The Work Behind the Ask: Data, Decisions and Collaborations in Fundraising
5th Annual Fundraising Fundamentals Symposium
Half Day Educational Event
Fundraising success is built before the ask; through the data that guides strategy and the relationships that move the work forward. The Work Behind the Ask is a half-day symposium connecting fundraising professionals with experienced practitioners to explore what to track, how to use it and how to build productive partnerships across development, finance, programs and operations. Whether you are entering the field, growing into management or leading a development team, you will gain practical approaches to strengthen both your day-to-day work and your organization’s fundraising culture. Come ready to sharpen your practice, exchange ideas with colleagues and leave with clear next steps you can put to work.
SPEAKERS
(more to be announced)
Jess Roberts, MS in Nonprofit Management
Vice President, Data Analytics
CCS Fundraising
Jess Roberts is a Vice President at CCS Fundraising, where she leads Analytics and Resource Management for a growing portfolio of data, technology, and fundraising work. Over the past 20+ years, she has partnered with more than 1,500 nonprofits, helping organizations turn their data into clearer direction and stronger outcomes.
She was part of the founding team that built CCS’s Analytics practice, scaling it from a small group into a high‑impact function of 250+ engagements a year. Jess is known for building practical systems, developing strong teams, and helping organizations move from ideas to execution without unnecessary complexity.
Outside of her core role, Jess teaches at Columbia University, speaks regularly at industry conferences, and contributes to training and thought leadership across the nonprofit data and fundraising space.