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Samantha Schneider
Manager, Philanthropy & Engagement at United Way of Calgary and Area
Professional Background
Samantha Schneider is a skilled professional fundraiser and donor engagement specialist with a focus on creating meaningful and impactful opportunities for various organizations. Currently serving as the Manager of Philanthropy and Engagement at United Way of Calgary and Area, Samantha has dedicated her career to building strong, lasting relationships between donors and charitable causes. She utilizes her expertise to engage the community and inspire individuals to contribute to projects that make a significant difference in people’s lives. With a strong sense of community and commitment to social impact, Samantha has honed her skills to maximize the effectiveness of fundraising efforts and donor engagement initiatives.
Samantha's career began as a Fund Development Assistant at Vecova Centre for Disability Services and Research, where she gained invaluable experience in the nonprofit sector and developed a profound understanding of the importance of inclusive fundraising strategies. She further enhanced her career trajectory by serving as a Campaign Advisor in Individual Giving at United Way of Calgary and Area. In this role, she offered strategic advice and insights that helped increase fundraising outcomes and encouraged individuals to support the cause.
In addition to her extensive fundraising experience, Samantha has demonstrated her diverse skills through roles such as a Marketing and Communications Intern at Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame and as an Outdoor Services Supervisor at The Glencoe Golf & Country Club. These experiences have equipped her with a strong foundation in communications, marketing, and community engagement.
Education and Achievements
Samantha obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Media Studies with concentrations in Communication and International Relations from the University of Calgary, a program that provided her with critical skills in media and communication strategies essential for donor engagement. Prior to that, she expanded her creative abilities by studying Graphic Design at Mount Royal University, where she learned the importance of visual communication in fundraising materials and campaigns. Her educational background at Rundle College Society also laid the groundwork for her analytical and interpersonal skills, which are vital in her current professional responsibilities.
Through her education and experiences, Samantha has developed a unique perspective on how to blend creativity with strategic thinking to ensure fundraising campaigns resonate with the community. This blend has enabled her to successfully promote causes and inspire individuals to support various initiatives.
Achievements
Throughout her career, Samantha Schneider has achieved numerous milestones that reflect her commitment to community engagement and philanthropy. One of her notable achievements was successfully leading initiatives that improved donor retention rates at United Way of Calgary and Area. Her forward-thinking approach involved utilizing data-driven insights to tailor engagement strategies to each donor, ensuring that contributions not only met fundraising goals but also created personal connections with the cause.
Additionally, her time at Vecova Centre for Disability Services and Research resulted in several successful fundraising campaigns that increased awareness of the services provided to individuals with disabilities. Samantha spearheaded creative initiatives that highlighted the critical nature of disability services, ensuring community members understood the impact of their support.
Her ability to communicate effectively through visual and textual mediums has garnered attention within the philanthropic community, making her a sought-after speaker at various nonprofit conferences and workshops focused on donor engagement and fundraising strategies. Her integration of graphic design principles into her work has also set her apart, as she creates compelling narratives and visual stories that resonate deeply with potential donors.
Overall, Samantha Schneider is an exemplary figure in the field of community fundraising and donor engagement, continually striving to create lasting impact through her professional endeavors. Her commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of others through philanthropy truly exemplifies her passion for community development and social responsibility.