Professional Bio For Rob Gerowe
SUMMARY
A fundraising professional with significant experience in fundraising, major gifts, marketing, sales, corporate development, event management, donor development, grant writing and relationship building. Led and managed staff and hundreds of volunteers. Improved and increased revenue for campaigns, events and programs. Recognized as a strategic and creative thinker who follows through with rigorous execution. Brings a straightforward and collaborative approach to all business dealings. Known for being a team player with integrity that likes to serve, inspire and empower people.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
UNIVERSITY OF BRIDGEPORT, WWW.BRIDEGPORT.EDU 2019 TO PRESENT
Major Gift Officer
Donor Development. Major Gifts, Alumni and Friends/Donors of UB Relationships. Recruiting, Leadership of Alumni committee/board members, volunteers, donors, sponsors, partners, and fundraisers. Fundraising, Event and Program leadership and management. I work with a portfolio of some 400 Major Gift Donors and Prospects with high ratings and capacity to give. Using tools like: Raiser’s Edge NXT, Donor Search, iWave, Foundation Search, TruePeopleSearch and other databases, web tools. I have successfully obtained for UB many 4-5 figure gifts, recurring gifts and a few 6 figure gifts.
OVERSEAS MINISTRIES STUDY CENTER, WWW.OMSC.ORG 2017-2019
Since 1922, OMSC has been engaging with the world through our:
World Class International Campus and Study program.
Development Officer
Donor Development. Major Gifts, Grant writing and Foundation Relationships. Recruiting, Leadership & Management of committee members, volunteers, donors, sponsors, partners, board members and fundraisers. Fundraising, Event and Program leadership and management.
Increased media awareness, reach and press coverage via TV, Web/Social Media, radio and print. I have interviewed on live TV & radio numerous times over many years on NBC, ABC, CBS, iHeart radio stations and other media companies and organizations.
Prepared and submitted many grants to various foundations as well as partner/sponsor/corporate agreements. Increased revenue by 300% in my first year at OMSC.
Increased donor development and major gifts.
Increased revenue two-fold for annual Art Gala and also added a successful OMSC benefit concert to our annual schedule.
Presented OMSC at dozens of annual regional and national conferences.
NATIONAL KIDNEY FOUNDATION, WWW.KIDNEY.ORG 2014-2017
The National Kidney Foundation is the leading organization in the U.S. dedicated to the awareness, prevention and treatment of kidney disease for hundreds of thousands of healthcare professionals, millions of patients and their families, and tens of millions of Americans at risk.
Development Manager of CT & W. MA office, NE Region
Donor Development. Recruiting, Leadership & Management of committee members, volunteers, donors, sponsors, board members and fundraising participants. Fundraising, Event and Program leadership and management of NKF in NE Division.
Prepared and submitted many grants to various foundations as well as partner/sponsor agreements. Increased revenue by 15%. Increased Major Gifts, Donor Development, Volunteers and fundraising by over 20%. Increased NKF board by over 50%.
THE LEUKEMIA & LYMPHOMA SOCIETY, WWW.LLS.ORG AND WWW.TEAMINTRAINING.ORG 1999-2014
Mission is to cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families. The Team In Training campaign is the world’s largest endurance training program (run, walk, cycle and triathlon), and one of the first to raise funds for a worthy cause (Over $1 billion since 1987).
Campaign Director
Develop, lead, manage and grow Team In Training program and Leukemia & Lymphoma Society events.
Increased revenue 4-fold by increasing both number of participants/volunteers and by inspiring them and helping them raise 25% more donations per participant/per event. Grew corporate sponsors and Major Gifts.
Developed a new business plan, forecast and budget introducing a new revenue model, ideas and a new events/marketing strategy that better aligned core competencies with market opportunity.
Successfully raised $5 million of revenue from Team In Training program. Part of the largest and most successful Metro NYC Division.
Reduced costs by 10% through a reduction in events (but increase in volunteer participants) and frugal vendor management and increase partnerships with corporations and organizations.
Implemented a successful retention plan resulting in over 20% of our alumni fundraising volunteers to come back each year to raise more funds and awareness for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Created successful alumni program that grew revenue and recruitment of new fundraising participants.
