Kimberly Otis

5520 4th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20011

Main Voice/Fax: 202-667-7236; Mobile: 202-494-2398; Skype: Kimberly.otis1
Email: kotisdc@gmail.com; Website: www.kimberlyotis.weebly.com

Leader in philanthropy and progressive social change with 30+ year career focused on fundraising, organizational
development, strategic planning, communications and media strategies, and public policy and advocacy campaigns.

Professional Experience

Director of Advancement 2016 – 2019

Women for Afghan Women (WAW) New York, NY and Washington, DC
Oversees the development, communications, and advocacy team raising over $9 million in annual revenues and the visibility of
the world’s leading organization for the rights and empowerment of Afghan women and girls. Chief of external relations for staff
of over 800 mainly local Afghans providing life-saving services in 33 facilities in Afghanistan and New York, as well as an advocacy
office in Washington, DC. Diversifying funding base by tripling new foundation, corporate, and private support, while
expanding government grants. Leads annual appeal and major events collectively raising over $500K from individual donors at
all levels. Directs production of annual report, brochures, one-pagers, videos, and marketing materials. Leads strategy on media
placements, Op-Eds, sign-on letters, and presentations with policymakers, donors, and at conferences. As a member of the senior
management team, leads strategic and financial planning, Board recruitment, and supervises a team of six staff and consultants.

Consulting Services, Philanthropy and Social Change 2006 - 2016

Services featured organizational advancement, strategic planning, fundraising, Board and staff development, philanthropy and
grantmaking, program development, project management, media and communications strategies, and public policy and advocacy
campaigns for nonprofit and philanthropic organizations. Clients included White Ribbon Alliance, Neighborhood Funders
Group, Women Enabled International, Wider Opportunities for Women (WOW), Association for Women’s Rights in
Development (AWID), Center for Partnership Studies, MADRE, Feminist Majority Foundation, PhilanTech, True Child,
Women Moving Millions, National Black Women’s Health Imperative, and the Communications Consortium Media Center.

As Senior Advisor for Women Enabled International, I provided fundraising, strategic planning, sector mapping, and website
and program development. As Senior Advisor with WOW, designed and managed a comprehensive development plan to raise
$4.2 million annually. As a consultant for AWID, I conducted interviews with 14 global corporate leaders and provided a report
on corporate social responsibility trends and engagement strategies for women’s rights organizations worldwide.

A primary client from 2008-2014 was the Center for Partnership Studies (CPS), where as Senior Advisor, I provided significant
organizational development (tripled budget) through: strategic planning; fundraising, donor stewardship, and grants management;
Congressional briefings, workshops, and events on Capitol Hill, at the Urban Institute, and the Embassy of Finland; conference,
meeting, and funder presentations; budgeting and financial controls; personnel recruitment and supervision; Board development;
coalition-building; research, writing and editing of reports, Op-Eds, and articles; and communications including management of
social media strategies, branding and taglines, engagement of journalists, production of videos, and development of websites.

At CPS, served as Director of the Caring Economy Campaign, and managed an Advisory Council and 12 team leaders for
implementation of three program strategies: 1) Public Policy work focused new economic indicators as alternatives to gross
domestic product (GDP) and advocacy for family friendly policies; 2) Leadership & Learning programs training 400+ people in 33
states and 18 countries; and 3) Coalition & Movement-Building with over 150 member organizations representing 16 million
people. In addition, I managed the renewal of CPS’ Spiritual Alliance to Stop Intimate Violence (SAIV), through fundraising
and the cultivation of new leadership, and planning for small grants program. SAIV focuses on ending child abuse and gender-
based violence and is led by global faith and peace leaders including Nobel Peace Laureates Archbishop Tutu and Betty Williams.

