Julie J. Smith
Mission-Driven Fundraising & Communications Leader | Strategic Storyteller with a Journalist’s Eye and a Fundraiser’s Heart
- Role
- Director of Annual Giving and Philanthropic Communications at Essentia Health Foundation
- Location
- Duluth, US
- LinkedIn followers
- 500 followers
About Julie J. Smith
I bring organizational missions to life by combining strategic fundraising, impactful…
Experience
Director of Annual Giving and Philanthropic Communications
Aug 2024 — Present · US
I lead fundraising and storytelling initiatives that support compassionate, high-quality rural health care across Wisconsin, Minnesota, and North Dakota. My role combines strategy, communications, and donor engagement to build programs that drive results. Annual Giving & Donor Engagement: Direct a comprehensive annual giving program across nine affiliate Foundations for renewal and acquisition audiences, develop the annual giving society, and manage the Employee Giving Program for employees. Storytelling & Communications: Oversee all philanthropic communications, including impact reports, donor newsletters, recognition pieces, and social media efforts; produce compelling donor and provider videos that tell real stories. Marketing & PR: Shape multichannel campaigns (digital, print, social, events) and guide public relations messaging, media content, and event scripts that elevate the Foundation’s mission. Strategy & Leadership: Align localized fundraising appeals with systemwide priorities, present and report results to leadership and boards, and lead strategic projects such as the full overhaul of the Foundation website. Stewardship & Recognition: Support ongoing donor recognition through donor walls, impact storytelling, and cases for support that inspire continued generosity.Why It MattersSupporting rural health care in hospitals and clinics across the Midwest—and being privileged to tell the stories of the neighbors and communities we are privileged to serve.
Education
University of Minnesota-Duluth
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
2009 — 2013
Skills
- Public Speaking
- Social Networking
- Public Relations
- Research
- Social Media
- Blogging
- Event Planning
- Microsoft Office
- Editorial
- Microsoft Word
- Powerpoint
- Customer Service
- Community Outreach
- Editing
- Creative Writing
- Nonprofits
- Fundraising
- Education
- Philanthropy
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