Cayla Skuran

I am a graduating Senior at Loyola University Chicago with a double major in Communication Studies and Dance and a minor in Mathematics. My various work and knowledge as an intern and development coordinator will serve me well in the arts industry, and I'm eager to work in administrative positions.

Giordano Dance Chicago Chicago, IL January 2025 to Current

Position: Intern 

• Assisted in organizing and planning donor events that successfully exceeded fundraiser goals. Cleaned up donor database and assisted with the production of reconciliation letters. 
• Provided hands-on assistance for any needs of the Executive Director and Administrative Coordinator in a fast-paced and efficient manner while paying precise attention to detail and generating creative solutions for tasks at hand. 

Position: Development Coordinator May 2023 to August 2024 

• Overseeing the Development Office at the main branch of a national organization. Administered grant applications through precise attention to timelines and efficient communication between branches and employees. 
• Developed tasks and led meetings with QuietFest Interns to stimulate creative perspectives while guiding the interns with advancement techniques to progress the festival. Attendee/Coordinator for the St. Louis QuietFest at St. Louis University on October 13th, 2023

• Researched concert venues and consulted with owners on the expenses, set-up, agenda, and layout of the concert all while working within a condensed budget and time frame. Contacted social media influencers to join a committee to promote QuietFest. Created agreements, agendas, schedules, and facilitated meetings to brainstorm promotional tactics while creating and managing a promotional, business TikTok and Instagram account. 
• Communicated with directors nationally and worked with an agency to develop the first year blueprint for an annual music and wellness festival. Collaborated through weekly Zoom meetings with Los Angeles, New York, St. Louis, and Philadelphia Depaul USA branches to delegate tasks and responsibilities.

Position: Intern

• Organized and enhanced donor database system. Cleaned out past donors and communicated with current and active donors. Created guidelines and portfolios that were mass viewed that generated applications for grants the organization funds. 
• Assisted with set up, run of show, and tear down for DanceChance events hosted by Chicago DanceMakers Forum. 

Position: Intern

• Marketing/PR/Social media content development and strategy. Updated website. Event planning operations and logistics. 
• Improved understanding of both arts-related and general nonprofit management, HR, strategic planning, development, and external relations. Assisted the staff and consultant team with donor database/gift processing and records management. 

Position: Peer Advisor

• Co-instructed first year UNIV sections and assisted the Loyola freshman class to help them acclimate the college experience through thoughtful coursework and activities. Created detailed weekly lesson plans and held office hours.
• Created engaging outside-of-class events and community-building activities that introduced my students to the city of Chicago and allowed them opportunities to have interactions in and outside of Loyola. Promptly answered any emails or texts from my students at all times of the day regarding concerns or issues

BA in Dance, BA in Communication Studies, Minor in Mathematics from Loyola University Chicago