No judgment. No jargon. Just practical structure: budgets, systems, tools, and processes that reduce stress and improve decision-making.
If you’re carrying a lot, you’re not behind. You just need infrastructure that matches the size of the mission.
$3M budget leadership • Collaborative Budgeting • Scenario Planning + Inclusive Arts Education
I’ve spent years inside small, arts-centered organizations where the mission is powerful, and the day-to-day reality is a lot. When systems are unclear, leaders end up holding everything in their heads, making decisions under pressure, and doing the kind of invisible work that never shows up on a calendar.
I care about building structure that makes creative work sustainable. Not rigid. Not corporate. Just clear enough that you can lead with your values and sleep at night.
I currently support the Literary Freedom Project, previously held finance leadership roles with the Teaching Artists Guild, and help mission-driven organizations build sustainable systems, clear goals, and calmer decision-making.
I manage a $3M budget, lead multi-scenario planning, and strengthen alignment between financial strategy, artistic vision, and community impact.
I oversee logistics, accessibility needs, and cross-school coordination for a citywide program where public-school teens of all abilities devise and perform an original musical.
A couple notes from people I’ve worked with. These are the outcomes I care about most: clarity, confidence, and tools that actually get used.
“Kayla’s patience in explaining budgets and dedication to financial literacy have been invaluable to our organization.”
Teaching Artists Guild (Executive Director)
“Kayla not only built our budget but also made sure that we could use and understand it. She clarified the difference between budgeting and cash flow, and we feel calmer and more confident making decisions.”
Nonprofit Client (Executive Director)
Teaching Artist and Inclusive Education Training
Royal Shakespeare Company, Stand Up for Shakespeare
Teaching Artist Training Institute (TATI) through Marquis Studios
Education and artistic training
Dual B.A. degrees in Theatre and International Studies, minor in Spanish, The Ohio State University
Acting Apprenticeship, Actors Theatre of Louisville
Leadership & governance
Board Treasurer, then Finance Co-Chair for Teaching Artists Guild
Supported the Guild’s sunsetting process after two decades of service to the teaching artist field
Panels & sector work
Panelist for NYSCA’s Capital Projects Program (three years)
Professional development collaborator with Pentacle (small arts organizations)
Presentations & cohorts
Nonprofit New York Leaders Cohort (Spring 2023)
Presenter, Nonprofit New York Annual Conference
Presenter, Arts in Education Roundtable Face-to-Face Conference
DYCD Seasoned Supervisor Cohort in partnership with 8RES
If you’re in a growth season, a transition, or a “we can’t keep running like this” moment, I can help you build the structure that makes the work sustainable.
Book your 20-minute Finance Clarity Call
We’ll clarify what’s urgent and what would help most
You’ll leave knowing what to do next
You’ll get a short follow-up email with recommended next steps within 24–48 hours.
Prefer email? Email me at info@kaylajackmon.com
