Ramona Toussaint Email & Phone Number

Cincinnati, Oh, Us

Wyoming, Ohio, United States

Using my extensive relationship building and program experience I was brought on to shift the organizations mission to a more relevant, expansive and inclusive community arts center. I introduced and expanded new programming and its evaluation for impact. In addition, I diversified revenue streams and stabilized and streamlined operations. This created numerous efficiencies that made a huge difference in the financial bottom line of the organization. These tasks included revamping administrative staffing and moving from cash to accrual accounting, a QuickBooks transition for bookkeeping, tracking for grants and budgeting, and more efficient billing and invoicing to minimize outstanding A/R. As Executive Director, I am most proud of jump-starting grant writing and building the foundation of a fund development machine. Moving from an earned income model to a more diverse funding portfolio, I was solely responsible for all fundraising. I started a fund development initiative from scratch, installing our first development committee and raising over 110K in individual giving and securing 92K in grants in the first year. I also secured the organizations biggest major gift in its history and secured gifts to improve the 150+ year old building which I also maintained and rented for community events.Created our first marketing/collateral pieces and started the tradition of holding our first annual open house for the public designed to showcase our programs and offerings.Researched and established a new website platform, invoicing system and our first CRM system.Hired and managed a 4-person office staff, approximately 20 teaching artists, 5 partner organizations and volunteers

Cincinnati, Ohio Area

Activate the educational mission and membership needs of Friends of Music Hall through the development, marketing and creation of a first-rate tour program for Cincinnati Music Hall. Partner with professional and community organizations to create engaging community programming. Research current marketing and trends, issues and programs in the arts, education, museum and (historic) tourism to build a business within a business. Recruit, train and nurture a cohesive volunteer staff from scratch. Build infrastructure, develop marketing and outreach plans, execute strategic approaches and develop creative programming. Engage with local and tourist audiences to raise awareness of Music Hall, not only as a world-class culture venue but as a historical landmark of significance in our region. Re-branded program identity and created a three-prong educational outreach program and related events, “Beyond The Bricks”, thereby increasing revenue by 309% and attendance by 80% in two years.

Cincinnati, Ohio Area

Assist and initiate the planning, advancement and implementation of Community Education special projects and programs and maintenance of their associated relationships. These efforts engage, educate and activate target audiences around AAC CE’s ability to use art to expand individual potential and well being, as well as build community cohesiveness. This includes overseeing external activities and engaging individuals, local community centers, employers, schools, civic organizations, corporations, foundations and art organizations. At the core I serve as community liaison to communicate the mission of AAC CE, assess needs and promote the vision of an organization in a positive way as I and evaluate programs to assure quality.• Re-instituted a grant effort left to fallow since 2007. Landed 89k in grants the first year. Increased one grant 20% in two years.• Initiated new focus, goals, business plans and strategic objectives to grow community education programming and impact. Grew afterschool programming in CPS and NCS from 3 to 11 schools in one academic year.• Re-branded in-school arts integration program, revamped curriculum and redesigned the evaluation process to meet Ohio’s newly adopted Common Core Standards.• Doubled camp numbers in the first year with a 12% increase in the second year.

Cincinnati, Ohio Area

Report directly to the Director of Community Education as the main point of contact for after-school and in-school art education programs as well as chief administrator for summer art camp. Plan, create, manage, organize and implement all facets of camp from program conception and goal setting, to marketing and logistics, to hiring staff and evaluation of the program. Create partnerships with CPS schools to expand reach of the Art Academy’s art programs within the school system. Develop programing ideas, coordinate program delivery, and evaluate program effectiveness.• Designed a “high-touch”, “people-first” customer service plan to maximize consumer experience, improve program reputation, and plant seeds for strong referrals.• Lead and oversaw high-profile, prestigious, public art projects keeping them on time and on budget. Managed 6 artists, with 38 artworks with a budget of over 100k.• Doubled camp enrollment in the first year and increased enrollment 12% the second year.• Created zero-balanced, 38K budget for Camp Art Academy. Monitor and manage priorities within budget. • Created the weekly newsletter, Art, Paper, Scissors! and other promotional communications to build value, strengthen relationships and increase communication.• Jumped in with both feet running to manage 20 staff members at two Camp Art Academy site locations.

Covington, Ky

Combine the knowledge of marketing, a talent for relationship building/business development, a passion for improving communities, the excitement of Social Entrepreneurship, the arts, a creative mind, and the desire to try new things as an outlet for my drive and you have the essence of what I brought to this position.Reported directly to the Deputy Executive Director of this local social enterprise with a national reach. Managed all local and national initiatives to contract training for early childhood professionals and parents on the social and emotional development of young children using this unique product offering. Facilitated the development, from concept to market, and increased sales of original, fun, educational tools that furthered the social impact of the organization’s mission. Duties included nation-wide prospecting, marketing, sales, promotions, client management, writing proposals, documenting and reporting, operations, financial management, project management, distribution and logistics.

• Strategic planning, creation & implementation of marketing plans.• Research & create Brand Identity, key messages & positioning. Promote and educate internal & external audiences on brand function, purpose, and mission.• Build strategic alliances with community leaders. Serve as a main contact between LLAC, educational institutions and other public & private intervention sources. Develop collaborative partnerships with youth-serving organizations, parents, education organizations & community organizations. Raise community awareness.• Manage press, fact sheet & other collateral to media and community resources.• Educate internal staff on Brand Identity & community development progress.• Maintain client relationships and manage customer satisfaction through effective stewardship. Leverage relationships to create new referral avenues.• Identify & streamline internal intake, sales & training systems to maximize brand expression, improve efficiency, & increase revenue.

Served as project manager and primary liaison between client and creative teams developing strategic brand design solutions that met and exceeded client expectations while balancing the internal teams’ need for clear project objectives, information and timing. Developed project plans and managed kickoff and all project phases which included marketing communication, Brand Identity development, Brand Identity Guidelines, package design, point of purchase merchandising, animated art for TV commercials, collateral materials and new product development including consumer research, verbal identity and product structural development (ID)

Designed, implemented, and managed special event projects and their accompanying marketing and print materials which achieved service delivery of program and financial goals. Improved all events through the careful evaluation and incorporation of volunteer and paid staff feedback. Recruited, managed, and trained a staff of 95 core volunteers and supported 1,800 troops to promote initiatives achieving goals and program initiatives for approximately 18,000 girls. Balanced quality customer service and response time to internal, volunteer, and community contacts while organizing and directing complex multifaceted functions in logistics, sales, and event planning. Created marketing plans and strategies, projected revenues, and examined characteristics and trends which established sales goals and incentive programs. Developed and managed a $5,000,000, zero-balance event budget whose revenue provided approximately 59% of the annual Girl Scouts- Great Rivers Council operating budget.

Master Of Education

Educational Foundations

Activities and Societies: UC Choir, Dean's List Paid for 100% of educationResident Assistant and then Resident Manager at the University.

Ba, Literature, Drama Studies

Activities and Societies: I was so effective at creating, marketing and executing campus-wide activities that the Residence Life.