Created, developed and secured ongoing marketing for our chapter and division events. Member of national team that created and improved our national marketing, website & social media and partner/public relationships.
Led, inspired and managed thousands of volunteers, hundreds of events, and a large staff team.
Have been a donor, fundraiser, TNT participant and coach for over 16 years.
EDUCATION & CERTIFICATIONS
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN ARTS & LETTERS, emphasis on Journalism, Public Relations, Political Science & International Law – with minor in English and Outdoor Pursuit Sports/Wilderness Ethics.
University of Oregon – Eugene, Oregon
STEPHEN’S MINISTRY CERTIFIED
Stephen’s Ministry Pastoral Assistant program- Brookfield, CT
CPR CERTIFIED AND CERTIFIED COACH & FITNESS TRAINER
American Red Cross, Special Olympics Cert. Coach & Team In Training National Coach Program – New York, NY
COMPUTER SKILLS
Microsoft proficient (i.e. Access, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint), Raiser’s Edge, LGL, iWave – major donors tool, Foundation Search, Convio, Listserv, Citrix database, eTargeting, Constant Contact & other Internet based marketing and communication tools.
AWARDS
Athletic awards in sports of triathlon, cycling and running/track & field, Part of National Division One NCAA Track & Field USA Championship Team (2:26 marathoner, 1:52 800 meters, 4:12 mile, 8:22 3k meters), Current Cat 3 USA Elite Masters Cyclist/Coach, Former Pro Triathlete, University of Oregon Outstanding Alumni Recognition Award, Who’s Who in American Society & Business Registry, American Resorts Development Assoc. Chairman Awards recipient, Toastmasters member & officer. Church Deacon and youth group leader, camp counselor, and park and recreation coach. I was an active member of campaign team for Oregon Congressman Jim Weaver & Senator Mark Hatfield.
(Cell) 203-300-4225 rgerowe@hotmail.com
Here Is What We Will Learn:
Introduction and Background: Can you share more about your extensive experience in fundraising, major gifts, marketing, sales, corporate development, and event management? What initially drew you to a career in fundraising, and how has your background in journalism and public relations contributed to your success in this field?
University of Bridgeport Role: As a Major Gift Officer at the University of Bridgeport, could you provide insights into your responsibilities and achievements in donor development, major gifts, and alumni relationships? How do you approach managing a portfolio of some 400 Major Gift Donors and Prospects, and what tools or strategies have been particularly effective?
Overseas Ministries Study Center Experience: During your time as a Development Officer at the Overseas Ministries Study Center, you significantly increased media awareness, grant submissions, and revenue. Can you share specific strategies that contributed to this success? How did you navigate the recruitment and management of committee members, volunteers, donors, sponsors, and board members during your tenure?
National Kidney Foundation Role: As a Development Manager of the CT & W. MA office in the NE Region of the National Kidney Foundation, how did you increase revenue, major gifts, donor development, and volunteers by over 20%? Can you elaborate on your experience in preparing and submitting grants to various foundations and establishing partner/sponsor agreements?
Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Leadership: Your role as a Campaign Director at The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society involved significant growth in the Team In Training program. What strategies did you employ to increase both revenue and the number of participants/volunteers? How did you develop a new business plan, forecast, and budget that introduced a new revenue model and marketing strategy for the organization?
Personal and Professional Development: With your background in athletics and coaching, how has your involvement in sports influenced your approach to leadership and team management in the professional realm? How do you balance being a donor, fundraiser, and coach for over 16 years with your professional responsibilities?
Education and Certifications: How has your educational background in Arts & Letters, with an emphasis on Journalism and Public Relations, contributed to your success in the fundraising sector? Can you share more about your Stephen’s Ministry certification and how it has influenced your approach to leadership and pastoral care?
Technology and Skills: In your current role and previous positions, you’ve utilized various tools such as Raiser’s Edge NXT, iWave, Foundation Search, and more. How have these technologies enhanced your fundraising efforts? What advice do you have for fundraising professionals regarding staying updated on technological advancements in the field?
