Rachel Lessing
Chicago,IL
Summary
Creative, relationship-driven communications and development leader with over 10 years of experience, including 6+ years in nonprofit leadership, building and leading fundraising and communications functions that drive organizational growth. Known for translating complex, community-based work into clear, compelling narratives and for building strong, trust-based relationships across stakeholders, partners, and leadership. Brings a network of trusted creative collaborators—including designers, photographers, musicians, and event partners—to elevate projects and expand impact, supported by a strong background in event strategy and execution.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Development & Communications
Mobile Care Chicago
Chicago, IL
01.2020 - Current
- Lead organizational communications and development strategy, positioning communications as a core driver of fundraising, partnerships, and organizational growth, contributing to the doubling of the organization’s budget, staff, and program capacity
- Drive strategic corporate partnerships, including the successful launch of a mobile dental clinic with the Chicago White Sox, increasing access to dental services in underserved communities.
- Reimagined the Annual Report as a more engaging, visually driven publication, making complex work more accessible and compelling for stakeholders
- Developed a pitch deck that secured immediate investment in a new program, and lead ongoing development of donor and partner-facing marketing materials, including toolkits, case studies, impact reports, and co-branded assets
- Led a full organizational rebrand, developing messaging, visual identity, and communications frameworks to strengthen external presence and internal alignment
- Secured a highly competitive Yield Giving grant, resulting in $2M in funding—double the requested amount
- Manage a multi-million-dollar funding portfolio across grants, individual giving, and corporate sponsorships, consistently exceeding annual fundraising targets and contributing to expanded program capacity
- Rebuilt fundraising strategy through a communications-led approach, launching three new annual campaigns—including one fully email-driven—that contributed to exceeding annual fundraising targets
- Built and lead a cross-functional team across development and communications, including a grants writer, communications manager, communications coordinator and graphic designer
- Works directly with the Executive Director and Board of Directors, building trusted relationships while shaping strategy through regular presentations and reporting
- Lead planning and execution of organizational events—including fundraisers and ribbon cuttings—from communications strategy and outreach through logistics and on-site management. Attendance between 200-500 people.
- Expand and strengthen current programs through strong relationships with donors, partners, and stakeholders, strengthening engagement and collaboration
- Led creative direction for mobile clinic decals, collaborating with local artists to develop designs that reflect organizational values and create positive, engaging experiences for pediatric patients
- Analyzed donor data to inform strategy adjustments and enhance fundraising outcomes.
Events & Partnerships Manager
FLATS LLC
Chicago, IL
12.2019 - 04.2020
- Managed community events and partnerships across 11 residential properties
- Oversaw event space rentals end-to-end, serving as primary client contact from inquiry through execution and follow-up
- Built and maintained vendor and partner relationships while managing multiple projects simultaneously
- Collaborated with the marketing team to align events with broader organizational goals
- Role cut short due to COVID-19 pandemic
Marketing Coordinator
Printing Arts
06.2018 - 09.2019
- Partnered with sales representatives to create customized marketing materials that directly supported business development and contributed to closing major client deals
- Managed client relationships, acting as a key liaison between the sales team and external accounts
- Oversaw multiple concurrent projects, ensuring timely delivery and alignment with client and stakeholder expectations
- Designed marketing collateral and digital assets; conducted market research and supported lead generation initiatives
- Supported leadership on internal initiatives, including an office redesign
PR & Production Assistant
Collide Agency Inc.
02.2016 - 02.2018
- Partnered with the Vice President to execute high-profile client projects and campaigns
- Planned and executed corporate events for major clients including Showtime, Twix, DirecTV, and Dr. Martens
- Managed logistics for large-scale activations, including SXSW events with 500+ attendees
- Coordinated influencer partnerships and experiential marketing campaigns
- Coordinated production schedules to ensure timely project delivery.
Media & Operations Associate (Contract)
Starcom Worldwide
08.2016 - 08.2017
- Managed media relationships for major clients including Kraft and Visa
- Oversaw print and out-of-home media buys, including budgets, contracts, and execution
- Processed high-volume contracts and coordinated with media partners including Condé Nast, Hearst, and Time Inc. on a daily basis
- Utilized Nielsen and other tools for media tracking and performance reporting
Education
B.A. - Marketing and Communications
Columbia College Chicago
Chicago, IL01-2015
Skills
- Communications Strategy
- Narrative Development
- Strategic Messaging
- Brand Development & Rebranding
- Executive Communications
- Team Leadership
- Public Relations
- Annual Reports & Impact Reporting
- Corporate Partnerships
- Pitch Deck Development
- Event Planning & Management
Websites
Timeline
Director of Development & Communications
Mobile Care Chicago
01.2020 - Current
Events & Partnerships Manager
FLATS LLC
12.2019 - 04.2020
Marketing Coordinator
Printing Arts
06.2018 - 09.2019
Media & Operations Associate (Contract)
Starcom Worldwide
08.2016 - 08.2017
PR & Production Assistant
Collide Agency Inc.
02.2016 - 02.2018
B.A. - Marketing and Communications
Columbia College Chicago