SUSAN CHEKOW LUSIGNAN
ABOUT
Professional Profile
A strategic leader with a proven track record of managing operations, finances, programming, and marketing communications for educational and non-profit organizations.
Core strengths: fostering internal and external collaboration to maximize organizational impact, and addressing the motivation and needs of diverse constituencies.
Experience
August 2017 – present
Create and implement a fully integrated marketing plan in support of FFRPL's mission. Promote and present FFRPL's Legacy programs. Support FFRPL and Library initiatives for optimal community impact. Write copy for marketing communications, including program brochures, social media, e-newsletters, annual reports, and FFRPL's web site.
Director, Authors + Innovators Festival/JCC of Rochester
April – November 2023
Seasonal, part-time position held concurrently with FFRPL
Worked with the Festival committee, JCC administration and staff to plan, promote, and present two weeks of cultural programming. Expanded the breadth of content offered as well as the diversity of the presenters and the audiences that attended.
Director, Marketing & Engagement, Memorial Art Gallery/UofR
January – September 2016
Oversaw non-academic programming, the Creative Workshop (art camps and classes), and marketing. Created and implemented an integrated marketing plan across all platforms – including paid, owned, and earned media – in support of exhibitions, programs, classes/camps, the store, and special events (250,000 patrons per year). Managed the Marketing & Engagement Department's budget ($120K). Supervised five direct reports.
Director, Nazareth College Arts Center
January 2011 – January 2016
Responsible for all non-academic programs, operations, and financial management of the non-profit entity on the College campus. Curated and presented an innovative annual Subscription and K-12 Series featuring dance, music, theatre, family entertainment, international programs, and special events (25,000 patrons per year). Curated two/presented three Dance Festivals (average of 4,000 patrons). Served dual role as Marketing Manager during year-long vacancy; created and implemented an integrated marketing plan across all platforms. Managed five to seven direct reports.
President/Producer, Rochester Arts & Lectures
July 1997 – December 2010
Along with business partner, handled all artistic, legal, financial, marketing and sales (5,000 patrons per year). Selected and hosted nationally acclaimed speakers for the Subscription Series. Managed the operating budget and financial reporting; met or exceeded national benchmarks for non-profits every year.
Education
MS, Management, Nazareth College
BA, English Literature, Binghamton University
Highlights:
Inspiring and Motivating Arts & Culture Teams,
University of Michigan EdX (2023)
Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification Course (2018)
Contract Law, Harvard EdX (2015)
DEI: Specialized Training and Site-specific Advocacy