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Julia Sutherland
Manager, Development & Community Relations at Athabasca University
Professional Background
Julia Sutherland is an accomplished professional with extensive experience in development and community relations within the educational and cultural sectors. With a career that spans numerous prestigious organizations, particularly in the realm of higher education, Julia has honed her skills in strategizing, managing, and fostering relationships that facilitate significant growth and opportunities for the institutions she has been a part of.
Julia currently serves as the Manager of Development & Community Relations at Athabasca University, where she plays a crucial role in bridging the gap between the university and its community. She actively engages with various stakeholders, developing initiatives that promote educational outreach and community engagement, enhancing the university’s presence and positive impact in the region. Her commitment to fostering strong community ties underscores her belief in the importance of accessibility to education for all.
Previously, Julia made significant contributions at Athabasca University as the Manager of Development Services. In this role, she was responsible for spearheading fundraising initiatives that supported various academic programs and community outreach efforts. Her leadership helped propel the university's development strategies, increasing student opportunities and institutional support.
Before joining Athabasca University, Julia was the Director of Development for the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Calgary. Here, she adeptly navigated the complexities of healthcare education, focusing on building relationships with alumni and stakeholders to enhance fundraising efforts that directly benefited medical students and research initiatives. Julia’s strategic planning in development has created lasting impacts on the educational experience in the medical field.
Adding to her rich repertoire of experience, Julia has also served as Director of External Relations & Conference 2010 co-Chair at APRA-Canada, where she played a pivotal role in fostering broad professional networks within the development community. Her ability to create partnerships and establish conference agendas centered on relevant topics has helped advance development practices across Canada.
Earlier in her career, Julia held various roles at the University of Calgary, including Director of Development Prospect Research & Pipeline and Research Officer. In these capacities, she focused on identifying and researching prospective donors while developing pipelines for future fundraising efforts, ensuring that the university could sustainably fund its mission.
Julia's earlier experience as a Resource Development Officer at Alberta Theatre Projects laid the foundation for her passion for the arts and culture, which she continues to promote through her ongoing advocacy and community engagement efforts.
Education and Achievements
Julia Sutherland's educational background is as diverse as her professional experiences. She earned her Master of Communications Studies (MCS) from the University of Calgary, where she developed a strong understanding of communication strategies. This education has equipped her with the skills to effectively convey the mission and vision of the institutions she serves, helping to articulate their stories in ways that resonate with various audiences.
Julia also holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Theatre from the University of Alberta, which not only enriched her appreciation for the performing arts but also contributed to her ability to communicate and connect with people on various levels. This unique combination of educational experiences provides her with a unique perspective on both the arts and the communication needs of educational and nonprofit organizations, enabling her to advocate effectively for both sectors.
Achievements
Throughout her career, Julia has been recognized for her exceptional ability to forge connections and drive development initiatives that lead to tangible outcomes for her organizations. Her skills in communication and community engagement have played a vital role in each of her positions, as she continuously strives to inspire collaboration and participation among alumni, community members, and other stakeholders.
Julia’s tenure at various esteemed institutions showcases her adaptability, strategic foresight, and commitment to advancing education and culture. Her leadership in development and community relations exemplifies her passion for creating a positive impact, ensuring that both educational institutions and the communities they serve thrive. Julia continues to look for innovative ways to enhance the educational landscape while fostering a spirit of collaboration and community involvement in every aspect of her work.
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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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