As competition for grants steadily increases you need to expand your fundraising efforts. I can help you build your community. I can help you raise more money from your individual donors.
 
I am a fundraising and communications expert specializing in digital strategies for arts and humanitarian organizations, with 15 years experience and a passion for helping organizations tell their stories, grow their donor lists, and engage audiences in their work.  

I am presently working with Musicians without Borders and have room for two more clients.  
Humanitarian Organizations

American Near East Refugee Aid (ANERA)
Director of Online Giving and Direct Mail                                                                       October 2007 – April 2012   

  • Instituted online list-building strategy, growing list from 1,200 names to 43,000 in three years.
  • Designed and implemented the “Leadership Challenge Fund” in December 2011, leveraging gifts from major donors for smaller donations online. Raised more than $400,000.
  • Successfully executed ANERA’s first-ever matching gift campaign for end-of-year 2009, exceeding goal of $100,000 by more than $30,000.
  • Converted monthly donor program to an online platform.
  • Designed overall online communications strategy; oversaw budget; managed IT, print and online service providers. 
  • Identified and applied for Google Grant, securing $10,000 per month in online advertising.

Human Rights Campaign
Online Fundraising Manager/Membership Analyst                                       November 2005 – October 2007

  • Managed online fundraising strategy implementation and the integration between online and offline database of more than 750,000 subscribers. 
  • In 1.5 years grew online list from 600,000 subscribers to more than 750,000.
  • Developed online strategy for national fundraising appeals and action alerts in coordination with the direct marketing team and the political department. 
  • Awarded “Employee of the Quarter” for work during the 2006 mid-term elections (HRC was ranked 2nd most effective political organization in the 2006 mid-term elections by National Review).

Arts Organizations

DCM, Inc.
Fundraising/Marketing Consultant                                                                  January 2005 – November 2005
Manager of Training & Recruitment                                                                                     June 2002—April 2004

  • Developed and implemented the recruitment, placement, orientation, and training programs for new managers and evaluated existing managers. 
  • Planned campaigns and built income projections.
  • Audited management of fundraising and subscription sales campaigns for DCM clients: Baltimore Symphony, San Francisco Symphony and Performing Arts Calling Center.
  • Conceived of, and implemented a resource sharing forum of 30+ managers and administrative staff from across the country to meet in-person. 
  • Created the “DCM Manager Resource Guide” and created a monthly newsletter, “Campaign Notes.” 

Los Angeles Opera                                                                                                                          DCM, Inc.
Campaign Director                                                                                                                                  February -June 2002

  • Established the 02/03 Subscription Sales Campaign and led the calling team to the $1.5 million subscription sales goal.
  • Trained and prepared the next campaign manager and managed the transition.

New York City Opera                                                                                                                       DCM, Inc.
Campaign Director                                                                                                                                     January 2001-February 2002

  • Designed the 2001/2002 Subscription Sales Campaign, recruited staff and launched new campaign and surpassed goal of $1.1 million in subscription sales revenue.

Performing Arts Calling Center                                                                              DCM, Inc.
Director                                                                                                                                                                February 2000- January 2001

  • Oversaw the development and implementation of fundraising and marketing campaigns for major arts organizations across the United States, managing a staff of 55 callers and 10 administrative staff.

 San Francisco Opera                                                                                                            DCM, Inc.
Campaign Manager                                                                                                                                        February - September 1999

  • Managed the 1999/2000 Subscription Sales Campaign of $1.3 million.

 Minnesota Orchestra                                                                                                                                    Group 121
Campaign Manager                                                                                                                                          September 1998 – January 1999

  • Managed $1.2 million Winter Fundraising Campaign, recruited and trained 25 representatives on the Moon Fire automated dialing system. 

Seattle Opera Association
Campaign Manager                                                                                                                                              February 1996 – August 1998

  • Managed staff of 12 fundraising and sales associates for Seattle Opera’s in-house telemarketing campaigns and surpassed fundraising and subscription sales goals.


M. Austin Communicatie en Fondsenwerving
Bickerswerf 21
1013KV, Amsterdam
The Netherlands
Email: michaelgregoryaustin@gmail.com  
Phone: 06 3988 6559
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