Denise Harrison

About Denise Harrison

Experienced team leader and development professional committed to student success. Skills in coalition-building across the Foundation and with university partners to drive university-wide fundraising initiatives. Expertise in securing major gifts and engaging leadership volunteers.

Experience

1. Director of Development Ii, Scholarships & University Initiatives

   Oregon State University Foundation

   Aug 2024 — Present · Portland, OR, US

   Lead a team of development officers who work with alumni & donors across the university who support scholarships, programs, and initiatives that allow OSU students to reach their potential.• Staff supervision, coaching, and mentoring – responsible for the fundraising success and professional growth of my team. • Unit leadership – responsible for reaching the annual $12m+ goal for the Scholarships & University Initiatives unit.• Initiative leadership – develop, foster, and lead university-wide fundraising initiatives within student success, such as the OSU Scholarship Match and Finish in Four. • Campaign accountability – serve as the co-lead within the Foundation’s Vital Few Goals to reach the Foundation-wide $500m campaign goal for student success. • Individual performance – maintain focus on exceeding my annual individual metrics to benefit the overall student success goal.

Education

• University of Oxford

  English Literature & Moral Philosophy

  2004 — 2005

• James Madison University

  BA, English Literature & Moral Philosophy

  2002 — 2006

• Portland State University

  MPA, Public Administration: Nonprofit Management/Development

  2010 — 2012

Skills

• Grants
• Major Gift Development
• Community Outreach
• Corporate Relations
• Strategic Planning
• Public Speaking
• Fundraising
• Planned Giving
• Event Planning
• Non-Profits
• Grant Writing
• Annual Giving
• Program Development
• Nonprofits
• Board Development
• Event Management
• Non-Profit Administration
• Training
• Volunteer Management