Lea Brinson

About Lea Brinson

I am a senior nonprofit development leader with more than 20 years of experience helping mission driven organizations grow, stabilize, and evolve. My work is grounded in relationships, strong strategy, and the belief that fundraising works best when it is intentional, data informed, and clearly connected to impact.I currently serve as Director of Development at Corus International, where I am leading the creation of a new public fundraising brand and a comprehensive multi channel strategy to support Corus’ mission to end extreme poverty. This role allows me to build something new within a well established global organization, bringing together donor acquisition, digital and direct response fundraising, performance measurement, and storytelling in support of long term growth.Earlier in my career, I held senior development and executive leadership roles, including serving as Interim Executive Director for an international nonprofit during a period of transition. I have also spent many years working closely with large community based organizations and national nonprofits to strengthen fundraising strategy, grow individual and major giving, and align development efforts more closely with mission and outcomes.Across every role, my approach has remained consistent. Fundraising is about people. It is about listening, building trust, and helping donors see how their values connect to the work. I am a Certified Fundraising Executive with deep experience in individual giving, digital engagement, faith rooted philanthropy, and both domestic and international fundraising.I believe fundraising should never be transactional. When done well, it builds community, supports systems level change, and makes meaningful impact possible.

Experience

1. Director of Development

   Corus International

   Jan 2026 — Present

   Lead the design and launch of a new public fundraising brand and comprehensive multi channel development strategy to support Corus’ global mission to end extreme poverty. Build fundraising systems from the ground up within a well established international organization, with a focus on donor acquisition, digital and direct response fundraising, and long term growth.Partner closely with marketing, programs, and executive leadership to align fundraising with mission, messaging, and impact. Develop and test donor offers, campaigns, and engagement strategies using a data informed approach that emphasizes performance, learning, and return on investment.Identify and cultivate new donor audiences while strengthening relationships with existing supporters across domestic and international markets. Manage external partners and vendors, analyze campaign performance, and use donor data to inform strategy and scale what works.Bring an entrepreneurial mindset to fundraising by balancing creativity with discipline, experimentation with accountability, and innovation with sustainability. Contribute to the development of team infrastructure, processes, and tools that support long term success.

Education

• Southern Illinois University Edwardsville

  Master of Public Administration (MPA), Non-Profit/Public/Organizational Management

  2001 — 2006