Executive Director 2007 – 2009

National Council of Women’s Organizations (NCWO) Washington, DC
Chief Executive Officer for the nation’s largest coalition of women's groups, representing 11 million women. Managed task forces
focused on Younger Women, Women’s Health, Older Women and Economic Security, Domestic Priorities, Global Issues,
Corporate Accountability, the Equal Rights Amendment, and Media and Technology. Accomplishments included:
 • Organizational Development: Obtained new funding sources from family foundations, corporations, individuals, and
marketing campaigns. Developed new branding with a tagline of “Many Voices, One Vision” and launched new website.
Hired auditor and accountants for first independent financial audits. Negotiated new Capitol Hill office lease. Recruited
diverse new Board members. Managed staff, volunteers, and contractors.
• Program Leadership: Led policy work, public education, grassroots activism, and leadership development through
programs such as the annual “Women’s Equality Summit and Congressional Action Day” with approximately 300
participants. Managed “Women’s Equality Awards” honoring leaders such as Lilly Ledbetter, Haleh Esfandiari, Carol
Jenkins, Noeleen Heyser, and Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney. Oversaw “New Faces, More Voices” leadership
training program. Launched new coalitions: 2007’s “Diversity and Dignity in the Media” project, and the 2008 “Church
Ladies” voter engagement project led by African American women of faith.
• Media and Visibility: Responded to press inquiries and gained national media coverage for NCWO leaders. Edited and
published annual Handbook of Women’s Organizations and National Leaders. Produced special events, including 2008
Inaugural Ball at the James Monroe House honoring Tina Tchen of the White House and Congresswoman Donna
Edwards. Hosted briefings at the National Press Club and on Capitol Hill.

President & CEO 2002 - 2006

Women & Philanthropy Washington, DC
Chief Executive Officer of professional association and advocacy network of grantmakers with a mission of “leading
philanthropy to leverage the power of women and girls in creating a just and peaceful world.” Revitalized an organization
that had a major deficit and little programming into a renewed funder affinity group with a new mission, Board and staff, theory of
change, funding, and innovative programs. Represented the organization at network meetings, conferences, and in public policy
briefings through reports, speeches, and committee work. Achievements featured:
• Organizational Growth: Increased membership from 380 to 630 in less than four years and increased annual budget
from $400,000 to over $1 million (including retiring a debt of nearly $400,000).
• Publications: Developed, edited, and marketed Effective Philanthropy: Organizational Success Through Deep Diversity
and Gender Equality (Capek, MIT Press: 2006), Leading 500 New Foundations Funding Women and Girls (Jankowski
Associates: 2006); Safety and Violence in Women’s Lives (2005); The Case for Better Philanthropy: The Future of
Funding for Women and Girls (Katherine Pease, 2004), and Leading 100 New Foundations Funding Women and Girls
(Jankowski Associates: 2004).
• Conferences: Led annual meetings of hundreds of leaders in philanthropy, with themes such as “Effective Philanthropy:
Women’s Health and Healthy Communities,” “Global Leadership for a New World,” and “Realizing the Possible,” including
keynote speakers such as Kerry Kennedy, former President of Ireland Mary Robinson, and Kavita Ramdas.
• Online Communications: Oversaw redevelopment of website with a 300% increase in “hits,” video production,
development of a new e-newsletter: Women & Connections, and a listserv announcement service.

Executive Director 2000-2001

Rauch Foundation Garden City, NY
Chief Executive Officer of family foundation with an annual grants budget of approximately $2 million. Responsible for
grantmaking portfolio on Long Island and Maryland with program areas in children and families, environment, and leadership and
organizational effectiveness. Reported to Board of Directors on implementation of programmatic and operational policies and
goals, including engagement of next-generation family members. Supervised staff and managed fiscal and legal obligations.
Represented the foundation at grantmaker and community meetings and conferences through leadership activities. Led
restructuring of the Long Island Funders Group to become more of a collectively-led organization for peer learning and
collaborative activities among private and community foundations.

