honor of the School's upcoming 100th Anniversary.
Associate Director of Major Gifts
Harvard Business School
Boston, MA
01.2015 - 11.2018
- Served as Associate Director of Major Gifts tasked with leading the School’s effort in the Greater New York Region, the largest and highest net-value alumni cluster, during HBS’ $1.3B capital Campaign.
- Held overall responsibility for management, coordination, and strategy of a cross-departmental team of 30 New York stakeholders, resulting in $416M raised from alumni in the region during the campaign.
- Acted as the school’s liaison to the New York campaign committee and directed the Dean, Senior Associate Dean and faculty’s development trips to New York.
- Managed a major and principal gifts portfolio (including the Goldman Sachs alumni portfolio), closing more than $25M in support of HBS’ highest priorities.
Co-Founder & Director of Development
TLV Consulting Group
Tel Aviv, Israel
10.2007 - 09.2013
- Founded and held the role of Director of Development of this boutique development consulting firm
- Drove the performance of a team that raised over $30M in principal and major gifts
- Worked with 20+ domestic and international clients from both the non-profit and political sectors
- Performed in-depth organizational assessments and built detailed strategic plans for each client to increase international fundraising capacity and infrastructure
- Clients included: The Israel Museum, The Israeli Opera, The Biblical Zoo in Jerusalem, Elem, New Yeruham Fund, Bnai Zion Hospital, Parents Circle Family's Forum, The Women's Courtyard, Member of Knesset Yoel Hasson, Minister of Foreign Affairs Tzipi Livni, Member of Knesset Shlomo Molla and more
Associate
Katz Watson Group
Washington, D.C.
01.2006 - 09.2007
- Worked on the frontline of multiple fast-paced nation-wide fundraising campaigns for top-tier American politicians & political organizations
- Leveraged existing nation-wide client conferences as drivers for prospect cultivation and solicitation through creating targeted invite lists and compelling content
- Raised over $28M for KWG’s clients
- Worked closely with top political leaders to cultivate and solicit prospects.
Education
Master of Public Administration - Entrepreneurship, Social Enterprise
Harvard University
Cambridge, MA 07.2013 - 05.2014
Master of Arts - Political Management
The George Washington University
Washington, D.C. 09.2005 - 07.2007
Bachelor of Arts - Communication and Culture, Political Science
Indiana University
Bloomington, IN 09.2001 - 06.2005
Skills
Managing and scaling fundraising operations to achieve ambitious fundraising goals
Certification
Plus Delta Partners Certificate in Discipline of Frontline Fundraising
Timeline
Plus Delta Partners Certificate in Discipline of Frontline Fundraising
03-2020
Assistant Dean of Development
Northeastern University D’Amore-McKim School of Business
11.2018 - 08.2022
Associate Director of Major Gifts
Harvard Business School
01.2015 - 11.2018
Master of Public Administration - Entrepreneurship, Social Enterprise
Harvard University
07.2013 - 05.2014
Co-Founder & Director of Development
TLV Consulting Group
10.2007 - 09.2013
Associate
Katz Watson Group
01.2006 - 09.2007
Master of Arts - Political Management
The George Washington University
09.2005 - 07.2007
Bachelor of Arts - Communication and Culture, Political Science
Indiana University
09.2001 - 06.2005
Similar Profiles
NATALIE BRIERRENATALIE BRIERRE
Co-op Counselor, Global Programs at Northeastern University, D'Amore McKim School of Business, Boston ContemporariesCo-op Counselor, Global Programs at Northeastern University, D'Amore McKim School of Business, Boston Contemporaries
Nicole King BradyNicole King Brady
Admissions Representative (Part Time and Seasonal) at Northeastern University School Of LawAdmissions Representative (Part Time and Seasonal) at Northeastern University School Of Law
Jannat HamidJannat Hamid
Clerical Administrative Assistant (Contracts) at University Health Network, University of Toronto, BMO, Rotman School of BusinessClerical Administrative Assistant (Contracts) at University Health Network, University of Toronto, BMO, Rotman School of Business