David Vassar

About David Vassar

Accomplished Executive Director & Higher Education Advisor professional with over two decades of experience in higher education, international relations, and edtech, seeking to bring strong relationship-building, program management, and global perspective to a mission-driven fundraising or philanthropic role. Extensive background working alongside senior university leaders and corporate stakeholders to advance institutional goals through high-level engagement, cross-cultural communication, and strategic initiatives. Known for a collaborative, coaching leadership style and a passion for organizations with global, educational, or humanitarian impact. AREAS OF EXPERTISE:Bilingual Communications (English/Spanish/Brazilian Portuguese)| Educational Fundraising | Donor Assessment | Grant Preparation | Major Gift Development | Presentations | Business Engagement | Program Management & Evaluation| Research | Public Speaking | Community Outreach | Leadership Development | Curriculum Design | International Relations SELECTED ACHIEVEMENTS:• Managed operations and communications for Rice University’s President during its $1B Campaign for the Second Century.• Drafted executive correspondence on behalf of the President, addressing a diverse range of constituencies including students, faculty, donors, alumni, and public officials.• Spearheaded Rice University’s international engagement strategy with a focus on Latin America.• Secured corporate philanthropic support, including a $30K gift from Schlumberger, while serving as Assistant Dean.• Directed the successful launch of CONTEX, a multimillion-dollar research and education collaboration between the UT System and Mexican universities.• Oversaw the $15M CONTEX budget, administering competitive funding programs for faculty, PhD students, and postdoctoral fellows.• Led Rice’s cross-functional team in planning and executing the 2015 visit of China’s Vice Premier and 60 university presidents from the U.S. and China.

Experience

1. Major Gifts Officer

   Mam Houston - Memorial Assistance Ministries

   Aug 2025 — Present · Houston, TX, US

   Donor Relationship Management • Identify, cultivate and steward relationships with prospective and existing major and midlevel donors. • Steward first-time and monthly donors to better understand interests and passions, build relationships, and increase connection to MAM. • Conduct in-person meetings, tours, and presentations to build meaningful connections. • Develop personalized donor strategies to align their philanthropic goals with MAM’s mission. • Work to elevate mid-level donors to major donor status, while maintaining and strengthening relationships with a portfolio of major donors. Fundraising Strategy and Solicitation • Manage a portfolio of mid-level and major donors and prospects capable of gifts or more. • Develop and execute tailored solicitation plans to achieve annual fundraising goals. • Collaborate with leadership to develop, refine, and implement moves managementCollaboration and Team Engagement • Partner with the development team to coordinate strategies for donor engagement, stewardship, and recognition • Work with the marketing team to align donor communications and events with organizational priorities. • Participate in cross-departmental meetings to stay informed on organizational and program initiatives. Event Planning and Execution • Assist in planning and attend donor cultivation and appreciation events.• Represent MAM at external functions and networking opportunities.Reporting and Data Management • Maintain accurate records of donor interactions and contributions in the Donor Perfect database. • Prepare regular progress reports, analyzing data to inform strategy adjustments. strategies

Education

• University of Virginia

  MA, Spanish Literature

• University of Virginia

  PhD, Latin American Literature

• Texas Christian University

  BA, Spanish

• Indiana University Bloomington

  Certificate in Principles & Techniques in Fundraising, Non-Profit/Public/Organizational Management

• Rice University - Susanne M. Glasscock School of Continuing Studies

  Graduate Paralegal Certificate Program (non-credit), Paralegal Studies

• Mays Business School - Texas A&M University

  MBA, Business Administration and Management, General

Skills

• Nonprofits
• Program Management
• Leadership Development
• Grant Writing
• Teaching
• Spanish
• Public Speaking
• Data Analysis
• Student Development
• Program Development
• Public Relations
• Curriculum Development
• Event Planning
• Fundraising
• Higher Education
• International Education
• International Relations
• Community Outreach
• Training
• Program Evaluation
• Qualitative Research
• Student Affairs
• Curriculum Design
• Non-Profits
• Strategic Planning
• Policy Analysis
• Public Policy
• Research