Akpesiri Rooney
Otobele
Paisley, UK · Nashville, USA
A results-driven business development professional with 7+ years of experience building revenue-generating partnerships, designing client acquisition systems, and driving organisational growth across the nonprofit and social enterprise sectors.
Building Partnerships That Drive Real Growth
I am a Business Development Specialist with a strong track record of building revenue-generating partnerships, designing client acquisition systems, and driving organisational growth across the nonprofit and social enterprise sectors.
With over seven years of experience at the intersection of strategy, relationship management, and business growth, I have contributed to securing more than 0 million in funding, built and scaled digital platforms, and guided 100+ organisations through strategic development — from initial engagement through to long-term partnerships.
I bring a consultative, people-first approach to business development, underpinned by a proven ability to identify opportunity, build trust, and close deals that deliver lasting value for all stakeholders.
Key Achievements
Contributed to securing over 0 million through strategic partnerships, corporate engagement, sponsorships, and individual donor acquisition.
Designed and implemented a client acquisition and onboarding system at Solutions Matter LLC that dramatically improved acquisition and retention outcomes.
Mentored and supported over 100 nonprofit founders through business planning, fundraising strategy, and operational setup resulting in self-sustaining organisations.
Built and managed a digital contact base and community that actively engages over 40,000 founders and sector professionals.
Developed automated fundraising and donor communication systems that measurably increased conversion and repeat giving.
Presented at the Scottish Fundraising Conference and Fearless Fundraising Summit; published in Civil Society's Fundraising Magazine.
Core Competencies
Professional Experience
Founded and scaled a global education and advisory business focused on equipping nonprofit founders with the tools, strategies, and partnerships needed to launch and grow sustainable organisations — identifying a market need, building a value proposition, acquiring clients, and delivering measurable outcomes.
- Guided 100+ nonprofit founders through startup, fundraising, board development, and scaling strategies, resulting in the successful launch of sustainable, mission-driven organisations.
- Built a database of professionals seeking to join boards across the US, providing them with regular board opportunities.
- Recruited board members for nonprofits and supported founders in activating their boards to give, fundraise, and build their organisations.
- Collaborated with nonprofit founders to install fundraising operating systems including strategy, team building, outreach content, and daily execution support.
- Developed automated fundraising systems including donation pages and donor journeys, increasing engagement by 50%.
- Published The Nonprofit Starter Pack, Money Sources, The Ultimate Board Fix and The Board Fundraising Activation — establishing thought leadership and driving inbound client acquisition.
In this senior business development role, I was responsible for building and executing the client acquisition strategy for a leading nonprofit consultancy — designing the end-to-end client engagement framework that brought structure, consistency, and scalability to the company's growth efforts.
- Designed and implemented a full client acquisition system covering outreach, qualification, engagement, and onboarding, resulting in a 75% increase in client retention.
- Provided high-level strategic and operational support to Sharon Jones, a renowned consultant who has raised over 00 million in her career, coordinating client engagements and developing business plans.
- Supported fundraising and grant writing efforts that contributed to 0M+ in total funding secured for client organisations.
- Conducted business planning, fundraising consultation, and board governance development for a diverse portfolio of nonprofit clients.
- Delivered expert guidance on nonprofit marketing, donor engagement automation, and revenue diversification strategies.
Founded and grew a youth-led community development initiative from concept into a global network of over 1,000 students and professionals, building BD competencies in stakeholder acquisition, partnership development, and programme scaling.
- Built strategic partnerships with high schools and universities across multiple countries to mobilise student leaders.
- Designed and implemented community programmes in education, health, and environmental awareness.
- Grew the network's membership from zero to 1,000+ active participants through targeted outreach and engagement.
- Designed and executed community education outreach programmes, mobilising volunteers and raising funds for social impact campaigns.
- Led stakeholder engagement campaigns focused on school development, health awareness, and infrastructure improvement.
- Managed scholarship portfolio, overseeing financial aid distribution to underprivileged children.
Speaking & Publications
Education & Professional Development
Professional References
Let's Work Together
Open to business development roles, strategic partnerships, and advisory opportunities. Reach out through any of the channels below.
© 2025 Akpesiri Rooney Otobele · Business Development Specialist