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Robert Vitelli
Non-profit executive & educator (he/him)
Professional Background
Robert Vitelli is a highly accomplished non-profit executive with over 20 years of diverse experience in the non-profit sector. His expertise spans various critical areas including non-profit administration, program design and development, corporate partnerships and sponsorships, and grant writing. Throughout his career, Robert has demonstrated a remarkable ability to lead organizations towards achieving their mission of serving LGBT communities and advocating for human services.
In his current role as the Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer at the LGBT Network, Robert has made significant contributions to the organization’s strategic direction and operational efficiency. He skillfully manages corporate partnerships and sponsorships, ensuring that the organization remains financially robust. Under his leadership, the LGBT Network has been able to foster an inclusive environment that benefits both the community and its stakeholders.
Robert’s experience also includes roles such as Assistant Adjunct Professor at Nassau Community College, Research Interviewer at New York University, Residential Life Coordinator at Pace University, and Student Affairs & Campus Leadership Intern at Sarah Lawrence College. His early career as an AmeriCorps National Service Volunteer showcases his commitment to community service and social advocacy, laying a strong foundation for his future endeavors in the non-profit sector.
Education and Achievements
Robert’s educational background is extensive and tailored to his career in non-profit management. He earned a Master of Arts in Student Personnel Administration in Higher Education from New York University, which equipped him with the skills necessary to navigate the complexities of student affairs and institutional administration. Prior to this, he obtained a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Manhattan College, imbuing him with a strong analytical mindset that he applies to problem-solving in his professional endeavors.
In addition, Robert completed a Certificate in Fundraising Management at the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFPLI), further honing his skills in development, fundraising, and philanthropy. This formal education complements his impressive track record of professional accomplishments.
Major Professional Accomplishments
Robert Vitelli has a proven history of raising substantial funds to support a myriad of human services, advocacy, and community organizing programs for LGBT communities. Notably, he has raised over $12 million, a testament to his exceptional fundraising skills and unwavering dedication to the cause. With a keen understanding of organizational dynamics, he designed and established a comprehensive fundraising operation that increased private fundraising endeavors five-fold in just nine years, surpassing $1 million annually.
One of Robert's landmark achievements was successfully writing and securing the organization’s first competitive federal grant, valued at $600,000. This pivotal grant was instrumental in launching a national project aimed at strengthening LGBT community centers across the country. Additionally, he innovated a corporate sponsorship program that engaged more than 200 companies and generated over 20% of the annual private revenue, greatly enhancing the organization's financial landscape.
Robert is also a pioneer in effective communication strategies. He established and authored a strategic donor communications program utilizing various platforms such as print, web, e-mail, and social media to reach diverse donor audiences effectively. Furthermore, he designed and developed the “Safe Schools Initiative,” an anti-bullying program that partners with schools to create safer environments for LGBT youth, impacting the lives of over 100,000 students and teachers annually.
Another of Robert's notable contributions is the conception and implementation of the National Coming Out Day Campaign, which serves as a pivotal community engagement strategy to foster safe spaces for individuals of all ages in the LGBT community. His innovative approach has led to the successful mobilization of resources to support programs that address critical issues such as HIV testing, STD screening, and sexual health education, securing grants totaling $5 million.
Moreover, he designed a data management system tailored to capture program-level data for executive-level review, establishing both a Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) baseline and improvement measures. His focus on data-driven results exemplifies his commitment to excellence and accountability in non-profit operations. Additionally, Robert authored and presented a comprehensive theoretical program model aimed at training staff to initiate and grow constituent involvement, showcasing his ability to foster community engagement through effective training initiatives.