Cheri Comasco

About Cheri Comasco

I have over 20 years of professional fundraising and sales experience. I enjoy meeting…

Experience

1. Director of Development

   Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra

   Jul 2019 — Present · Harrisburg, PA, US

   As the Director of Development (DD) I take a leadership role in developing lasting philanthropic relationships with Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra (HSO) patrons and the business community with a specific focus on growing patron relationships, individual contributions, planned gifts, corporate sponsorships, grant writing, the annual report, special events and the PA Educational Improvement Tax Credit program. I am also responsible for the day-to-day administrative operations of the Development office and pride myself on having an advanced understanding of fundraising concepts. I oversee all the HSO’s fundraising initiatives, including the annual fund, corporate sponsorships, grant writing, capital campaigns, and special events. I interact with all the various HSO constituencies (Board Members, staff, volunteers, donors, musicians, audience members, etc.) and I possess strong interpersonal and writing skills, initiative, and the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously. Most importantly, I work to the ensure I exercise discretion, independent judgement, and a respect for confidentiality. and strong organizational skills. I have a cheerful outlook and people skills which give me the ability to collaborate well with my co-workers, donors, and various groups. I have a demonstrated history of meeting deadlines and establishing priorities to complete my reports, mailings, and projects on time. After working in philanthropy for over twenty years, I find fundraising to be an exciting career and I am so happy to be a part of this elite group of people who dedicate themselves to work for non-profit organizations.

Education

• University of Washington

  BA, Speech Communications

  1977 — 1981

Skills

• Public Speaking
• Major Donor Cultivation
• Event Management
• Non-Profit Administration
• Donor Management
• Community Relations
• Editing
• Event Planning
• Grants
• Annual Fund
• Program Development
• Moves Management
• Leadership Development
• Philanthropy
• Alumni Affairs
• Newsletters
• Fundraising
• Planned Giving
• Campaign Strategies
• Major Gift Development
• Stewardship
• Educational Fundraising
• Grassroots Organizing
• Fundraisers
• Prospect Research
• Annual Giving
• Major Gift Solicitations
• Non-Profits
• Speech Writing
• Donor Research
• Social Media
• Press Releases
• Board Development
• Higher Education
• Donor Recognition
• Donor Relations
• Grant Writing
• Capital Campaigns
• Strategic Planning
• Direct Mail