About Shane Dunn (he/him)

“Enthusiastic.” “Passionate.” “Kind.” “Generous.” “Forward-thinking.” “Collaborative.” “Thoughtful.” “Relational.” “Inclusive.” “Empathetic.” “Strategic.” “Dedicated.” “Mission-Centric.”

Shane Dunn is a principled, values-based servant leader who has contributed to the worthy missions of multiple effective social sector organizations in Greater Boston: Radcliffe Institute at Harvard University, Tufts University, MIT Sloan School of Management, Brandeis International Business School, Excel Academy Charter Schools, Uncommon Schools / Roxbury Prep Charter School, Rosie’s Place, GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders (GLAD Law), Ellis Early Learning Center. Throughout his career, he has cultivated and deepened his commitment to allyship, diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging, and justice in the workplace and with his partners. Shane’s primary work is serving as a fractional senior development/advancement leader to help nonprofits navigate periods of change and advance their missions through philanthropy and engagement.

He provides counsel and support to colleges and universities through his work as Vice President and Senior Consultant at Chris Marshall Advancement Consulting (CMAC).

As an advancement and external relations professional with expertise and networks in Greater Boston, Shane has helped organizations increase their impact and get closer to achieving their missions. Examples include:

• built, managed, and developed cross-functional teams of high-performing people

• raised millions of dollars for important causes through capital and ongoing campaigns, including the campaign to build Excel Academy Charter High School in East Boston, MA.

• developed deep relationships through major donor portfolios that have yielded 5-, 6-, and 7-figure donations

• crafted successful large grant proposals to corporate and foundation funders

• written and sent successful digital and print mass appeals

• planned events of all sizes and scope,

• engaged with alumni and other constituents

• enhanced donor relations as essential to successful major gift fundraising strategies

• leveraged the unique skills and ambassadorial possibilities of boards

Shane recently completed a transformative two-year term as president of the board of GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders (GLAD Law), a board he has served on since 2014. He can provide additional support working with boards or supporting boards in their efforts to be top-notch strategic partners, fiduciaries, ambassadors, and fundraisers for their organizations. He was the founding co-chair of the Board of Trustees of Ellis Early Learning, a nationally accredited childcare center for children ages 0 to 5 in Boston. He has become a vocal public advocate for increased public investment in Massachusetts's early education and care space and nationally.

As an unabashed supporter of DEI and anti-racism initiatives at all types of organizations, he is a LeadBoston program hosted by YWBoston for leaders committed to further exploring diversity, equity, and inclusion in Greater Boston.

Shane is a first-generation college graduate of Cornell University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Communication and a minor in Inequality Studies. He earned a master’s degree in higher education administration from Boston College. Shane has served in several local and national alumni leadership roles for Cornell and was the youngest nominee in the University’s history to become an alumni-elected trustee. He is the 2024 recipient of the Cornell College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) Alumni Association Young Alumni Achievement Award.

A native of Waterville, New York, Shane now lives in the Roxbury neighborhood of Boston with his wife and children.