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Brad Shafer
Professional Background
Brad Shafer is a seasoned professional with over 25 years of comprehensive experience dedicated to relationship building, university administration, business development, leadership, and program creation within the education sector. As the current Business Development Executive at GiveCampus, Brad passionately helps educational institutions enhance their fundraising abilities by leveraging cutting-edge digital solutions. His expertise ensures institutions can connect with a broader range of donors, thus maximizing their funding opportunities and fostering a culture of philanthropy.
Prior to his role at GiveCampus, Brad made significant contributions to several prestigious universities, including his tenure as Vice President of Advancement at the University of Louisville. His impact in higher education extends further with positions held as Interim Vice President for University Advancement at the same institution, where he played a pivotal role in advancing its fundraising initiatives. His experience also encompasses leadership roles such as Head of Business Development and Investor Relations at Ramsey Quantitative Systems, Inc., where he honed his business acumen alongside development strategy.
Brad's remarkable career path includes significant development roles at renowned institutions like the University of Virginia, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and the Arizona State University Foundation. Within these roles, he not only directed fundraising efforts but also fostered meaningful relationships with alumni and potential donors, resulting in successful campaigns that have propelled these institutions toward their financial and strategic goals.
Education and Achievements
Brad’s educational journey is as diverse as his professional experience. He holds a Juris Doctor degree in Law from Creighton University, which complements his strong background in educational administration. His academic credentials also include a Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Higher Education Administration from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, ensuring he possesses a deep understanding of the institutional frameworks and challenges facing modern educational organizations. Additionally, Brad earned a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in English Education, also from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, further showcasing his commitment to fostering education in diverse areas.
Before embarking on his academic pursuits, Brad completed a Technical School Certificate in Human Resources while serving in the U.S. Air Force, providing him with a unique perspective on organizational management and leadership—an asset he has brought to his professional roles.
Notable Contributions
Brad Shafer's contributions to the field of educational advancement are noteworthy. His strategic leadership has been instrumental in increasing philanthropic support and enhancing fundraising capabilities across various institutions. At the University of Virginia, as Vice President of Development, he was vital in building and executing development operations that led to record-breaking fundraising year after year.
In his role at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, as Associate Dean for Advancement, Brad oversaw a diverse team and implemented innovative strategies that significantly improved donor engagement and increased overall contributions. His efforts resulted in strong alumni relations that better connected former students with their beloved institution, creating lasting impacts on community engagement.
Moreover, Brad has not only focused on institutional advancement but has also empowered the next generation of fundraisers and nonprofit leaders through his mentorship, teaching, and guidance. His commitment to professional development in the field of educational fundraising assures that his legacy will continue through those he teaches and inspires.
Brad also holds a rank of Staff Sergeant from the Air National Guard, a role that exemplifies his dedication and commitment, values that translate effectively into his professional ethos. Overall, his well-rounded background in law, education, and military service enriches his approach to business development and relationship building, making him a highly sought-after leader in educational fundraising.
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Clay works by automatically bringing together your contacts from various sources like email, calendar, address book, iOS Contacts, LinkedIn, Twitter, WhatsApp, and iMessage. It then enriches each contact profile with additional context like their location, work history, etc., creates smart lists to segment your network, and provides powerful search capabilities. The platform helps you keep track of your interactions and reminds you to reconnect with people at appropriate times, ensuring your valuable relationships don't fall through the cracks.
Clay offers several powerful features including:
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Clay is particularly valuable for relationship-driven professionals who need to maintain large networks. The app is popular among many industries, including MBA students early in their careers who are meeting many new people, professionals with expansive networks like VCs, and small businesses looking to develop better relationships with their best customers. Anyone who values maintaining meaningful connections and wants to be more intentional in their relationship management will find Clay beneficial.
Clay offers competitive pricing in the personal CRM market. Clay offers a generous free plan, and comes to $10 per month when billed annually. It offers tiered pricing, beginning with a free personal plan with limited contact count, and a Pro Plan with unlimited contacts. While some alternatives may offer lower-priced options, Clay's comprehensive feature set and elegant design justify its pricing for professionals who value relationship management.
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