Michele Kitson Ikusz

About Michele Kitson Ikusz

I am a passionate and results-driven fundraising professional with over 20 years of experience across diverse nonprofit sectors, including large public universities, community organizations, and small nonprofits. My career has been built on cultivating meaningful relationships and leading successful development initiatives that advance organizational missions.With a background in theatre production and management spanning more than ten years, I bring a unique blend of creativity, strategic thinking, and operational expertise to my work. My experience in public speaking and communication is strengthened by active participation in Toastmasters at both professional and collegiate levels, enabling me to engage audiences effectively and inspire action.Core Competencies:Relationship Building & StewardshipFund Development & Grant WritingBoard & Volunteer TrainingProgram & Event ManagementPublic Speaking & Communications TrainingPerforming Arts & Community Engagement

Experience

1. Vice President of Advancement

   Alverno College

   Oct 2024 — Present · Milwaukee, WI, US

   As Vice President of Advancement at Alverno College, I lead a comprehensive advancement strategy to secure sustainable philanthropic support that furthers the college\'s mission and strategic goals. My responsibilities include overseeing all aspects of fundraising, alumni relations, and donor stewardship, with a strong focus on cultivating and maintaining meaningful relationships with individual donors, corporate partners, and foundations.Key achievements and responsibilities include:Leading a diverse advancement team to drive annual giving, major gifts, planned giving, and capital campaigns.Collaborating with the President, Board of Trustees, and senior leadership to align advancement strategies with institutional priorities.Managing high-level donor relations, including cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of key contributors.Overseeing grant writing, securing major philanthropic investments to support academic programs and student scholarships.Engaging the college’s alumnae network to foster lifelong relationships with the institution.Spearheading initiatives to enhance alumni engagement and diversify the college’s funding base.My role at Alverno emphasizes transparency, integrity, and collaboration to ensure long-term success in advancing the institution\'s mission.

Education

• Wake Forest University School of Business

  MBA, Consulting, Entrepreneurship, General Management

  2000 — 2002

• Cornell College

  BA, Theatre & French

  1987 — 1991

Skills

• Board Development
• Program Management
• Marathon
• Leadership
• Grant Writing
• Community Outreach
• Annual Giving
• Staff Development
• Strategic Planning
• Social Networking
• Event Planning
• Non-Profits
• Social Media
• Marketing
• Management
• Team Building
• Teaching
• Entrepreneurship
• Nonprofits
• Fundraising
• Public Speaking
• Volunteer Management
• Event Management