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Cassandra Zacharkiw
Director of Donor Relations & Stewardship at American University
Professional Background
Cassandra Zacharkiw is a seasoned communications and donor relations professional with extensive experience in nurturing relationships within the non-profit sector. With a rich background spanning various prestigious institutions, she has honed her skills in annual giving, managing leadership donors, and fostering volunteer engagement. Cassandra's expertise encompasses the development and execution of effective communication plans, crafting thoughtful acknowledgment letters, and handling strategic solicitations and endowment reporting. Moreover, her proficiency in event planning has played a significant role in driving successful fundraising initiatives and community engagement events.
Cassandra currently serves as the Director of Donor Relations & Stewardship at American University, where she leads efforts to enhance donor engagement and satisfaction. Her strategic oversight of donor relations has positively impacted the university's fundraising efforts, fostering deeper connections between the institution and its benefactors. Prior to this role, Cassandra held the position of Director of Donor Relations at The George Washington University, where she managed intricate donor relationships and significantly contributed to the university's advancement missions.
Her career trajectory includes notable roles at Sidwell Friends School, where she served both as the Director of Advancement Services and Stewardship and as Donor Relations Manager. These positions allowed her to cultivate relationships that are essential for the long-term sustainability of philanthropic endeavors. Cassandra's initial foray into this field began with her time at American University, where she progressively advanced through various roles in stewardship and donor relations, showcasing her potential and dedication to the mission of educational institutions.
In addition to her strategic roles in donor relations, Cassandra has a strong background in event planning. Her early experience as an Events Specialist within the School of Public Affairs at American University provided her with the skills necessary to create impactful and engaging events that resonate with donors and stakeholders alike. This combination of stewardship and event management expertise makes her a valuable asset in any fundraising endeavor.
Education and Achievements
Cassandra Zacharkiw's educational background is a testament to her commitment to communication and excellence in the non-profit sector. She earned her Master of Arts in Strategic Communication from American University, a program that has equipped her with advanced skills in persuasive communication, audience analysis, and strategic messaging—all crucial components for effective donor relations in the non-profit landscape. Her academic journey began with a Bachelor of Arts in English from Ithaca College, where she developed her passion for storytelling and effective communication strategies.
Throughout her career, Cassandra has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to professional development, often adapting her skills to meet the evolving needs of the organizations she serves. She has consistently been at the forefront of best practices in donor relations, ensuring that communication strategies align with the organization's mission and resonate with a diverse donor base.
Her ability to engage stakeholders and create a culture of philanthropy within organizations speaks to her leadership qualities and her vision for enhancing donor experience and satisfaction. Cassandra has contributed to the success of numerous campaigns and initiatives that have increased both donor retention and new donor acquisition, positioning the organizations she serves for future growth and sustainability.
Achievements
Cassandra's career is marked by a series of impressive achievements that underscore her expertise in communications, donor relations, and event planning. Her strategic initiatives at American University have led to increased donor engagement and higher levels of annual giving, particularly among leadership donors and alumni.
Her innovative approach to donor stewardship has won accolades within the sector, as she has successfully implemented programming that has significantly improved donor satisfaction ratings. By utilizing best practices in acknowledgement and follow-up communication, Cassandra has established a reputation for building strong, lasting relationships between institutions and their donors.
In workshops and seminars focused on strategic communication and donor relations, Cassandra often shares her insights and strategies, further establishing herself as an expert in the field. Her ability to translate complex ideas into compelling narratives has not only enhanced her organizations' fundraising materials but has also inspired and mentored future leaders in non-profit communications.
Cassandra's dedication to the non-profit sector and her unwavering commitment to advancing the mission of educational institutions make her a pivotal figure in the field of donor relations. She continues to build upon her success, striving to innovate and enhance best practices in donor engagement and strategic communication.
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