Ernie Fernandez

Experience

1. Director of Institutional Advancement

   Vermont State University

   Jul 2024 — Present · Montpelier, VT, US

   Lead the development and execution of comprehensive fundraising strategies, including major gifts, planned giving, endowments, annual giving, capital campaigns, and special events- Collaborate with key stakeholders to build a unified philanthropy practice by integrating legacy knowledge, relationships, and processes from prior institutions- Oversee alumni engagement, donor stewardship, and data-driven decision-making to improve development programs and fundraising effectiveness- Build and refine fundraising infrastructure, manage donor relations, and guide scholarship management, tracking, and awarding processes in collaboration with Financial Aid and Student Success teams- Develop and implement thoughtful stewardship strategies to cultivate long-term relationships with alumni, families, supporters, and donors- Lead the ongoing design and staffing of a sustainable, high-performing institutional advancement unit- Collaborate with Communications and Marketing teams to create persuasive fundraising materials and promote public events- Manage budgets for institutional advancement, alumni relations, and annual giving operations.

Education

• Harvard University Graduate School of Education

  Master of Education (M.Ed.)

  2016 — 2018

• Harvard University

  Master of Education & Master of Divinity

• Harvard Divinity School

  Master of Divinity

  2011 — 2014

• St. Thomas University

  Bachelors of Arts

  2007 — 2011

• Harvard Divinity School

  Master of Divinity - MDiv

Skills

• Customer Service
• Volunteer Management
• Grantsmanship
• Philanthropy
• Financial Reporting
• Foundations
• Financial Modeling
• Research
• Editing
• Microsoft Excel
• Fundraising
• Event Planning
• Teaching
• Leadership
• Grantmaking
• Community Outreach
• Financial Statements
• Social Media
• Catholic Social Teaching
• Spanish
• Program Development
• Grant Administration