Cara Skibitsky Email & Phone Number

Washington D.C. Metro Area

- Manage a team of 15 associates across multiple departments and develop marketing and event strategies to achieve vendor account goals and corporate sales plans.- Facilitate and capitalize on special event opportunities for my department ranging from special events and charitable functions to designer personal appearances and trunk shows. Notable events.

Develop and execute all in-store events such as: designer public appearances, trunk shows, VIP customer events, social events and charity events to promote the Neiman Marcus luxury retail brand. Notable events include: - The Great Ladies Luncheon Fashion Show yielding $500,000 in sales - The St. Jude Heart of Fashion Show 2015 resulting in $65,000 in sales.

Washington D.C. Metro Area

- Manage team members and all activity in the Owner’s Suite with a strong focus on client relations and customer service including provisioning for C-Level executives and corporate sponsors.- Organize all logistical elements of food, beverage, room set-up, audio visual and entertainment in the private clubs.

Alexandria, Virginia

• Conducted research to inform company rebranding efforts, search engine optimization, social and earned media initiatives and digital advertising campaigns.
• Created presentations summarizing research findings and recommending next steps for clients to enhance marketing and communications efforts.
• Drafted and edited materials including bylined articles, website content, press releases, media pitches, social media content and e-blasts.
• Managed relations between clients and partner organizations/media outlets to execute
• Developed daily and weekly media coverage reports and assessments to evaluate and inform earned and social media initiatives.

Vienna, VA

Coordinate all pre-performance special events and manage vendors in the venue rental spaces.

Washington D.C. Metro Area

• Researched and drafted reports, press releases and by-lined articles varying from international trade landscape analysis to current research initiatives
• Created event-specific media lists up to 500 contacts and initiated pitch calls
• Monitored media coverage and quantified statistics for quarterly client reports
• Tracked and assembled a daily social media report for a trade association
• Continuously compiled data and produced report entries for client-specific research databases
• Clients included government agencies, Fortune 500 companies and trade associations

Washington D.C. Metro Area

• Played a role in the communications, fundraising and production of a range of events including: summits, meetings, galas, receptions, salon dinners and lunches. Multi-day events include: -The US Coast Guard Cutter.
• Collaborated on the creation and editing of all communication pieces including RFPs, grant applications, letters to high-level donors and all event materials.
• Experienced the coordination of complex security requirements and severe weather plan execution.
• Proficient in travel arrangements, registration activities and seating arrangements.
• Familiarity with contract negotiation.

Washington D.C. Metro Area

• Embedded in the leading account on the fundraising team that raised $22 million in 18 months for the start-up non-profit Americans Elect
• Orchestrated fundraising events (10-300 attendees) around the US
• Reclaimed $13,000 from a non-negotiable contract
• Responsible for research, marketing materials, logistics, troubleshooting and registration

Fort Worth, TX

• Created a promotional movie, presentation materials and coordinated a silent auction and raffle for the organization's largest fundraising event
• Negotiated vendor contracts to utilize the budget most effectively and cut costs
• Crafted promotional content for three events

Fort Worth, TX

• Developed the first-ever fundraiser evening for the TCU Polo Club netting over $4,000
• Created and implemented a strategic marketing plan that included: website design and launch, promotional materials and sponsorship packages
• Secured numerous sponsorships and in-kind donations
• Served as the TCU Polo Club Treasurer for two years