Stewarding Systems, Culture & Community

Institute for Contemporary Art at Virginia Commonwealth University, Presentation Exodus 2021

How we organize is just as important as what we organize toward.

Simone Studios stewardship is an expression of Taylor Simone’s practice of program and project leader specialization in the design, launch, and stabilization of education and community-centered initiatives.

With over six years of experience across nonprofit, arts, and higher education environments, I focus on translating strategic vision into structured, milestone-driven implementation.
I have led curriculum architecture, cross-functional coordination, and operational system building for grant-funded and term-limited programs. My approach centers sustainability, care, and equity while ensuring initiatives are delivered on time, within scope, and positioned for long-term impact.

I am particularly skilled at entering complex or emergent projects, establishing clear workflows, and supporting teams through successful program execution.

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How I Work:

I support organizations in moving from vision to grounded, operational reality. My engagements are structured yet adaptive, designed for initiatives that require both strategic clarity and hands-on implementation.

Available for 6–9 month contract engagements, fractional program leadership, and milestone-based project support.

1. Listen, Observe & Research

I begin by centering your vision, spoken history, and key tension points. Through targeted review of existing programs, systems, and materials, I assess current capacity and opportunities for alignment.

You receive: a clear picture of your current state and priority needs.

2. Strategic Framing

I synthesize findings into a focused presentation or proposal that names core challenges, outlines strategic pathways, and aligns stakeholders around shared goals.

You receive: aligned direction and clarified scope.

3. Roadmap Development

Together we translate strategy into action through practical, implementation-ready materials such as timelines, milestone plans, and responsibility mapping.

You receive: a clear, step-by-step path forward.

4. Systems Cultivation

I build or refine the operational infrastructure needed to sustain the work — workflows, administrative systems, staffing structures, and program tools.

You receive: functional systems ready for real-world use.

5. Implementation Support

Where needed, I provide temporary program leadership, coordination, or project management to help activate systems and guide early momentum.

You receive: supported execution and tailored recommendations for long-term sustainability.

Selected Experience

I have supported program design, curriculum development, and network infrastructure across nonprofit, arts, and higher education environments.

Recent and notable collaborations include:

Underground Music Academy — Led launch of first online course cohort; developed curriculum systems, operational workflows, and milestone tracking structures.
Design Justice Network — Scoped and implemented special projects supporting member experience, resource development, and cross-network coordination.
Bowling Green State University — Designed and delivered multi-course instructional frameworks and managed exhibition and production timelines.
IWG Workplace — Managed high-volume operations and client experience within a fast-paced business environment.

Additional work spans grassroots initiatives, cultural institutions, and distributed learning environments.

PRICING:

I work primarily through milestone-based and fixed-term engagements designed to support focused, high-impact implementation. I do not offer hourly services.

Typical engagements begin at: $4,500/month for fractional program leadership and systems work.

Comprehensive program launch or infrastructure builds are scoped based on complexity, timeline, and level of coordination required.

Most clients engage for 4–9 months to allow for meaningful implementation and stabilization.

Values Alignment

I prioritize partnerships with organizations committed to thoughtful pacing, relational accountability, and sustainable program development.

Specialization Packages

(Program Launch & Stabilization and Operational Alignment) are typically structured as:

Fixed monthly retainers
Milestone-based project phases
Or defined-scope contracts

Final investment is shaped by:

Program complexity
Number of stakeholders
Systems depth required
Timeline urgency
Level of hands-on implementation

1. Program Launch & Stabilization

For organizations building or evolving a program that needs structure, clarity, and momentum.

I support teams in moving from early vision or program redesign into clear, operational reality. This engagement focuses on aligning strategy, building core infrastructure, and ensuring initiatives are positioned for sustainable delivery.

Best for organizations that are:

Launching a new program or learning initiative
Expanding an existing offering
Experiencing operational strain or growing pains
Preparing for a new funding or cohort cycle

Typical areas of support may include:

Strategic framing and scope alignment
Curriculum or program architecture
Timeline and milestone planning
Cross-functional coordination
Core workflow and systems design
Early-stage implementation support

Engagement format
6–9 month contract or milestone-based engagement.

2. Operational Alignment & Systems Build

For organizations that have strong vision but need clearer internal structure to sustain the work.

This offering focuses on strengthening the behind-the-scenes infrastructure that allows programs and teams to function with greater clarity, capacity, and care.

Best for organizations that are:

Managing complex or distributed teams
Experiencing workflow bottlenecks
Preparing to scale programs or membership
Seeking more sustainable administrative systems
Recovering from rapid growth or transition