Ashley Saitta
Ballwin
Summary
Strategic nonprofit leader with 12+ years of experience overseeing the strategic execution and operation of large-scale fundraising events, ensuring alignment with revenue goals, operational plans, and expense targets. Proven success delivering integrated, mission-driven experiences at scale while managing multi-million-dollar budgets and driving operational excellence. Expertise in designing and implementing innovative event volunteer engagement strategies, leading cross-functional teams, and leveraging CRM systems (Salesforce) and data analytics for process improvement and measurable results. Dedicated to mobilizing resources and translating organizational vision into high-quality execution.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Operations and Community Engagement
PEDAL THE CAUSE
01.2022 - Current
- Oversaw strategic execution and operation of all fundraising events, aligning activities with organizational mission, revenue goals (contributing to $51M+ raised over tenure), operational plans, and expense targets.
- Co-led development and execution of a 15-year strategic vision, translating big-picture goals into actionable plans and high-quality execution.
- Managed $8 million+ annual budget, optimizing expense management and overseeing financial forecasting and operational planning.
- Directed event production for premier events, creating memorable, mission-driven experiences.
- Led cross-functional teams focused on community engagement and peer-to-peer fundraising, generating over $5 million annually and enhancing constituent support; maintained top tier fundraiser retention (86%).
- Spearheaded digital transformation, implementing new registration systems and Salesforce CRM, decreasing operational costs by 46% and increasing matching donations via innovative programs by 3x on campaign days.
- Cultivated leadership excellence by recruiting, onboarding, and developing staff (75% of new hires over 2 years).
Director of Events and Volunteers
PEDAL THE CAUSE
01.2019 - 12.2021
- Managed the complete event production lifecycle for all organizational events, including planning, logistics, vendor management, on-site coordination, and post-event evaluation.
- Oversaw $1M+ event budgets, ensuring adherence to expense targets and maximizing event revenue.
- Designed and implemented innovative, scalable event volunteer engagement strategies for 1,000+ volunteers annually, establishing a tiered leadership structure that achieved 85% leader retention.
- Collaborated across departments (Development, Marketing) to ensure unified execution and create sponsorship opportunities.
- Innovated event formats and processes based on Key Performance Indicator (KPI) tracking and post-event analysis to improve audience experience and efficiency.
- Developed comprehensive risk management and contingency plans.
Associate Director of Events and Volunteers
PEDAL THE CAUSE
01.2016 - 12.2018
- Managed execution of all sponsored event initiatives on the organizational calendar.
- Developed and implemented a robust, year-round volunteer program strategy focused on retention and engagement of volunteer leaders.
- Established volunteer leadership structure, improving operational efficiency and onboarding processes.
Operations Manager
PEDAL THE CAUSE
01.2014 - 12.2015
- Provided key operational support for major event weekends, including permits, vendor coordination, procurement, and on-site logistics management.
- Managed third-party and supporter events, coordinating staff, volunteer needs, and constituent support.
- Maintained donor database and managed fundraising data within CRM system.
Operations Associate
PEDAL THE CAUSE
01.2013 - 12.2013
- Assisted with event logistics, participant development communication, and administrative needs.
Education
Master of Public Policy Administration - Nonprofit Management and Leadership
University of Missouri
St. Louis, Missouri05.2014
Bachelor of Social Work - Psychology, Multicultural Certificate
University of Missouri
Columbia, Missouri05.2012
Skills
- Strategic Planning & Execution
- Fundraising Event Operations & Experience
- Event Production & Logistics
- Budget Oversight & Expense Management
- Revenue Goal Alignment
- Peer-to-Peer Fundraising
- Volunteer Program Strategy & Management
- Staff Leadership & Development
- Cross-Functional Collaboration
- CRM (Salesforce) & Constituent Engagement
- Corporate Partnerships
- Stakeholder Communications
- Risk Management & Compliance
- Data Analytics & Reporting
- Technology Implementation
- Process Improvement & Scalability
Timeline
Director of Operations and Community Engagement
PEDAL THE CAUSE
01.2022 - Current
Director of Events and Volunteers
PEDAL THE CAUSE
01.2019 - 12.2021
Associate Director of Events and Volunteers
PEDAL THE CAUSE
01.2016 - 12.2018
Operations Manager
PEDAL THE CAUSE
01.2014 - 12.2015
Operations Associate
PEDAL THE CAUSE
01.2013 - 12.2013
Bachelor of Social Work - Psychology, Multicultural Certificate
University of Missouri
Master of Public Policy Administration - Nonprofit Management and Leadership
University of Missouri
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