Sarah Conner-Smith

Current

• Director of Development Research at The University of Chicago

Past

• Associate Director of Development Research at Stanford University
• Manager of Stewardship and Information at California Pacific Medical Center Foundation
• Development Research Officer at San José State University

• Research Analyst at University of California, Berkeley

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Education

• Pacific School of Religion
• Earlham College

Recommended

1 person has recommended Sarah

Connections

146 connections

Industry

Fund-Raising

Sarah Conner-Smith’s Summary

I am a seasoned development researcher with experience in academia, health care, and non-profit consulting.

Sarah Conner-Smith’s Specialties:

In-depth research and analysis, project management, budget oversight, staff supervision, resource review and acquisition.

Sarah Conner-Smith’s Experience

• Director of Development Research

  The University of Chicago

  (Educational Institution; Fund-Raising industry)

  November 2007 — Present (11 months)

• Associate Director of Development Research

  Stanford University

  (Educational Institution; Fund-Raising industry)

  December 2004 — October 2007 (2 years 11 months)

  Oversee day-to-day operations of Development Research Department. Work with Major and Principal Gift Teams to provide information and strategies for top prospects. Liaise with departments across campus to help determine research needs. Collaborate with Information Technology Department to communicate departmental database needs. Edit monthly newsletter with newly identified and re-rated prospect. Manage vendor relationships and resource acquisitions. Manage departmental budget. Supervise staff.

• Manager of Stewardship and Information

  California Pacific Medical Center Foundation

  (Non-Profit; 11-50 employees; Fund-Raising industry)

  July 2002 — December 2004 (2 years 6 months)

  Managed public donor recognition. Managed Foundation’s Ambassador Program for VIP patients. Collaborated with development officers in building cultivation strategy for major gift prospects. Provided staff support to Stewardship and Cultivation Committee of the Foundation Board of Trustees. Oversaw prospect research and information management. Developed and maintained prospect tracking system. Designed and implemented prospect rating system.

• Development Research Officer

  San José State University

  (Educational Institution; 51-200 employees; Fund-Raising industry)

  November 1998 — July 2002 (3 years 9 months)

  . Provided pertinent information to campus fundraisers regarding major gift prospects. Identified new potential donors. Researched and wrote detailed profiles on individual and corporate prospects. Maintained institutional memory by tracking significant relationships between campus representatives and major donors. Developed solicitation strategies.

• Research Analyst

  University of California, Berkeley

  (Fund-Raising industry)

  1996 — 1998 (2 years)

Additional Information

Sarah Conner-Smith’s Interests:

development research, prospect management, information management, social networking, yoga, theology and spirituality

Sarah Conner-Smith’s Groups:

Association of Professional Researchers for Advancement, California Advancement Researchers Association, United Church of Christ

•    Obama for America
•    Earlham Alumni
•    Women Who Tech
•    Philanthropic Advisors Network

Sarah Conner-Smith’s Contact Settings

Interested In:

• job inquiries
• expertise requests
• reference requests
• getting back in touch