Ken Liszewski

About Ken Liszewski

Professional experience in higher education and non-profit development includes extensive…

Experience

1. Associate Director of Institutional Giving

   Shea\'s Performing Arts Center

   Jan 2024 — Present · Buffalo, NY, US

   As the Associate Director of Institutional Giving for Shea\'s Performing Arts Center, I lead a $30+ million fundraising initiative aimed at transforming the venue in time for its 100th Anniversary in 2026. This role encompasses strategic campaign management, donor cultivation, and cross-functional collaboration to ensure the project\'s success. I report directly to the Vice President of Development and work closely with the President/CEO and Capital Campaign Committee to drive all efforts.Key Responsibilities:Capital Campaign Management: Serve as the primary point of contact for the Capital Campaign, managing all operational aspects of the campaign, including budgeting, event planning, and reporting.Fundraising Strategy and Planning: Develop and implement a comprehensive fundraising strategy targeting individual donors, corporations, and foundations. Oversee the research and cultivation of new prospects, ensuring sustained momentum in donor outreach and engagement.Donor Relations and Solicitation: Collaborate with the VP of Development and Campaign Committee to create personalized donor engagement plans, prepare solicitation materials, and organize donor meetings. Maintain donor records and ensure follow-up actions.Committee Management: Coordinate and attend all campaign committee meetings, ensuring materials are prepared and accurate records of discussions are kept. Lead post-meeting follow-up actions.Gift Acknowledgment and Stewardship: Ensure timely acknowledgment of all campaign gifts and pledges, while tracking ongoing gift agreements and recognition activities in donor databases.Communications and Public Relations: Work with the Campaign committee and communications teams to keep the campaign visible and maintain its momentum. This includes preparing public-facing materials, managing web/social media content, and planning special events.

Education

• Canisius University

  Bachelor of Arts - BA, Communication and Media Studies

• Canisius University

  Bachelor of Arts - BA, Political Science and Government

• Harvard Business School

  Not for Profit Management and Governance, Non-Profit/Public/Organizational Management

• Canisius University

  Master of Science - MS, Communication and Leadership, Integrated Marketing and Non-Profit Management Concentration