Jim Barber

About Jim Barber

I\'m a seasoned non-profit executive passionate about advancing missions through measurable financial impacts. Over two decades, I’ve led high-performing teams, restructured multi-state foundation operations, and helped raise more than $293 million, driving sustainable growth in healthcare and higher education. As President of Mercy Health Foundation, I guided 18 foundations across five states, achieving a nearly 90% increase in revenue and transforming donor engagement. I thrive at the intersection of strategic planning, donor development, and operational excellence—improving ROI, streamlining governance, and building resilient cultures that align mission with metrics. Oversaw over $250M assets and investment advisory committee of the board. From launching the first-ever planned giving programs to developing uniform job structures and boosting board alignment, I’ve consistently led initiatives that outlast campaigns—fueling long-term transformation. I serve as a trusted advisor to boards and executive leadership, and I’m energized by the opportunity to bring community, philanthropy, and strategy together to serve something greater.Let’s connect if you\'re passionate about building scalable, mission-driven organizations with real, lasting results.Career Highlights• Led fundraising operations of 18 foundations across 5 states with $258M in total assets and an $8.8M operating budget and oversaw investment advisory committee of the board. • Increased revenue by 89.5% despite Covid-19, raising $293M between 2019 and 2024 for an annual average of $58.5M. • Solicited $66.2M in FY24, cutting cost to raise a dollar (CTRD) from 20% to 12% and achieving an ROI of $6.36.• Secured $9M personally over career at Mercy Health Foundation.• Implemented the moves management system, increasing fundraising dollars by 29%.• More than doubled contributions for Via Christi Foundation.• Increased employee giving to $.65M (52% participation).• Supervised 21 staff members, volunteers, and three on-premise shops.• Managed Environmental Services, Hospitality, Transportation, Security, and Food & Nutrition during the leadership transition period (700 staff members).

Experience

1. Independent Consultant to Non Profits

   Mantle Coaching, Llc The Selah Collective

   May 2025 — Present · US

   With over two decades of transformative leadership in non-profit healthcare and higher education, Jim has established himself as a strategic philanthropic executive who consistently delivers measurable impact. His career spans president and chief development roles where he\'s restructured multi-state foundation operations and helped raise more than $293 million to support vital missions.Today, he channels his expertise into helping organizations achieve sustainable growth through the alignment of mission and metrics. As a catalyst for organizational transformation, Jim creates the framework teams need to thrive at the intersection of strategic planning, donor development, and operational excellence. He\'s particularly passionate about building resilient cultures that outlast campaigns, drawing from his experience guiding 18 foundations across five states and achieving nearly 90% revenue growth despite challenging conditions. Jim combines proven financial stewardship with relationship-building excellence to help mission-driven organizations discover and fulfill their more.

Education

• Kansas Wesleyan University

  B.A. Business, Business Administration

Skills

• Marketing
• Nonprofits
• Volunteer Management
• Training
• Public Relations
• Strategy
• Recruiting
• Staff Development
• Hospitals
• Leadership Development
• Budgets
• Community Outreach
• Community Development
• Physicians
• Event Planning
• Strategic Planning
• Program Management
• Philanthropy
• Healthcare Management
• Fundraising
• Physician Relations
• Social Media Marketing
• Marketing Strategy
• Customer Service
• Organizational Development
• Grants
• Event Management
• Public Speaking
• Leadership
• Grant Writing
• Program Development
• Management
• Team Building
• Coaching
• Policy
• Marketing Communications