51: Kris Gulick Schaefer, KGS Coach and Consultant

On this episode of the RAISE Podcast, Brent sits down with Kris Gulick Schaefer. Kris spent the last 10 years serving as Senior Associate Dean of External Relations and Global Programs at MIT Sloan. She received her crash course in all things Higher Ed as the daughter of a college Professor turned Dean, and finally President. She shared her journey with us, which took her across 12 different campuses between her career and her father's. This past summer Kris launched her own fundraising coaching and consulting business helping all types of institutions problem solve in this challenging environment.About KrisFrom January 2011 until June 2020 Kris was Senior Associate Dean of External Relations and Global Programs at MIT Sloan. During her time there giving to the MIT Campaign from Sloan graduates topped $525 million. At Sloan, Kris was also responsible for overseeing the international partnerships around the world which brought in revenue to the school and included relationships in China, Malaysia, Portugal, a new relationship with Australia and a dedicated office in Latin America.From 1998-2010, Kris served as the Vice President of Advancement for Simmons College. Under her direction, The Dare to Imagine Campaign for Simmons raised 33% more than originally anticipated: with a $50M goal, the campaign concluded in 2004 with $69.3M raised. Prior to Simmons, Kris served as Vice President for Development and Director of Foundation Operations for Children’s Memorial Foundation in Chicago. Under her leadership, annual fundraising totals more than tripled in a three-year period from $7.6M to $25M. At Rice University, Kris was the Executive Director of Development and the Campaign Director for the James A. Baker III Institute for Public Policy, where she led a $30M campaign to establish the Institute. Before joining Rice, Kris directed the annual fund at Texas Christian University. She launched her career at the University of Vermont working in the annual fund and with the parent’s fund program.Kris’ accomplishments and active involvement in regional and national professional organizations have earned her the respect and admiration of her peers. She has served on the National Board of Trustees for the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) and is a highly requested speaker and faculty member for CASE-sponsored conferences and institutes. Kris has been awarded the CASE Crystal Apple Award for outstanding teaching.Kris is a graduate of Allegheny College and an active alumna volunteer most recently serving on the committee to hire the new Vice President for Advancement. She was deeply engaged at St. Lawrence University and the University of Delaware where her children were enrolled as undergraduates. Kris is engaged in community service as a mentor for Conexion and as an advisor to The Wily Network and OUT Metrowest.