TARA-LYNN A. Defoe

An outgoing, organized and energetic fundraising professional with over 20 years’ experience. Skilled at creating goal oriented P2P strategies, using creativity and proven methods to achieve targets for both the participant and organization. Designing and executing intimate and large-scale events from vendor sourcing and venue coordination, to theme and décor, with the ability to apply the right technology and social media presence to carry out high-profile events. Well versed in cultivating donors and sponsors, delivering personalized stewardship to build lasting relationships and retention. A team leader who believes in motivating and mentoring direct reports to achieve excellence in their role and strive for career growth and development.

• Maintained a successful roster of signature and community events throughout the pandemic by pivoting to virtual where possible
• Managed a portfolio of community and partnership events that raised $650,000 annually
• Managed a team the produced an annual P2P Walk that raised $1.7M
• Complete re-vamp of online P2P fundraising websites to create a superior customer user experience
• Raised $1.5M with approx. 345 participants through Team Diabetes events. The average participant raised $6500, some doing multiple events in the year with the same results for each event
• Worked closely with a 3rd party event started by 2 youth raising funds to send kids with T1D to summer camp, doubling their revenue year over year by adding in a digital P2P fundraising component and most recently working with them to secure a $100K sponsorship. This program has raised $250K to date

• Transgender Sensitivity Course - 2018
• AODA Customer Service Training - 2017
• Level 1 Occupational Health & Safety Training with OSACH - 2015
• Business Administration Diploma - 1999

• Excels in a team environment, using strategies to achieve both national and regional level goals
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Strong people management skills with the ability to handle multiple and competing deadlines while maintaining accountability amongst staff and volunteers
• Capable of working independently with excellent organizational and time management skills
• Highly analytical, attentive to detail and a keen sense of accuracy
• Always assessing new and current opportunities to ensure that we are maximizing available resources to reach the organizations overall goals
• Proven skills in troubleshooting, problem solving and decision making under pressure

• Sharepoint & Microsoft Office Suite: Teams, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher & Outlook
• Luminate Online/Convio, Raisers Edge & NXT, Engaging Networks
• Ability to work on both Mac OS & Windows Platforms
• Various online event software, Zoom, Pheedloop, Survey Platforms, Wrike & Basecamp

Team Manager & Safety Rep (Rep AA), GTHL

 Management of team safety protocols for Return to Play during Covid-19, Creating and managing budget of $80K, All team communications throughout the year, Tournament booking, hotel selection and contract negotiation, team scheduling, Managing sponsorship and fundraising efforts, ensuring revenue goals are met