Amber Rae has worked professionally as an administrator for the arts & entertainment and creative industries for over 20 years. She has served in various facets of the business, including production, direction, office & box office management, marketing & public relations, development, events and at the Executive level. Having worked with both for and non-profit organizations, Amber Rae has a strong and diverse understanding of business management, fiduciary responsibility, fundraising, team building and boards of directors. She has successfully navigated budgets, staffs and schedules, large and small, as she is a natural leader, a diplomatic collaborator and a strategic thinker. Amber Rae is driven, determined and dedicated to every project she encounters. She is a motivated self starter, who can think quickly and outside the box, to ensure results and success in every venture. Amber Rae is a positive, progressive individual, who respects the value of leadership, teamwork and responsibility. She is organized, efficient and creative, with outstanding communication abilities and a charismatic personality. Amber Rae brings passion, skill and experience to any team and will work tirelessly every day, to see that any business to which she belongs will grow and thrive.
Amber Rae Bernhardt
1410 Cohansey St., St. Paul, MN, 55117 · 701-226-8189
amber.rae.bernhardt@gmail.com · linkedin.com/in/amber-rae-bernhardt · amberraebernhardt.com
8/2016 – PRESENT
MARKETING & ANNUAL SUPPORT CAMPAIGN (FUNDRAISING & DEVELOPMENT) DIRECTOR
MISSOURI VALLEY FAMILY YMCA, BISMARCK ND
• Develop annual fundraising campaign of $350k leading dozens of volunteers
• Manage all internal & external communications for multiple facilities & directors
• Create compelling advertising campaigns & collateral materials for hundreds of programs
• Produce dynamic content & programing to engage over 24k members
• Work closely with CEO on department budget, goals & strategies
01/2004 – PRESENT
PRODUCER/DIRECTOR, INSTRUCTOR, PERFORMER, PROMOTER, WRITER
FREELANCE, BISMARCK/FARGO ND, CHICAGO IL
• Creative producer & director in theatre, commercials & live events
• Commercial, film & theatre actor, live on air radio & TV personality/host
• PR & marketing services for musicians/bands, comedians & theatre companies
• Editorial & essay contributor online & in print
• Acting & improv teacher for youth & adult programs
08/2010 – 08/2016
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
DAKOTA STAGE, LTD, BISMARCK ND
• Oversee all facets of business operations: budget, development, production, staffing, promotions, volunteers, properties, etc.
• Grow robust development plan through campaigns, events, grants, donations, sponsorships, etc. to sustain annual budget of $250k
• Create strategic plan to improve business income, product quality, community reach, facility upkeep, volunteer & patron base & much more
• Present dynamic seasons with more than 25 productions & 250 artists to over 10k patrons annually
• Build strong relationships for community support in sponsorships, partnerships & promotions
09/2006 – 05/2010
GROUP SALES, MARKETING & BOOKING ASSOCIATE
CAROL FOX & ASSOCIATES, CHICAGO IL
• Work with clients to create robust promotional campaigns, collaborate with venues on talent booking, solicit ticket sales for clubs, service orgs & corp groups
CUSTOMER SERVICE & SALES
• Wardrobe Consultant – JC Penney Co, Bismarck/Fargo ND – 06/1995-07/2004
• Customer Service Representative – US Bank, Fargo ND – 02/2004-05/2004
• Advertising Sales Manager – NDSU Division of Fine Arts, Fargo ND – 04/2004-07/2004 (Contract/Temp)
• Customer Service Representative – Great Plains Health Company, Fargo ND – 09/2005-06/2006
OFFICE & PROJECT MANAGEMENT
• Assistant to the General Manager – Downtown Community Partnership, Fargo ND – 05/2003-08/2003, 07/2004 (Contract/Temp)
• Teacher – ABC Sandcastle Childcare, Fargo ND – 09/2004-03/2005
• Office Manager – Trollwood Performing Arts School, Fargo ND – 03/2005-09/2005 (Contract/Temp)
• Assistant Box Office Manager – Lakeshore Theatre, Chicago IL– 06/2006-09/2006
• Human Resources Assistant – Bismarck State College, Bismarck ND – 06/2010-08/2010 (Contract/Temp)
VOLUNTEER LEADERSHIP
• Founding Member – Theatre B, Fargo ND
• Marketing Committee Affiliate Member – National Concierge Association Chicago Chapter, Chicago IL
• Director of Marketing & Media Relations – Giordano Jazz Dance Chicago Associate Board of Directors, Chicago IL
• Executive Committee – Downtowners Board of Directors, Bismarck ND
• Executive Committee – Bismarck Cancer Center Foundation Board of Directors, Bismarck ND
• Quick Grant Committee – North Dakota Council on the Arts Grant Review, Bismarck ND
• Parent Member – Student Achievement Committee Mandan Public Schools, Mandan ND
EDUCATION
2003: BACHELOR OF FINE ARTS, NORTH DAKOTA STATE UNIVERSITY
1999: ASSOCIATE OF ARTS & ASSOCIATE OF SCIENCES, BISMARCK STATE COLLEGE
AWARDS/ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
• Top 40 Under 40 Professionals Prairie Business Magazine
• Top 40 Under 40 Professionals Bismarck Tribune • Inspired Woman Cover Feature
• I Want Her Job Featured Profile
• YMCA Professional Achievement of the Year
Amber Rae Bernhardt 