Susan Erhardt
Staunton
Summary
Accomplished fundraising professional with demonstrated track record of success for conservation, educational, and cultural non-profit organizations, over 20+ year career. Highly skilled in grant and donor management, networking to build relationships, strategic growth, and outreach programs. Seeking a role that encourages creative thinking, innovation, develops partnerships with key stakeholders, and cultivates long-term relationships.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Executive Director
Ivy Creek Foundation
Charlottesville
12.2019 - Current
- Manage daily operations and developed and executed strategic goals for the organization including all programming, budgeting, and alignment with the Board of Directors.
- Expanded partnerships from 37 to 88, increased grant awards from one to two to 8-10 annually, solicit donations, and meet grant commitments.
- Oversee budget preparation and financial management for sustainable operations.
- Facilitate board meetings to ensure clear communication and governance oversight.
- Promote staff development through mentoring and training programs for leadership growth.
- Advocate for the foundation's mission through public speaking and community engagement efforts.
- Cultivate relationships with key stakeholders, including board members, donors, sponsors, partners, and community leaders.
- Manage the organization's financial resources and operations to maximize efficiency and effectiveness.
Executive Director
Allegheny Mountain Institute
01.2017 - 12.2019
- Managed daily operations and executed strategic goals for the organization including all programming, budgeting, and alignment with the Board of Directors.
- Developed, fundraised and Implemented a new 3 phase, 10 year, flagship project with the largest healthcare provider in Augusta County, VA.
- Developed a Strategic Plan and Staff Workload plan to support organizational growth and additional Developmental needs for program expansion.
- Managed an 18 month Fellowship program training future leaders in conservation and food system management.
Director of Education
Casey Trees
01.2007 - 12.2017
- Hired as a change agent to evaluate and align programming with Casey Trees’ core mission.
- Increased programming from two seasons to year-round.
- Served as spokesperson for the organization on conservation activities at conferences.
- Developed and Implemented Strategic Plans.
- Supervised full-time, part-time, contractor, seasonal staff, interns, and volunteers in multistate locations.
Education Director and Governmental Liaison
Greening of Detroit
01.1998 - 12.2007
- Developed and implemented programming with the Detroit Public Schools to introduce over 15,000 K-12 students to nature conservation and urban agriculture annually.
- Increased programming 50% and revenue to compensate for additional programming.
- Lobbied federal and state agencies on behalf of the organization.
- Supervised full-time and part-time staff, interns, and administrated the volunteer program.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Community Sustainability
Michigan State University
East Lansing, MIMaster of Arts - Environmental Studies
University of Michigan
DearbornSkills
- Fundraising
- Grant writing and management
- Donor relations and management
- Corporate donor relations and management
- Networking
- Program leadership and evaluation
- Relationship building
- Budgeting
- Partnership development
- Program evaluation
Certification
- Certified Arborist, International Society of Arboriculture, 2015
- Certified Interpreter Guide, National Association of Interpretation, 2014
Awards
- National Park Service Centennial Award
- Voted Best Nonprofit by the City Paper
- Excellence in Volunteer Management by the Arbor Day Foundation
- Voted Best Place to Volunteer by the City Paper
- Outstanding Educator Award by the Arbor Day Foundation
- Earthwatch Education Fellowship, Kenya, Africa
Timeline
Executive Director
Ivy Creek Foundation
12.2019 - Current
Executive Director
Allegheny Mountain Institute
01.2017 - 12.2019
Director of Education
Casey Trees
01.2007 - 12.2017
Education Director and Governmental Liaison
Greening of Detroit
01.1998 - 12.2007
Bachelor of Science - Community Sustainability
Michigan State University
Master of Arts - Environmental Studies
University of Michigan
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