Executive Director 1991-2000

The Sister Fund New York, NY
Chief Executive Officer of a private women’s foundation with an annual operating and grants budget of approximately
$1 million. Developed and managed a diverse grants and programs portfolio supporting the social, economic, political and
spiritual empowerment of women and girls, with initiatives on women in the media, faith and feminism, and the women’s funding
movement. Accomplishments included:
• Program Leadership: Established and managed strategic funding priorities at the local, national and international levels.
Provided due diligence and grant recommendations to the Board of Directors and managed direct programs. Delivered
technical assistance to grantee partners on management and development strategies. Implemented program initiatives

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 developed with Board and consultants. Developed, edited, and published foundation reports and occasional papers, as
well as a newsletter, Sister Says!, three times per year.
• Organizational Development: Managed innovative corporate restructuring of the New York office of The Hunt
Alternatives Fund from a family foundation into a private women’s foundation. Launching The Sister Fund involved
recruitment and development of a diverse new Board of Directors, creation of by-laws, mission statement,
communications and branding, and annual budget and strategies for grantmaking, programs, and initiatives. Managed
organizational advancement, including strategic planning, staff recruitment, program development, and evaluation.
Provided on-going Board development including orientations and training. Cultivated engagement of Board, family, and
staff members in networks, conferences, and meetings of the women’s rights and funding communities.
• Foundation Management: Provided accountability and reporting to two separate Boards of Directors: a Board of
Trustees responsible for fiscal and legal governance, and a Board of Directors/Program authorizing grants and
programmatic decisions. Oversaw annual budget and accounting procedures. Ensured proper execution of expenditure
responsibility and corporate filings and records. Supervised foundation staff and consultants.
• Collaboration and Outreach: Managed program and funding initiative of The Sister Fund in collaboration with the Ms.
Foundation for the United Nations’ Fourth World Conference on Women and NGO Forum in Beijing, China. Established
a joint venture with the Astraea Foundation for the leasing, design, renovation, and operation of office space for both
foundations and related non-profit organizations. Served on the steering committee for Iris House, a comprehensive
social service center in East Harlem for women living with HIV. Provided technical assistance and consultancy on outside
projects to Sister Fund founding President and family, partner organizations, funder colleagues, and individual donors.

Director of Research and Development 1988-1991

Nontraditional Employment for Women (NEW) New York, NY
Responsible for overall development efforts including grant proposal writing and follow-up, special events, and donor cultivation.
Conducted successful capital campaign of $1 million for renovation of former firehouse as headquarters. Increased foundation
and corporate support by 30% and coordinated annual fundraising event grossing $150,000. Researched labor market trends.
Wrote, edited, and published quarterly NEW’s Letter. Directed project for documentary, New Choices: Women in Nontraditional
Careers, featuring actress Joie Lee, rap artists Salt’n’Pepa, and NEW graduates. Management team member for staff of 30,
overseeing strategic planning, personnel supervision, and organizational development.

Research Associate 1987-1988

Public Agenda New York, NY
Responsible for publication development and production, including research, selecting and interviewing experts, and feature
writing for National Issues Forum publications on AIDS, health care for the elderly, and the national debt. Formulated public
opinion questionnaires and provided analysis of returns.

Assistant Editor 1987

Fairness & Accuracy In Reporting (FAIR) New York, NY
Developed, edited, published and distributed monthly publication, Extra!. Provided ongoing print and broadcast media research
and analysis. Supervised interns, managed computer operations, and coordinated staff monitoring of news media.

Assistant to the Directors 1986-1987

Center for War, Peace and The News Media, Journalism Department, NYU New York, NY
Managed office operations, including supervision of five graduate and two undergraduate student employees. Provided budget
monitoring, bookkeeping, correspondence, and maintenance of mailing lists. Developed a television news archive. Provided
planning, research, analysis, writing, and editing for bimonthly publication, DEADLINE.

