melissa cohen

chief development officer

About

Senior development executive, rainmaker and client relationship expert with deep expertise identifying, engaging and retaining corporate leaders and other donors across multiple wealth sectors, including Wall Street, real estate, the Fortune 500 and premier family offices. Exceptional networker, savvy community builder and fearless cold caller with ability to strengthen and steward Boards of Directors and pitch in a compelling way that inspires philanthropic giving and raises critical funds. Extensive personal interest in use of the arts, culture and education to transform lives. Serve on Board of Directors for Women in Development (WiD), a well-respected industry organization.

Country

united states

City

new york

Industry

non-profit organization management

Skill

fundraising, philanthropy, nonprofits, board development, stewardship, grants, volunteer management, grant writing, annual giving, strategy, donor recognition, planned giving, non profit administration, prospect research, program development, event planning, fundraisers, major gift development, community outreach, nonprofit management, non profits, capital campaigns, nonprofit organizations

Experience

member of the board

women in development

2004-7 - 2010-6 · 6 yrs

director of development

lincoln center institute for the arts & education

2006-3 - 2007-3 · 1 yr 1 mo

Led fundraising activities for educational arm of Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts.

member

women in development new york

2000-1 - Present · 26 yrs 9 mos

* Board Member 2015-Present, 2004-2010 * Treasurer 2018-2019 * Formerly, Vice President & Co-Chair, Membership Committee, President's Circle Member

independent development consultant

msc

2008-3 - 2009-8 · 1 yr 6 mos

Provided full range of event planning services to boutique firms and their clients, including 3 major Gala Award dinners for Prep for Prep, American Friends of Hebrew University and the Overseas Press Club.

associate director of development

cardozo school of law of yeshiva university

2000-8 - 2003-4 · 2 yrs 9 mos

* Acting Director of Development * 2001-2003 Associate Director, Development * 2000-2001

chief development officer

yivo institute for jewish research

2019-9 - Present · 7 yrs 1 mo

associate director, development

american technion society

2007-4 - 2008-3 · 1 yr

Developed new communication outreach targeting real estate industry and 6-figure-plus capacity donors, resulting in 50% rise in new prospects and re-engagement of lapsed donors.

associate director

american committee for the weizmann institute of science

2003-4 - 2006-2 · 2 yrs 11 mos

Associate Director of the New York Region

development executive

uja-federation of new york

1990-1 - 1993-3 · 3 yrs 3 mos

Fundraiser specializing in the accounting and banking and finance industries.

development director

rosie's theater kids

2009-8 - 2013-6 · 3 yrs 11 mos

Reported directly to the Co-Founder and led major funding transition for this arts education organization dedicated to transforming the lives of inner-city public school children.

development

simon wiesenthal center

1993-3 - 2000-8 · 7 yrs 6 mos

* National Director, Development, Canada * 1999-2000 Associate Director, Development, New York, NY * 1993-1999

marketing

kpn

1979-1 - 1989-1 · 10 yrs 1 mo

* Systems Consultant, Marketing & Sales * 1983-1989 * Customer Support Representative * 1980-1983 * Secretary -1979-1980

senior director of strategic partnerships

jdc

2016-7 - 2019-8 · 3 yrs 2 mos

Increased awareness of JDC, introducing new prospects and reengaging lapsed donors for this Jewish humanitarian organization operating in 70 countries.

director of development

riverspring health featuring the hebrew home at riverdale

2013-7 - 2016-7 · 3 yrs 1 mo

Reported directly to CEO. Identified and oversaw outreach program to high-net-worth current and former family members, and sourced and developed critical untapped relationships. Supervised team of 3, including Grants Manager, Annual Fund & Events Associate and Development Associate.