Lema Najibi
Toronto
Summary
Operations professional with proven track record in optimizing processes and driving efficiency. Strong focus on team collaboration, strategic planning, and achieving measurable results. Adept at adapting to changing needs and leading cross-functional teams. Skilled in project management, process improvement, and resource allocation. Dependable and results-driven, known for enhancing operational performance.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
Work History
National Fundraising Operations Manager
Islamic Relief Canada (IRC)
12.2020 - Current
- Drove a 10% increase in IRC's national market share and community revenue by expanding engagement and improving stewardship
- Revitalized underperforming campaigns (e.g., Charity Week), exceeding revenue targets by 200%
- Enhanced reach by targeting diverse diasporas through national events with tailored speakers
- Organized impactful domestic and international trips, boosting volunteer engagement and fundraising
- Built a high-performing team by hiring and developing key roles to improve capacity
- Inherited Domestic Programs department, overseeing local projects across Canada targeting vulnerable communities
- Developed new onboarding protocols leading individual and department-wide training sessions
- Strengthened cross-departmental collaboration for improved campaign planning and execution
- Streamlined processes to enhance communication, reduce turnaround times, and improve efficiency
- Developed systems to optimize critical operations, for smoother project execution
Fundraising Operations Lead
Islamic Relief Canada (IRC)
06.2020 - 12.2020
- Oversaw event logistics, coordinating with designers and media teams for comprehensive content creation
- Reviewed and approved venues, programs, and media to ensure high-quality execution
- Aligned resources with the wider team to optimize allocation and meet strategic goals
- Spearheaded project management for national initiatives, collaborating with marketing and fundraising teams to drive event visibility and engagement
- Prepared stewardship reports for key stakeholders, including community leaders and major donors, outlining their contributions and the impact on supported projects to ensure accountability and transparency
Donor Relations Officer
Islamic Relief Canada
04.2019 - 05.2020
- Prioritized multiple tasks in a high-demand environment, handling high volumes of calls and emails with efficiency
- Provided guidance on projects and logistics, demonstrating project value to donors
- Recommended process improvements, including donor de-escalation techniques and options for recurring donations
- Co-managed the Orphan Sponsorship Program across 20+ countries, delivering high-quality reporting and promptly addressing donor and Field Office requests for optimal program support
Manager of Operations
A4 Motors & Autobody Shop
02.2017 - 09.2018
- Drafted and maintained employee contracts, ensuring its compliant with company standards
- Managed bi-weekly payroll with accuracy and timeliness
- Conducted regular check-ins to assess employee satisfaction and foster engagement
- Cultivated strong relationships with vendors, securing favourable discounts and optimizing business revenue through negotiation skills
- Identified and recommended alternative vendor options to support cost-effectiveness and profitability
- Handled all client communications and appointment scheduling with excellence
- Collaborated with the automobile-body repair team to draft accurate, comprehensive client invoices
- Oversaw store inventory, including tools, protective gear, supplies, and automobile parts, ensuring availability and proper stock levels
- Enforced safety protocols to maintain a compliant and secure store environment
Education
Bachelor of Arts - International Development, Political Economy & Administrative Change
University of Guelph
Skills
- Project Management
- Strategic Planning
- Leadership & Team Management
- Data & Budget Management
- Stakeholder & Partner Management
- Adaptability & Problem Solving
- Event Management
- Communication Skills
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
Farsi/Dari
Native or Bilingual
Hindi/Urdu
Professional Working
Projects
Charity Week: Revitalized underperforming campaign achieving significant success in mobilizing volunteers across Canada while exceeding revenue targets year-over-year.
Volunteer Abroad: Led and organized several fundraising trips around the world and within Canada, such as Banff, Nova Scotia, BC, Bosnia, and Jordan, engaging over 100 participants.
Domestic Projects: Managed a portfolio exceeding $5 million, collaborating with over 200 grassroots organizations across Canada to support vulnerable communities through initiatives such as Food Packs, Winter Kits, Backpacks and School Supplies, Toys for Children, and more.
Fundraising Dinners: Managed annual national fundraising dinners, bringing together community members, donors, and volunteers to raise over $2M in less than 30 days.
Hobbies and Interests
- Community Service
- Advocacy
- Volleyball
- Cooking
Timeline
National Fundraising Operations Manager
Islamic Relief Canada (IRC)
12.2020 - Current
Fundraising Operations Lead
Islamic Relief Canada (IRC)
06.2020 - 12.2020
Donor Relations Officer
Islamic Relief Canada
04.2019 - 05.2020
Manager of Operations
A4 Motors & Autobody Shop
02.2017 - 09.2018
Bachelor of Arts - International Development, Political Economy & Administrative Change
University of Guelph
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