Kurtis Smith

Background

About Kurtis Smith

A servant leader with Joni & Friends-MN.experienced in community and ministry development, fundraising, communications, marketing, volunteer management, stakeholder collaboration, and faith-based initiatives. Growing up in Asia and Africa, my life literally spanned the globe working early in my career with international NGOs, and then running large-scale relief operations and launching a successful advancement department in hurricane-ravaged New Orleans, serving as a human-rights advocate in Peru, directing community development projects in South Minneapolis, developing Major Gifts and providing Salesforce Admin for Bethany International, and teaching as an Adjunct Professor for Bethany Global University and Concordia University-St. Paul. — I find the CLIFTONSTRENGTHS 2.0 assessment to provide insight regarding my roles in organizations. My Top 5 Themes include Input, WOO, Strategic, Ideation, and Connectedness. Let me elaborate. Input: I have the innate ability to research and archive information for recall in the future. I want to be in the know. A voracious learner, I possess a broad range of knowledge that I bring to bear when solving problems. WOO:(Win Others Over) I am not intimidated by strangers-in fact, people say I've never met a stranger. I love to learn about people and their interests. I am outgoing and find expanding my circle of acquaintances energizing. Strategic: I can sift through the clutter to determine the best approach for the context and our team. I quickly evaluate the options using "what if" scenarios to determine potential pitfalls. Where others see complexity I see patterns. Ideation: I'm an idea guy. I find new perspectives to familiar challenges. I love to brainstorm and create new approaches to solve problems. Living around the globe has helped me to "think outside the box." Connectedness: I believe all things are connected and happen for a reason. I am a bridge builder and look for ways to unite people of different cultures. I believe we have a responsibility to help less fortunate and marginalized people. SKILLS: Nonprofit/NGO Management, Operations, and Strategic Planning – Project Consulting – Program Development – Intercultural Relations – Asset-Based Community Development – Large-Scale Disaster Response – Grant Writing – Multi-Channel Marketing – Major Donor Development – Salesforce Administration – Public Speaking – External Relations — PERSONAL VALUES: human dignity - community - integrity - education - social responsibility - servant leadership - prayer - faith - global thought - local action