Lindsey Fossum
Richfield
Summary
Strategic association leader with 15+ years of leadership experience in nonprofit and association management, specializing in organizational growth, member engagement, sponsorship development, and strategic initiatives that drive organizational success. Experienced in building collaborative relationships with boards, volunteers, members, and industry partners while leading marketing, communications, and large-scale programs that deliver meaningful member value and advance association goals.
Overview
1
1
Certification
22
22
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Marketing & Special Events
Minnesota Commercial Association of Real Estate (MNCAR)
Edina, MN
01.2019 - Current
- Direct the planning and execution of MNCAR's signature events, including the Annual Expo, Awards Program, Golf Tournament, and continuing education programs, delivering high-quality experiences that support member engagement and organizational growth.
- Provide staff leadership to three volunteer committees, partnering with committee chairs and members to establish priorities, implement strategic initiatives, and successfully execute organizational goals.
- Develop and implement sponsorship strategies to increase revenue and strengthen industry partnerships.
- Key leadership partner to the Executive Director supporting strategic planning and organizational growth.
- Manage budgets, vendor contracts, forecasting, logistics, and operations.
- Serve as the primary contact for association's digital platforms and technology infrastructure, managing website updates, coordinating IT services, and driving continuous improvements to support organizational goals.
- Developed member recognition initiatives, including Member Spotlights and committee recognition campaigns, to celebrate member achievements, strengthen engagement, and foster a connected commercial real estate community.
- Lead cross-functional teams consisting of staff, committee volunteers, vendors, exhibitors, sponsors, and industry partners to successfully deliver organizational initiatives and signature events.
Director of Marketing & Development
Rakhma, Inc.
Minneapolis, MN
07.2014 - 01.2019
- Planned and executed events of all sizes, managing operational aspects, budgets, securing sponsors and product donors, designing marketing materials, and tracking success metrics.
- Developed and supervised a team of six employees, providing leadership, coaching, performance management, and professional development to support organizational goals.
- Created marketing and communication strategies to maximize nonprofit's mission to increase volunteer and donor engagement and visibility.
- Serve as a backup to the Executive Director as the main point of contact in admission inquiries and tours of the homes.
- Meet regularly with the Executive Director, administrative team, and board members to implement policies, strategic initiatives, and regulation changes.
Marketing, Communications & Office Manager
Rakhma, Inc.
Minneapolis, MN
09.2011 - 07.2014
- Developed and managed all organizational internal and external communications across social media, website, promotional materials, and newsletters.
- Created and managed a volunteer program for nonprofit including recruitment, training, scheduling, retention and recognition that increased volunteers by 60 percent.
- Managed databases including Little Green Light, Dropbox, Vertical Response, and nonprofit’s website to streamline information access and improve data management.
- Supported hiring process for new employees by conducting interviews and performing background checks.
Marketing and Office Manager- Temp Position
Computer Wrangler
Shoreview, MN
07.2011 - 09.2011
- Coordinated and implemented marketing initiatives across social media, advertising, and special events to enhance brand visibility
- Consulted clients on IT concerns and pricing processes while supervising scheduling for techs to optimize workflow
- Conducted weekly accounts payable, client invoicing, and collection calls
Program Counselor
ACR Homes, Inc.
Roseville, MN
01.2005 - 01.2011
- Facilitated client support through individualized care plans and regular assessments.
- Established strong relationships with families, fostering trust and open communication regarding client needs.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Strategic Communications
University of Minnesota
Twin Cities, MN05-2009
Skills
- Committee & Volunteer Leadership
- Budget Management & Oversight
- Revenue Growth
- Sponsorship Development
- Member Engagement
- Marketing & Communications
- Continuing Education
- Event & Trade Show Management
- Contract Negotiation
- Strategic Planning
- Technologically adept
Certification
- Associations North - 2026 Membership Marketing Benchmarking Report (July 22, 2026)
- Minnesota Council of Nonprofits – Practical Leadership (2018)
- Lilly School of Philanthropy – Principles and Techniques in Fundraising (2018)
Timeline
Director of Marketing & Special Events
Minnesota Commercial Association of Real Estate (MNCAR)
01.2019 - Current
Director of Marketing & Development
Rakhma, Inc.
07.2014 - 01.2019
Marketing, Communications & Office Manager
Rakhma, Inc.
09.2011 - 07.2014
Marketing and Office Manager- Temp Position
Computer Wrangler
07.2011 - 09.2011
Program Counselor
ACR Homes, Inc.
01.2005 - 01.2011
Bachelor of Arts - Strategic Communications
University of Minnesota
SELECT CAREER HIGHLIGHTS
- Lead MNCAR’s annual expo, awards program, golf tournament, networking events, and continuing education programming.
- Develop and manage sponsorship programs and strategic partnerships that generate non-dues revenue.
- Partner with executive leadership, board members, committees, and industry stakeholders.
- Lead cross-functional initiatives that improve member experience and organizational effectiveness.