Melissa Kelley
Antelope
Summary
Seasoned nonprofit executive with over 15 years of experience driving transformative fundraising strategies, cultivating mission-aligned partnerships, and leading high-performing teams. Proven ability to exceed ambitious revenue goals, scale philanthropic impact, and foster a culture of equity, trust, and innovation. Deeply committed to donor-centric engagement, data-driven decision-making, and cross-functional collaboration that propels organizational growth. CFRE-certified leader passionate about mental health, social justice, and building inclusive communities through philanthropy.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Senior Development Director
Special Olympics Northern California
04.2023 - Current
- Spearhead strategic development operations across the region, managing a cross-functional team to exceed revenue goals through major donor cultivation, corporate engagement, community events, and peer-to-peer initiatives.
- Secured multi-year partnerships and expanded donor pipeline through authentic storytelling, impact reporting, and co-created engagement plans aligned with donor values.
- Conceptualized and launched a sold-out, community-integrated fundraising event, blending grassroots involvement with inclusive mission impact, raising $40K+ in new sponsorships.
- Reinvigorated dormant partnerships and led cause-marketing campaigns that drove $100K+ in consumer-facing revenue and sustained donor enthusiasm.
- Founded a regional impact council to embed community voice into planning and fundraising strategy—resulting in two new regional partners and $50K+ in new funding.
- Collaborate across marketing, programs, and leadership to align donor engagement with service delivery, equity commitments, and long-term sustainability.
National Development Director
Troops Direct
12.2021 - 04.2023
- Led all national fundraising functions for a military-serving nonprofit, including major giving, corporate sponsorships, annual appeals, and grants.
- Designed and executed donor journeys that strengthened relationships and encouraged major investments ($10K+), with a focus on meaningful engagement and impact transparency.
- Served on the executive team to guide organizational strategy, oversee fund development KPIs, and coach board and leadership through major gift cultivation.
- Positioned the organization for long-term sustainability by formalizing the fundraising program, establishing systems for pipeline management, and increasing ROI on all activities.
Director of Development
ALS Association Greater Sacramento Chapter
07.2021 - 10.2021
- Led all development and community outreach for a 24-county region, managing the Chapter’s largest revenue-generating event and individual donor program.
- Surpassed Walk to Defeat ALS goal by 111%, raising $350K+ while increasing visibility and grassroots support.
- Embedded mission-first, donor-centered practices across all campaigns, significantly improving engagement and stewardship.
Director of Community Engagement
Stanford Sierra Youth & Families
05.2018 - 07.2021
- Directed community engagement and marketing for a $30M youth-serving nonprofit, managing a team and all digital communications, branding, and philanthropic messaging.
- Increased donor acquisition and loyalty through authentic storytelling, strategic segmentation, and co-branded campaigns.
- Served on the executive leadership team and contributed to strategic planning, DEI efforts, and cross-departmental initiatives to deepen mission alignment and stakeholder trust.
Director of Development, Development Officer
Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services
11.2013 - 02.2018
- Built the development department from the ground up, increasing unrestricted giving by 25% in one year and onboarding 4,500+ new donors.
- Designed data-informed campaigns that lifted donor retention, maximized LTV, and diversified revenue sources.
- Contributed to strategic visioning, internal capacity-building, and cultural transformation, serving on the executive team and driving a mission-focused fundraising ethos.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Business Administration
University of Maryland University College
Skills
- Strategic Fundraising Leadership
- Philanthropic Partnerships & Major Giving
- Multi-Year Revenue Growth & Campaigns
- Cross-Team Collaboration & Organizational Alignment
- Culture-Driven Leadership & Team Coaching
- DEI Strategy & Community Engagement
- Donor Journey Design & Stewardship
- Data Analytics, CRM (Salesforce, Raiser’s Edge)
- Change Management & Scalable Systems
- Mission-Driven Storytelling & Brand Messaging
Certification
- CFRE - Certified Fundraising Executive, CFRE International - Awarded 2018
Selected Highlights
- Raised $38.5M and $6M in two comprehensive campaigns, overseeing all phases from feasibility to closeout.
- Oversaw merger of two nonprofits—supported culture integration, change management, and departmental restructuring.
- Led rebrand initiative including agency selection, stakeholder engagement, and brand launch, resulting in improved brand visibility and alignment.
- Managed large-scale experiential fundraising events, such as a citywide rappel event turned festival, raising $100K+ and significantly increasing mission awareness.
Professional Leadership
- President (2019-2020), Association of Fundraising Professionals - California Capital Chapter
- Board Member (Current), Association of Fundraising Professionals - California Capital Chapter
- CFRE Ambassador (Current), CFRE International
Timeline
Senior Development Director
Special Olympics Northern California
04.2023 - Current
National Development Director
Troops Direct
12.2021 - 04.2023
Director of Development
ALS Association Greater Sacramento Chapter
07.2021 - 10.2021
Director of Community Engagement
Stanford Sierra Youth & Families
05.2018 - 07.2021
Director of Development, Development Officer
Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services
11.2013 - 02.2018
Bachelor of Science - Business Administration
University of Maryland University College
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