Skills
Business Development, Partnerships, Project Management, Sales, Fundraising, Marketing, Entrepreneurship
About
I offer a distinct skill set developed through rigorous business development roles combined with a personal commitment to environmental advocacy.
In business development roles at Oracle and Polly.io, my core responsibility was developing strong
relationships with decision-makers in challenging, saturated markets. Unlike traditional transactional sales, this meant deeply understanding individual motivations, values, and strategic interests, then clearly articulating how our solutions aligned with their long-term priorities. In these roles, securing partnerships required patient relationship cultivation over multiple cycles, careful listening, tailored storytelling, and strategic follow-through—all foundational skills closely aligned with principal gift fundraising.
At PupScout, the startup I co-founded and currently lead, I’ve honed additional skills crucial for principal gift work: extensive stakeholder interviews, strategic positioning, and transparent, credible communications to diverse audiences. Presenting to investors, partners, and potential acquirers demands authentic storytelling, a clear demonstration of impact, and the ability to inspire action based on shared values. Recognizing that fundraising at the principal gifts level is more nuanced and emotionally driven than commercial deals, I've proactively begun bridging my skill gap through mentorship conversations with senior nonprofit fundraisers and executive directors. These dialogues have deepened my understanding of donor stewardship practices, philanthropic motivations, and the mechanics of complex giving vehicles, such as donor-advised funds and planned estate gifts.
My connection to the TNC's mission is shaped by a childhood spent immersed in Montana’s mountains, lakes, and forests. It would truly be an honor and privilege to help preserve and steward the efforts of a nature conservation non-profit.
Thank you for thoughtfully considering my application—I look forward to the opportunity to discuss my candidacy in greater detail.
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