NICOLE DRAISS
- |- LinkedIn
Versatile Grants Manager & Fund Development Specialist
A mission-driven professional equipped with a comprehensive understanding of organizational ecosystems and a talent for
pinpointing areas ripe for resource enhancement. Leveraging the critical insight to forge robust fund development strategies
aligned with an entity's overarching goals. Excels at crafting compelling grant proposals and donor-centric materials that
resonate. Proven ability to cultivate strong stakeholder relationships and identify lucrative funding opportunities. A resourceful
problem-solver who drives successful initiatives through meticulous planning, attention to detail, and collaborative leadership.
AREAS OF EXPERTISE
Grant Writing | Nonprofit Operations | Proposal Development | Content Creation | Curriculum Development | Project
Management | Process Improvement | Stakeholder Engagement | Nonprofit Development | Interpersonal Communication
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
NOMI NETWORK |Grants Manager
NCD NONPROFIT CONSULTING & DEVELOPMENT |Grant Writer & Content Development
BERKELEY COLLEGE | English Professor (Part-Time)
FREELANCE EDITOR
LIBERTY TRAVEL UNIVERSITY | Managing Editor
CAREER PRESS, INC./NEW PAGE BOOKS | Content Editor
2024 – Present
2020 – Present
2009 - - - – 2012
GRANT WRITING & MANAGEMENT
• Generated $500K+ in grant awards YTD, including private and government grants.
• Implemented Grant Workflow SOP to improve quality and efficiency of cross-departmental communication for grant
submission and reporting processes.
• Standardized informal program and operational reporting content for donor engagement and stewardship.
• Researched and evaluated potential grant/funding resources, responded to RFPs, and developed letters of inquiry.
• Supported organizations dedicated to various causes, including domestic violence and sexual assault, youth programs,
autism, immigrant and refugee support, legal services, breast cancer awareness, and emerging artists.
• Created and edited website content and case for support to facilitate donor engagement and fundraising.
EDITING & PUBLISHING
• Evaluated manuscripts to determine editorial needs and provided developmental, content, and copyediting services
for self-publishing authors.
• Provided content editing, layout/formatting, and proofreading for various genres including business, finance, self-help,
entertainment, health, and natural medicine titles.
PRODUCTION & CONTENT DEVELOPMENT
• Restructured destination lessons to narrow content and reduce repetition, cutting production time by 75%.
• Streamlined lessons from 8-10 pages to a 2-page profile while maintaining information integrity.
• Revised production schedule to align with specialization requirements, facilitating quicker agent specializations.
• Created a comprehensive Liberty Travel University Profile Style Guide.
TEACHING EXPERIENCE
• Taught a variety of online and on-site English classes focused on writing strategies, effective research skills, MLA
formatting, grammar, comprehension, and analytical reading.
• Utilized Blackboard and Canvas LMS for student engagement and management.
EDUCATION & CERTIFICATIONS
Master’s Degree, Creative Writing – Willam Paterson University
Bachelor’s Degree, English, Cum Laude – William Patterson University
Executive Certificate in Nonprofit Fund Development – University of Notre Dame
