M.S. Nonprofit Management (NOPM) program alum Rebecca L. Smith is a mission-driven leader in strategic philanthropy and communications. With an experienced, nuanced understanding of the nonprofit sector, she has worked at the Salvation Army Greater New York Division, the Columbia School of Social Work, CCS Fundraising, and other renowned institutions.
Smith recently participated in a NOPM Lunch and Learn webinar co-hosted by Dr. Basil A. Smikle Jr., professor of practice and director of the NOPM program, and Lonni Ryan, deputy program director. The event also featured associate instructor Deanna Bosselman.
She is the divisional director of Philanthropy for the Salvation Army Greater New York Division, leading programs and initiatives across the region for fundraising, community engagement, marketing, and public relations. Through overseeing such a large team, she is responsible for centralizing wider programming while supporting smaller, local community centers—a delicate balance to strike.
“It was during this time in the [medical industry] that I kind of saw how the system was flawed,” Smith said. “There was no fundraising, and it simply wasn’t enough to provide adequate care for our patients.”
Smith detailed her career path as she applied to Columbia’s NOPM program, hoping to make a difference in the lives of underserved populations. She credits her program advisor for landing her first role in the fundraising industry, noting the wonderful connections she made during the program.
“The Salvation Army is a very unique organization. To this day, we are the largest provider of social services in the United States,” Smith said. “We have 19 churches and community centers that really serve over 10 million meals a year for families who are struggling. We provide anti-poverty services and help keep people going.”
As an alum of the NOPM program, she is also a licensed master social worker. Through her experiences in social work, consulting, teaching, and executive leadership, Smith provides a unique, holistic perspective to nonprofit development.
“I really want to help people who are struggling, and I think that matters when every day I get to hear those direct stories and am able to help them make a change,” Smith said.
As a seasoned professional, Smith imparted wisdom and advice for interested attendees on how to navigate the nonprofit world, find a role they feel passionately about, and succeed in making the world a better place.
For more illuminating discussions with leaders in the nonprofit space and information, learn more about Nonprofit Management's upcoming events.
About the Program
Columbia University’s M.S. in Nonprofit Management prepares graduates for leadership roles within mission-driven organizations in a wide variety of contexts, including global and community nonprofits, foundations, education, healthcare, the arts, or as fundraising and development experts.
Learn more about the program here. The program is available part-time, full-time, on-campus, and online.
