Directory

Julia Crane Dempsey (She/Her/Hers) is a strategic and creative leader in higher education fundraising, with over a decade of experience building programs that create meaningful impact. At MassArt, Julia leads personal solicitation strategies that raise essential current-use funds to directly support the student experience. She works closely with community members, exploring ways to align donor values with the College’s mission to ensure every gift makes a lasting difference.

Industry Experience

Julia’s deep commitment to MassArt’s mission of providing accessible, high-quality art and design education for all guides her work. With 11+ years of experience in Advancement, she brings a holistic understanding of fundraising strategy, nonprofit operations, and communication best practices. Her previous roles at Tufts University, Endicott College, Stonehill College, and the Catholic Schools Development Collaborative have equipped her to build collaborative relationships across departments and align fundraising efforts with broader institutional goals.

Awards

Julia holds the CFRE (Certified Fund Raising Executive) credential and has earned industry recognition through honors such as the CASE District I Excellence Award and the “Best in Annual Giving” award from the Annual Giving Network. She is a frequent presenter at conferences, sharing insights on topics such as mindfulness for fundraisers, centering humanity and connection while using AI for efficiency, and fundraising communication best practices.