Melinda Decatus
Chicago,IL
Summary
Development Officer/Project Manager with seven + years of providing quality support and fundraising across diverse industries. Extensive experience in comprehensive fundraising campaigns, business finance support, strategic planning - especially special events and projects. Recognized for resolving employer challenges with innovative solutions, by providing proven process improvements which increased efficiency and client satisfaction. Exceptional project management background. Experience managing customer relationships and requirement with tact and ease to win customer support and long-term relationships.
Results-driven development professional with extensive experience in fundraising, donor relations, and program management. Known for strong focus on team collaboration and adapting to changing needs. Expertise in grant writing, strategic planning, and stakeholder engagement. Reliable and goal-oriented, consistently delivering impactful results.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Development Officer
Chicago Urban League
Chicago, Illinois
09.2021 - Current
- Personally drive fundraising results through direct solicitations by supporting the Chief Development Officer secure new donors at high five and six figures while systematically deepening engagement and retaining donor support
- Manage a personal portfolio of major gift prospects and donors with an emphasis on securing multi-year commitments using the Blackbaud Raisers Edge fundraising software
- Completes all stages of funding proposal development including confirmation of project/program objectives, contact with the funding partner for clarification of guidelines, as well as development of letters of inquiry, online applications, and formal proposals with the appropriate organization approvals obtained
- Streamlining reporting efficiencies between Development & Finance using financial edge and RENXT
- Organize and execute fundraising events, including donor outreach, logistics, and Marketing
- Supported HR in personnel intakes and on-boarding, managing training and employee retention in the department
- Navigate multiple programs and departmental priorities and personalities
Office Manager
Accord Financial
12.2020 - 05.2021
- Provided direct executive support to four of the Business Partners
- Participated in the Corporate Task Force which created a Credit, Funding and Collections Policy/Business Model for Accord Financial
- Managed record retention, invoicing, and accounts receivable
- Served as primary point of contact for business-related needs for employees, investors, external clients, and vendors
- Managed correspondence, complaints, and queries
- Prepared presentations and updated quarterly investment results for board members, investors, and external management
- Organized induction programs for new employees
Executive Assistant
Fifth Third Bank
12.2019 - 12.2020
- Provide direct support to the SVP of Executive Leadership Civic Engagement & Strategic Partnerships and other senior executives
- Assist in the preparation of administrative reports, perform difficult and/or sensitive information gathering, and distribute reports with the highest caliber of service to the senior level management team
- Coordinate and arrange meetings, events, agendas, prepare and reserve facilities for senior level management team
- Contact key executives, board members, external management personnel, to transmit information and obtain data with the highest customer service
- Back up Switchboard coverage, Greeting guests, clients & vendors
Project Manager
Property Casualty Insurers Association of America
01.2019 - 12.2019
- Build and maintained effective relationships
- Proactively fostering communication between internal and external project stakeholders
- Influenced key decisions across stakeholder groups
- Coordinated travel logistics for membership conferences
- Conducted in-depth research on all customer members and prospects for new sales and relationship visits
- Participates in special projects and performed other duties assigned
- Managing and planning the execution of in-person and virtual marketing events
Executive Assistant
Huntington National Bank
09.2017 - 12.2018
- Provided executive support to the Regional and Commercial Banking sectors; managed calendars and meeting coordination for 68 Regional and Commercial Banking employees
- Designed and implemented office policies by establishing standards and procedures, measuring results against standards, and making necessary adjustments
- Executed event planning for special events, internal and external meetings with Regional Marketing Manager
Facilities Project Manager
Constellation Brands
02.2016 - 09.2017
- Assisted facilities executives in completing projects, developing strategic initiatives for new office space layout, and assist in completing operational objectives
- Assisted with contract and price negotiations with service providers
- Record retention, invoicing, drafting reports, facilitating internal/external correspondence (maintained an updated record of all beer division employee database for invoice and purchasing needs)
- Partnered with Technology and Human Resources to encourage administrative efficiency and effectiveness
Office Manager
ArcelorMittal
07.2014 - 01.2016
- Managing office operation and procedures
- Preparing correspondence & designing filing systems
- Reviewing and approving supply requisitions
- Assigning and monitoring clerical functions
Education
Bachelor - Marketing
Illinois Institute of Art
Chicago, ILSkills
- Data Analysis & Reporting
- Blackbaud/ Raisers Edge
- Procedural Development
- Project & Event Management
- Fundraising Stewardship
- Donor relations
- Nonprofit management
- Operational excellence
- Ethical leadership
- Major gifts solicitation
- Corporate sponsorships
- Data management
Professional Development
American Society of Administrative Professionals, Member
Timeline
Development Officer
Chicago Urban League
09.2021 - Current
Office Manager
Accord Financial
12.2020 - 05.2021
Executive Assistant
Fifth Third Bank
12.2019 - 12.2020
Project Manager
Property Casualty Insurers Association of America
01.2019 - 12.2019
Executive Assistant
Huntington National Bank
09.2017 - 12.2018
Facilities Project Manager
Constellation Brands
02.2016 - 09.2017
Office Manager
ArcelorMittal
07.2014 - 01.2016
Bachelor - Marketing
Illinois Institute of Art
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