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I served as a member of the executive leadership team for The Chicago
Urban League, a well-respected non-profit organization that supports
and advocates for economic, educational and social progress for
urban communities.
- As a member of the executive leadership team, I oversaw External
Affairs including managing all Development initiatives, raising
restricted (programmatic) and unrestricted funds by building coalitions
and leveraging relationships with Chicago’s corporate and philanthropic
communities.
- Oversight of Marketing & Events; Worked with external partners
and the internal marketing team to produce the organization’s
largest annual fundraiser, the Golden Fellowship Dinner with over
1,200 guests in attendance, raising more than $1.2M in 2009 and
$1.6M in 2010.
- Oversight of Internal and External Communications functions
including social media outreach and working with the Director
of Communications on crisis communications, media training, media
pitching to secure national and local interviews and story placements
for the CEO, the Board President and programs directors.
Here are a few samples of my work with CUL:
- Chicago Urban League Summit: Developed theme,
worked with senior team to create the platform, identify speakers
& panelists and art directed the graphic identity for the
Chicago Urban League Summit, the annual policy designed to convey
important policy thinking on critical issues facing Chicago and
other urban communities.
- Chicago Urban League Fundraising: Managed senior-level
relationship with the Executive Committee member of the Board;
including hosting monthly meetings/conference calls.
Here’s what Chicago Urban League VP of Policy & Research, David
Thigpen, had to say about working with Leslie:
“Leslie Gordon and I worked together on
the executive team of the Chicago Urban League. Leslie is an exceedingly
able writer and communicator with substantial experience in university
administration, non-profit management, marketing and strategic planning.
She also brings a real human touch to her work, making her a charming
presence as well as a highly effective and persuasive leader.”
- David Thigpen
Chicago Urban League, Former VP of Policy & Research
Here’s what Chicago Urban League President & CEO, Andrea Zopp,
had to say about working with Leslie:
“Leslie Gordon served as Senior Vice President
of External Affairs for the Chicago Urban League until she transitioned
to the role of Senior Consultant. In both roles she oversaw the
areas of Development, Marketing & Events and Communications.
Leslie has demonstrated a tireless commitment to the Chicago Urban
League and our work with underserved communities. She has provided
critical leadership to the organization working closely with the
Board of Directors.
Leslie is an excellent writer, a seasoned public relations executive
and communications strategist. For two consecutive years, Leslie
played a significant part in the success of the Golden Fellowship
Dinner, our largest annual fundraising event, utilizing her relationships
in entertainment to secure talent and special guests including Angela
Bassett, Cicely Tyson, Al Jarreau and George Benson.
Leslie always brings a level of excellence to her work that her
staff and her peers have greatly admired. She is well respected
by Chicago’s corporate and non-profit communities and has played
an integral role in the Chicago Urban League’s success because of
her diplomacy and expertise.”
- Andrea Zopp
Chicago Urban League President & CEO
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