Cassandra Schneider Burns

About Cassandra Schneider Burns

I am a skilled international development professional with over ten years of experience researching, designing, and implementing peacebuilding initiatives. My technical expertise lies in preventing and countering violent extremism, conflict prevention and resolution, water security and diplomacy, and environmental peacebuilding. I have worked extensively across all aspects of the program cycle with a strong track record in successful business development, compliant and impactful implementation, and technical assistance across a range of thematic and geographic areas. My experience managing large scale programs, cross-sectoral technical expertise, and ability to analyze funding and policy trends uniquely position me as a strategic and thoughtful leader in the international development and peacebuilding spaces. I have a Masters in International Relations with foci in counterterrorism and security and have continued my education in environmental peacebuilding and water diplomacy through a range of certificate programs. I have strong written and verbal communication skills and am fluent in English and proficient in Spanish.

Experience

1. Development Manager

   The Conway School Graduate Program In Sustainable Planning And Design

   Nov 2025 — Present

Education

• Syracuse University - Maxwell School

  Master of International Relations, Development and Humanitarian Assistance

  2015 — 2016

• The University of Georgia

  Bachelor of Arts, International Affairs

  2007 — 2011

Skills

• Leadership
• Microsoft Office
• Non-Profit Leadership
• Nonprofits
• Time Management
• Public Speaking
• Public Relations
• Middle Eastern Studies
• Editing
• Training
• Social Media
• Research
• Management
• Oral & Written Communication Skills
• Non-Profit Volunteer
• Spanish
• Teaching English as a Second Language
• Fundraising
• Non-Profit Board Development