Cynthia Gellis Email & Phone Number

Researching funding opportunities, preparing grant proposals, and producing communications to support Linc’s fundraising, policy, and event activities.

• Clients include: university research institutes, small arts nonprofits, child development facilities, architects, holistic healthcare practitioners, historians, and indie authors. Writing and editing project highlights.
• Grant writing (LOIs and proposals) and reporting for corporate, private, and public funders including $100k NEA proposal.
• Editing (developmental, copy/line, and proofreading) proposals, short fiction, longform nonfiction and books including: Youth Leadership: 7 Steps to Empower Youth Leaders by David A. Kitchen (published 12/2019) and.
• Brand strategy and content creation including DEI messaging strategy, personal brand platforms, cornerstone website content, messaging audits, and communication plan design.
• Social media marketing. One client saw increase in social media followers and new business after three months.Presentations include:
• Keynote about communication project management to the American Business Women’s Association.

Created and maintain WordPress website; write and post SEO optimized blog posts (200+ to date) on various topics.

• Promoted to support the Dean’s priorities and the fundraising objectives by means of design and execution of high-profile marketing communications projects. Served as a member of the advancement leadership team for the.
• Edited and art-directed 50-page compendium for the 10th Anniversary of the Institute on California and the West.
• Produced commemorative program and scripted remarks for gala fundraising event celebrating the 40th anniversary of a beloved service-learning program featuring America Ferrera as keynote speaker. Event attracted 400+.
• Created and submitted successful annual and ad hoc funding proposals for internal project ranging from $5K to $500K.
• Served as primary source for all event-related collateral including invitations, websites, brochures and programs, talking points and speeches. Ensured all collateral followed institution’s editorial and graphic design.

• Led the design and execution of experiential marketing and fundraising programs including Trojan Parent’s Weekend, USC Shoah Foundation Institute’s Ambassadors for Humanity Gala, and the College's four simultaneous.
• Created comprehensive online resource, including design and content, which served faculty, staff, 2,500+ students and their families with information regarding commencement; reduced phone calls by 50%. Reviewed and.

Produced and executed high profile University events such as the USC College’s Tradition & Innovation Initiative Kickoff, Associates Football Picnics (1,000+ guests), numerous endowed chair installations, and building/institute dedications. Ensured that the University’s presidential protocols were adhered to for all events.

Responsible for production of all fundraising and donor relations events. Managed the Museum's event space rental program including all marketing and advertising programs, sales, and stewardship. Achieved a 40% increase in event rental revenue in the second year of the program, accounting for 5% of the Museum's operating revenue. Developed numerous.

Produced over 50 events annually, including one of Orange County’s most prestigious gala balls. Developed a theatrical approach to event execution, using timing and plot in conjunction with elements such as lighting, music, and design to produce memorable events.

Ma, Communication Management

Ba, Dance, Sociology