Ella Strauss
About Ella Strauss
Ella Strauss serves as the Coordinator for Major Gifts and Planned Giving at the Free Library of Philadelphia Foundation, a position she has held since 2020. With a background in alumni engagement and public relations, she has developed a strong track record in donor cultivation and stewardship.
Work at Free Library of Philadelphia Foundation
Ella Strauss has served as the Coordinator for Major Gifts and Planned Giving at the Free Library of Philadelphia Foundation since 2020. In this role, she is responsible for cultivating and stewarding relationships with major gift donors. She has successfully managed a small portfolio of donors, generating over $15,000 in donations within her first year. Additionally, she led the production of the Foundation’s annual Development Report, which acknowledges over 800 donors and highlights the Foundation's fiscal year achievements. Her work supports the Foundation's mission to enhance library services and community engagement.
Previous Experience in Alumni Engagement
Prior to her current role, Ella Strauss held various positions at Davidson College. She worked as an Alumni Engagement Fellow from 2014 to 2015, where she contributed to alumni relations initiatives. She later served as the Alumni Engagement and Event Coordinator for the Offices of Alumni Relations and Special Events from 2015 to 2016. In these roles, she was involved in organizing events and fostering connections between the college and its alumni community, enhancing engagement and support for the institution.
Experience in Public Relations and Program Management
Ella Strauss began her career in public relations at Davidson College Sports Information Office, where she worked as the Assistant Director of Public Relations from 2013 to 2014. She also held positions at Campus Philly, serving as Program Manager for Open Arts from 2016 to 2018 and as Partnerships Manager from 2018 to 2019. In these roles, she focused on developing programs and partnerships that promote arts and culture within the Philadelphia area, contributing to community engagement and outreach efforts.
Educational Background
Ella Strauss completed her Bachelor of Arts in History at Davidson College from 2010 to 2014. Her education provided her with a strong foundation in research and communication skills, which she has applied throughout her career in various roles. Prior to attending Davidson College, she studied at Haddonfield Memorial High School from 2006 to 2010, where she developed her academic and extracurricular interests.
Database Management and Training
In her current position at the Free Library of Philadelphia Foundation, Ella Strauss participates in training and ongoing management of the Altru database. This database focuses on Major Gift donors and prospects, ensuring effective tracking and stewardship of donor relationships. Her involvement in database management supports the Foundation's fundraising efforts and enhances the overall donor experience.