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 include:• 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 Murphy’s Law to Enlightenment by Cary Kellems (published 8/2020).• 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.• Personal brand workshop for Assistance League of Long Beach Cameo participants.

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 largest academic unit of the university. Directed two full-time employees and multiple part-time student staff. Identified and solicited high-profile donor participants for fundraising events in support of the annual $75M goal. Cultivated gift prospects through event recognition and planning committee participation. Led diverse teams of internal and external stakeholders in the production of over 400 distinct projects. Created communication plans, developed marketing collateral, wrote scripts, speeches, and talking points, and prepared executive briefings for every project. Notable communication projects:• 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+ paid attendees.Additional responsibilities:• 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 style guides.

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 Commencement ceremonies which serve over 2,000 graduates (approximately 10,000 total guests) each year. Managed two full time direct reports. Wrote collateral required to support events including brand messaging, scripts and speeches, press releases and follow-up correspondence. Ad hoc responsibilities included advisory board management and alumni relations programming.Notable communication project:• 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 revised annually.

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 proposals for other revenue-generating events.

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