Awards and Recognition: With an impressive list of awards and recognitions, including Outstanding Alumni Recognition from the University of Oregon, how have these accolades impacted your professional journey? Can you share a specific achievement or project that you are particularly proud of in your career?
Closing Thoughts: In conclusion, what advice do you have for aspiring fundraising professionals, and what do you believe are the key principles for success in the field? Is there anything else you would like to share about your experiences or any upcoming projects you are excited about?
Here are some of Rob’s favorite quotes:
“With God, all things are possible.” – Matthew 19:26
“Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much.” – Helen Keller
“I have no special talents. I am only passionately curious.” – Albert Einstein
“Leadership and learning are indispensable to each other.” – John F. Kennedy
“If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.” – John Quincy Adams
“Nobody made a greater mistake than he who did nothing because he could only do a little.” -Edmund Burke
“Fundraising is the gentle art of teaching the joy of giving.” – Hank Rosso
“Only by giving are you able to receive more than you already have” – Jim Rohn
“It’s not how much we give, but how much love we put into giving.” – Mother Teresa
“You are never given a dream that you cannot make a reality, sometimes you have to work hard for it though. So Dream BIG! – RCG
“Giving is not just about making a donation. It is about making a difference.” – Kathy Calvin
“We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” – Winston Churchill
“I don’t think you ever stop giving. I really don’t. I think it’s an on-going process. And it’s not just about being able to write a check. It’s being able to touch somebody’s life.” – Oprah Winfrey
“Love grows by giving. The love we give away is the only love we keep. The only way to retain love is to give it away.” – Elbert Hubbard
“You cannot receive what you don’t give. Outflow determines inflow.” – Eckhart Tolle
“The manner of giving is worth more than the gift” – Pierre Corneille
“Great things are done by a series of small things brought together.” – Vincent Van Gogh
“Charity begins at home but should not end there.” – Thomas Fuller
“No one has ever become poor from giving.” – Mary Angelou
“The highest forms of understanding we can achieve are laughter and human compassion.” -Richard P. Feynman
“If you need to raise funds from donors, you need to study them, respect them, and build everything you do around them.” – Jeff Brooks
“We need to value donors as much as we need value from them.” – Reinier Spruit
“Giving to those in need will bring more joy than money could ever buy.” – Dave Ramsey
“Giving is an attitude. It is not dependent on the amount of money in your bank account. It’s a heart issue.” – John Di Lemme
“Happiness can be the result, not of spending more money on oneself, but rather of giving money away to others.” – Christian Smith
“Petit a petit, l’oiseau fait son nid” is a charming little French Gerowe/Giraud/Gerow phrase that’s widely applied, and translated as, “Little by little, the bird makes its nest.” This proverb designates patience and perseverance. Happiness depends on happenings. True peace, joy and calm depends on faith, family and friends…. But mostly on you.” – RCG
“As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands — one for helping yourself, the other for helping others.” – Audrey Hepburn
“Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, “What are you doing for others?” – Martin Luther King Jr.
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” – Margaret Mead
“Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on Earth.” – Muhammad Ali
“To ease another’s heartache is to forget one’s own.” – Abraham Lincoln
“Wherever you turn, you can find someone who needs you. Even if it is a little thing, do something for which there is no pay but the privilege of doing it. Remember, you don’t live in the world all of your own.” – Albert Schweitzer, theologian
“Volunteers do not necessarily have the time; they just have the heart.’ – Elizabeth Andrew, writer
“You give but little when you give of your possessions. It is when you give of yourself that you truly give.” – Kahlil Gibran, poet
“Volunteering is an act of heroism on a grand scale. And it matters profoundly. It does more than help people beat the odds; it changes the odds. – Bill Clinton
“Doing nothing for others is the undoing of ourselves.” – Horace Mann
“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others. – Mahatma Gandhi
“Volunteers don’t get paid, not because they’re worthless, but because they’re priceless.” – Sherry Anderson, writer
“The best way to not feel hopeless is to get up and do something. Don’t wait for good things to happen to you. If you go out and make some good things happen, you will fill the world with hope, you will fill yourself with hope.” – Barack Obama
“When you learn, teach. When you get, give.” – Maya Angelou
