Joanne Dittes Yepsen

91 Fifth Avenue
Saratoga Springs, New York 12866
Tel: (518) 526-5272; 584-5167
Fax: (518) 584-4223
Email: JDittesYep01@aol.com

A MANAGEMENT PROFESSIONAL WITH PROVEN CAPABILITIES IN FUNDRAISING, MARKETING, STRATEGIC PLANNING, BOARD RELATIONS, PERSONNEL AND FISCAL MANAGEMENT.

• Collaborating with organization’s staff and Board members

• Strategic visioning

• Organizational development

• Strengthening relationships by applying managerial skills 

• Strategic business planning

• Goal setting and implementation

• Board development

• Annual fund development

• Capital campaign planning

• Community relations and positive marketing techniques

• Creative event/benefits planning

• Cultivation programs

• Training to successfully solicit prospects/donors

• Communications management: internal and external

• Team building to move forward toward common goals

• Volunteer motivation

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE & EMPLOYMENT

COLTIVARE, INC.: (2001 – present)

President and owner of development consulting business working with non-profit organizations throughout region on annual and capital campaigns, fund raising events and strategies, major donor cultivation and solicitation programs, strengthening marketing position in communities, strategic visioning and planning, and board growth and development.  See Coltivare enclosures:  1) Scope of Services, 2) Client List

ADIRONDACK COMMUNITY COLLEGE:  Professional Development Center: (2005)

Designer and presenter of an Organizational Development workshop series for Executive Directors and Board Presidents of organizations in the Capital Region.

SKIDMORE COLLEGE: (1985 – 2001)

Over 16 years held management positions in the Development Office and President’s Office:

Strategic Planning Consultant: (2000-2001)

• Assisted in the management of strategic planning process by organizing volunteer leadership training, community outreach, roundtable sessions and summary of data.

Coordinator, Presidential Search & Transition: (1997 – 2000)

• Managed operation for presidential search and transition

• Collaborated with college community, in particular Chair of the Board Joanie Dayton and 14-member search committee to assess the needs of the institution and oversee presidential search process.

• Directed transition phase; managing transition issues, priorities and serving as a conduit for incoming president Jamie Studley, interim president Phyllis Roth, and board chair and campus community.

• Worked closely with incoming President during her first year developing communications and systems of doing business as well as managing searches of Vice Presidents.

Capital District Campaign, The Skidmore Journey:  A Campaign for Our Second Century:  Total Raised Nationally:  $85 Million (1996 –97)

• Helped coordinate strategic fundraising plan for Capital District effort, working closely with President David Porter, Co-chairs Susan & Bill Dake, committee members, Campaign Director Tracy Barlok and college relations’ staff.

Director, Trustee Affairs and College Events:  (1994 – 96)

Developed and managed highly visible department; major responsibilities included:

• Strengthening institutional image and relations with major donors

• Overseeing board related issues and activities, traditional college events, cultivation and stewardship activities for $78 million capital campaign

• Personnel and budget management

• Served as liaison with the Board of Trustees, managing all items of business closely with the Board Chair Myles Cane and President David Porter, particularly in the nominating process, board development, institutional issues/priorities, and regular complex meeting/retreats.

Director, Public Events: (1989 – 93)

• Conceived and directed office of public events during $25 million Celebration Campaign, supervising staff, 90 events annually, and a budget of $350,000.

• Designed and supervised cultivation programs targeted at major prospects and a wide-variety of College traditional events including Commencement at SPAC, Parents Weekend, Convocations, academic lectures, etc.

• Collaborated with Office of the President, College Relations, academic departments, administrative offices and student groups regarding events and publications.

• Worked closely with trustees, major donors and volunteers nation-wide to plan and implement cultivation and recognition events.

• Supervised the multi-faceted Skidmore summer Polo Luncheon Benefit

Associate Director, Development: (1985 – 88)

DOWNTOWN SCHENECTADY BUSINESS ASSOCIATION:

Marketing Director  (1983 – 85)

SCHENECTADY Y.W.C.A.:

Public Relations Director  (1981 –83)

HARTWICK COLLEGE:

Staff Photographer (1978 – 80)

• Association of Fundraising Professionals, member
• Women In Development of New York, member
• Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce:  Planner/Presenter Fundraising Conference for Non-Profit members
• Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce: 1993 Graduate, Leadership Saratoga
• Women’s Press Club of New York State: President of the Board
• Union College:  Marketing and Writing
• Skidmore College:  Italian Language

HARTWICK COLLEGE:                
B.A.  PSYCHOLOGY (1980)
MINOR, BUSINESS MANAGEMENT

Saratoga P.L.A.N., Vice Chair of the Board,                         
Chair, Financial Development Committee
Saratoga Springs Mayor’s Task Force appointed member:  Cities for Climate Protection
Universal Preservation Hall, Development Committee      
Saratoga READS Advisory Group                                     
Saratoga Wellness Advisory Group                                     
Saratoga County Arts Council:  Board President (two year term)
Member, Board of Trustees; Chair, Arts 2000 Capital Campaign ($450,000 was raised ahead of schedule)
Saratoga Care Foundation:  Chair, Summer Gala; Division
Manager, Annual Campaign; Board Treasurer, Board of Trustees
Home Made Theater of Saratoga:  Board Member; Chair, Strategic Planning Committee
Saratoga Springs City School District:  Honorary Chair, Project Steinway (raised $32,000 ahead of schedule for music dept.);
Marketing Campaign, Bond issue for $68 million capital renovations
Presbyterian New England Congregational Church: Member, Governing Board; Deacon
Skidmore College:  Chair, Polo Luncheon
Greenberg Child Care Center, Chair, Advisory Board,
Initiated Camp Northwoods
Yaddo:  Member, Summer Benefit Committee
Hartwick College:  Founding member & Communications Chair Albany Chapter Alumni Association,
Professional Mentor Program for Students,
25th Reunion Committee