ABOUT JAMES
I’m a nonprofit executive, fundraiser, entrepreneur, and systems builder. For more than 25 years, I’ve helped mission-driven organizations turn trust, strategy, and persistent action into measurable results.
CAREER AT A GLANCE
PROFESSIONAL PROFILE
Leadership across philanthropy, higher education, healthcare, entrepreneurship, and applied technology.
James R. Graham is an advancement executive, entrepreneur, and philanthropic strategist with more than 25 years of experience building major fundraising programs across higher education, faith-based institutions, healthcare, and nonprofit organizations.
His work combines relationship-centered fundraising, organizational leadership, hands-on business ownership, operational problem solving, and a commitment to helping mission-driven organizations grow.
CURRENT LEADERSHIP & VENTURES
Executive Director
Leading U.S. growth, organizational infrastructure, and national and international partnerships to accelerate pediatric brain cancer research across a collaborative network of 16 leading U.S. hospitals.
Founder
Building a comprehensive youth-sports tournament discovery platform with direct registration links, host details, state pages, and current event information.
ADVANCEMENT & FUNDRAISING
Senior Mission Advancement Officer
Developed a major-gift outreach strategy that engaged more than 700 prospective donors and helped secure an early planned gift.
Senior Director of Development · Director of Development
Secured more than $20 million through 1,000+ meetings, closed multiple seven-figure gifts, created Rutgers’ first regional strategic plan, and built a high-performing regional team.
Director of College Advancement
Led a ten-person advancement team and major-donor program while increasing alumni giving by 180%, faculty giving by 72%, and special-event fundraising by 35–80%.
Director of Development
Expanded national-walk sponsorship by more than 60%, cultivated five- and six-figure support, and helped lead research walks that raised $750,000 and $850,000.
Director of the Annual Fund
Led annual giving, planned giving, donor cultivation, and early planning for a $20 million capital campaign.
Database Consultant
Improved fundraising data systems, training, and processes supporting prospect identification and capital-gift planning.
Assistant Director of Development & Alumni
Helped grow annual-fund revenue by 75%, cultivated major gifts, and led more than 20 special events.
Development Associate
Supported grateful-patient direct mail, gift stewardship, and annual fundraising events.
ENTREPRENEURSHIP & CONSULTING
Founder & President
Built an ecommerce and liquidation company from the ground up, generating more than $2 million in sales while directing purchasing, pricing, inventory, warehouse operations, fulfillment, and distribution.
President
Advised clients on fundraising, marketing, donor recognition, interactive media, client development, and search strategy.
Business Development Manager
Led regional sales and account strategy for schools, hospitals, and nonprofits, including multiple engagements valued above $500,000.
Sales Representative
Managed a 12-state territory and 1,500 nonprofit accounts, increasing territory gross sales by more than 35%.
MISSION DRIVEN · RELATIONSHIP FOCUSED · IMPACT ORIENTED