Tori Rysz

(promoted from Associate Director)

•Built and direct a new program that provides high-level donor relations to surprise and delight the university’s most generous contributors. Working with Yale’s President, VP of Development, Senior Director of Communications, and Principal Gift fundraisers, ensure that Yale maintains and grows mutually beneficial philanthropic relationships and secures new gifts of $10 million+.
• Secured over $430 million in new commitments from households in the program since 2016.
• Supervise university-wide project teams of writers and designers to pitch and develop 75+ customized projects annually for Yale’s top 35 donor households. Products include celebratory books, videos, unique presents, commissioned art, impact reports, milestone recognition, and special events and experiences.
• Interface with Yale’s top donors and/or prepare campus leaders to do so.
• Serve as institutional voice for creative stewardship: consult with and advise the president, deans, gift officers, public relations partners, and other key administrators; develop and lead presentations and trainings; run a monthly ideation workshop; produce a regular newsletter for development partners.

(promoted from Associate Writer)

• Wrote and edited a range of communication materials including financial reports on fund performance, narrative reports on scholars and professors, and articles for Yale’s giving website and ELI magazine.
• Oversaw stewardship reporting: trained and managed writers, researched and edited reports, tracked progress and goals, and addressed donor questions.
• Managed stewardship of the Alumni Fund’s giving program: oversaw student assignments, wrote donor reports, piloted an initiative to visually enhance reports.
• Co-led development of stewardship department’s first website.
• Led committees to implement special projects such as expanding a Marketing and Communications Style Guide, identifying best practices, and incorporating diverse voices in stewardship.

• Surpassed 2010 fundraising goal of $260,000 by 35%, raising $350,000. Met fundraising goals each year.
• Managed corporate fundraising and business development for 200 prospects, including national and regional sponsors, media sponsors, in-kind donors, and local merchants.
• Wrote and designed marketing materials, presentations, proposals, and content for print and online media including brochures, PowerPoints, vlogs, social media, and web.
• Planned and hosted special events ranging from galas and donor receptions to hospitality and pre-performance dinners; accompanied sponsors to performances.

• Worked closely with 250 nonprofit applicants and grantees in areas such as education, human rights, and arts.
• Reviewed, edited, and sponsored proposals and progress reports.
• Traveled regularly to represent the foundation at site visits and conferences nationwide.
• Managed board relations and presentations.

• Managed a new revenue-generating program for hosting private events at the museum.
• Designed marketing materials and coordinated public relations.
• Handled client relations and assisted with special events.