Martin Harrison
Middletown,DE
Summary
Dynamic fundraising and corporate engagement leader with over 14 years of experience fostering mission-aligned collaborations across higher education, corporate, nonprofit, and public sectors. Expertise in designing and launching scalable programs to enhance economic opportunities, strengthen talent pipelines, and achieve measurable impact. Acknowledged for exceptional cross-functional leadership and executive stakeholder engagement, with a proven ability to align institutional priorities with innovative, equity-driven solutions driving sustainable growth. Committed to creating transformative partnerships that empower communities and advance organizational goals.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
Manager, Workforce Development
Pepco Holdings Inc.
02.2022 - Current
- I lead all workforce development initiatives for Delmarva Power service territory (Delaware and eastern Maryland), designing and launching utility training programs in partnership with community colleges, nonprofits, and municipalities.
- I developed and executed the company's HBCU & Community College Engagement Strategy, resulting in a $7.3M increase in investment and a fourfold increase in HBCU interns in one year (8 in 2023 to 32 in 2024).
- I served on cross-functional teams for roughly 10 IIJA-funded project proposals, drafting community benefits content and securing local partner support.
- I represent PHI on the Governor’s Energy Advisory Committee (DE) – Equity & Environmental Justice Workgroup.
- I collaborate with community partners to host large-scale STEM Awareness & Education events for K-12 students.
Director, Corporate Relations & Strategic Partnerships
Lincoln University
07.2018 - 02.2022
- I served as one of four fundraisers in the University’s Division of Institutional Advancement, leading the Office of Corporate Relations & Strategic Partnerships.
- I increased philanthropic investment by developing and implementing a streamlined strategy to transform transactional relationships into holistic, mutually-beneficial partnerships with private sector stakeholders.
- I also served as a point of contact to steward and cultivate relationships with local community-based organizations and elected officials.
- In addition, I represented the University’s interest as a member of the Rt. 1 Economic Development Steering Committee.
Manager, Grants & Communications
Habitat for Humanity of New Castle County
07.2016 - 03.2018
- I supported affordable homeownership construction projects throughout New Castle County, DE, raising over $4M by soliciting grants, event sponsorships, and in-kind gifts and services from government entities, foundations, and the private sector.
- Additionally, I crafted compelling, accurate, and authentic narratives for newsletters, social media posts, and other uses.
Managing Director
Delaware State University
01.2015 - 07.2016
- I managed daily operations and $5M+ in grant budgets for the Optical Science Center for Applied Research, including procurement, travel, payroll, student scholarships and stipends, and eligible reimbursements.
- I coordinated NIH-funded research programs (MARC U
- STAR, INBRE) and served as primary liaison to federal partners and sub-recipients.
- I also oversaw proposal development, budget creation, and reporting for multiple research grants.
Research Administrator
Lincoln University
11.2012 - 01.2015
- As part of the Research & Sponsored Programs team, I was responsible for the financial oversight of over 30 government-funded projects at the university.
- I also served as the subject matter expert for identifying external funding resources for research and special programs for the entire institution, and coordinated the submission of all new grant applications, letters of intent, and grant reports.
- As the administrative point of contact, I managed relationships with each funder and any sub-recipients.
Development Associate
Operation Warm, Inc.
06.2011 - 11.2012
- As part of the development team of this national nonprofit organization, I was the primary fundraiser for key metro areas, including Boston, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C.
- I solicited grant funding, event sponsorships, and in-kind gifts and services from corporate and philanthropic partners.
- I also engaged other community organizations to facilitate fundraising campaigns and community events.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Political Science
Lincoln University
Lincoln University, PA05.2008
Certificate - Nonprofit Management
Pennsylvania State University
Harrisburg, PA12.2012
Skills
- Strategic Partnership Development
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Proposal Development
- Donor Stewardship
- Impact Measurement
- Verbal and written communication
- Complex Problem-solving
- Project management
- Cross-functional teamwork
Websites
Timeline
Manager, Workforce Development
Pepco Holdings Inc.
02.2022 - Current
Director, Corporate Relations & Strategic Partnerships
Lincoln University
07.2018 - 02.2022
Manager, Grants & Communications
Habitat for Humanity of New Castle County
07.2016 - 03.2018
Managing Director
Delaware State University
01.2015 - 07.2016
Research Administrator
Lincoln University
11.2012 - 01.2015
Development Associate
Operation Warm, Inc.
06.2011 - 11.2012
Bachelor of Science - Political Science
Lincoln University
Certificate - Nonprofit Management
Pennsylvania State University
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