Education
Certificate in Strategic Planning in Nonprofit Management 1995
Graduate School of Business Administration, Harvard University Cambridge, MA

Master of International Affairs 1983-1986

School of International and Public Affairs, Columbia University New York, NY
Including Year of Study at the Graduate Institute of International Affairs, University of Geneva Geneva, Switzerland

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Bachelor of Arts with Honors and Distinction 1979-1982
University of Wisconsin Madison, WI
Including Junior Year Abroad Study, Université d’Aix-Marseille Aix-en-Provence, France

Leadership Positions
• Nominated Changemaker, White House Summit on the United State of Women, June 2016
• Chair, Board of Directors, Gender Action, 2014 to present; Board member, 2011 to present
• Treasurer, Board of Directors, Women’s Equity Center and Action Network (WE CAN), 2015 to present
• Member, Board of Directors, True Child, 2010 to present
• Member, Advisory Board, Women for Afghan Women, 2009-2016
• Co-Chair, Affinity Group Executive Committee, Council on Foundations, 2004-2005
• Chair, Board of Directors, New York Regional Association of Grantmakers (now Philanthropy New York), 2001-
2002 (during September 11, 2001); Board Member, 1996 - 2002; Co-chaired several committees
• Member, Board of Directors, National Women’s Hall of Fame, 1996-2002
• Member, Board of Directors, Women’s Funding Network, 1996-2001; Co-chaired development, visibility, and
search committees; received “Changing the Face of Philanthropy Award” in 2000

Selected Publications
• “Unpaid and Undervalued Care Work Keeps Women on the Brink,” essay with Riane Eisler, The Shriver Report,
Olivia Morgan, Karen Skelton, editors (Center for American Progress and A Woman’s Nation: 2014)
• "Women, Wealth and Endowed Philanthropy: Trends and Innovations in Foundations" chapter with Katherine
Jankowski, in The Transformative Power of Women's Philanthropy, Martha A. Taylor and Sandra Shaw-Hardy,
editors (Jossey-Bass/Wiley, 2006)
• “Partners and Stewards: Fostering Healthy Collaboration,” chapter in Women, Philanthropy and Social Change,
Elayne Clift, editor, (Tufts University Press: 2005)

Letters to the Editor, interviews, and Op-Eds have been published in dozens of publications, including: NonProfit Quarterly, The
Huffington Post, The San Francisco Chronicle, The Capital Times, Chicago Sun Times, The Chronicle of Philanthropy, Grant
Craft, Philanthropy News Digest, Diversity, Inc, Elle magazine, and BlogHer.

Selected Presentations
• “Women for Afghan Women and Its Unique Donor Consortium,” Donor Briefing at the Ford Foundation, March 1,
2018
• “Measuring the Care Economy,” Center for Popular Economics Summer Institute, Hampshire College, Amherst, MA,
August 7, 2013
• “Valuing Care Work,” United Nations Commission on the Status of Women, NYC, February 22, 2011
• “Support for Prevention First,” National Press Club, Washington, DC, June 6, 2007
• “Women, Wealth and Endowed Philanthropy – Change is Underway,” at the Center on Philanthropy at Indiana
University, Women and Philanthropy: Gaining Momentum, August 25, 2005
• “Women in Philanthropy Today: (Re)setting the Agenda” at the Center on Philanthropy and Civil Society of the
Graduate Center of the City University of New York, May 20, 2003
• “Women, Philanthropy and Social Change,” Women in Leadership Conference, University of Michigan School of
Business, October 10, 2003
• “The Big Money: America’s Ambivalence About Wealth,” Princeton University, NJ, April 24, 2000
• “Opportunities and Challenges of Funding Faith-Based Community Development Initiatives,” Ford Foundation,
NYC, January 27, 1999

Additional presentations at conferences and briefings on Capitol Hill and at the Urban Institute, National Educational Association,
New Economics Institute, Philanthropy New York, Center on Philanthropy and Civil Society of the Graduate Center of the City
University of New York, and other venues.

Languages & Travel

• Written and spoken proficiency in French, and experience living and working in Europe, China, India, and Brazil.