David Vassar
Major Gifts Officer @Mam Houston - Memorial Assistance Ministries
Signup · Get unlimited contacts
WORK HISTORY
Major Gifts Officer @Mam Houston - Memorial Assistance Ministries
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
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.
This profile is compiled from publicly available professional sources. Unifers is not affiliated with or endorsed by LinkedIn. Request removal of this profile.