experience.

 

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EDUCATION & CERTIFICATES

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THE GEORGE WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY                              

Publication Specialist Certificate

 

WEST VIRGINIA UNIVERSITY 

B.S. Human Development and Family Studies

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AREAS OF EXPERTISE

Communications Strategy

Strategic Messaging & Branding

Media Outreach & Engagement

Content Development

Donor Relations and Events

Project Management

Team & People Leadership

Editorial Oversight

Media Relations

Advocacy & Grass Roots Messaging

Creative Writing & Storytelling

Trend & Market Data Analytics

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TECHNICAL SKILLS

Software: Microsoft Office Suite; Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator) Qualtrics, - Website Management & Social Media: Google Analytics; Google AdWords; WordPress; Drupal; SharePoint; Kentico; Hootsuite; Facebook; Twitter; Pinterest; Instagram; LinkedIn; Vimeo; YouTube; Visme; Flickr; VoterVoice; iModules/Engage, Canva  - Email Marketing: Magnet Mail; Exact Target; Constant Contact - Project Management: Basecamp; Monday; Trello; Smartsheet; Slack - Database: iMIS; bLoyal; Fonteva;Blackbaud Raiser’s Edge - Meeting Tools: GoToWebinar; Zoom; vFairs; Cvent; Quickmobile; Eventpedia

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PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS

Division of Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement, University of Nevada, Las Vegas | Feb 2022- present

Manage the communications programs and staff for the UNLV Foundation, Alumni Association, and Division of Philanthropy & Alumni Engagement, including divisional areas such as Donor Relations, Annual Giving, Planned Giving, Advocacy, Board Relations, and fundraising/stewardship efforts of UNLV colleges and units.

• Hire, train, manage and mentor the division photographer, project manager, graphic designer, and social media positions in a fast-paced environment

• Write editorial and marketing messaging and create content in support of the university’s philanthropic mission and engagement goals while maintaining UNLV brand standards.

• Establish relationships and work collaboratively and diplomatically with a wide range of campus partners

• Develop talking points, speeches, press releases, direct mail, articles, advertisements, proposals, flyers, newsletters, emails, presentations, and other communications on behalf of leadership and the division.

• Oversee the workload, timelines, and competing priorities of the 750+ projects the department completes per year and streamlines processes and procures resources, so the team works efficiently and cohesively

 

 

COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER

International Foodservice Distributors Association (IFDA) | McLean, VA | Jul 2018 - Nov 2021

Optimize engagement and communication strategies with informative content, narratives, and messaging delivered to target audience. Plan content strategy and create short and long-form content for print and digital publications, websites, videos, presentations, and conference speakers. Oversee three e-newsletters and email communications. Monitor website and social media engagement and adjust approach to communications and marketing based on reported metrics and target goals. Cultivate good working relationships cross-functionally as well as with IFDA members, industry partners, and media outlets. Supervise on-going projects to guarantee on time completion. Respond to communication-related issues.

• Amplified subscribership of daily newsletter from 4,156 subscribers to just under 13,000.

• Introduced video content creation and publication for marketing, social media, and on-site displays, produce over 10 promo and explainer videos annually.

• Improved approach to communication strategy development across web, social media, editorial, presentations, and printed materials with structured tactics as opposed to previous "damage control" approach.

• Assist with conceptualization of brand management and social media strategy plans aimed at increasing awareness, engagement, membership, and positive recognition. Lead design, development, and deployment of content, graphics, videos, and infographics across social and digital media platforms.

 

PUBLICATIONS MANAGER

George Mason University, College of Visual and Performing Arts | Fairfax, VA | Aug 2016 - Jul 2018

Orchestrated all aspects of marketing campaigns through strategic planning, outlining objectives to build influencer level narratives, and streamlining operational processes. Directed small department of in-house and freelance graphic designers and copywriters in development of marketing materials and managing targeted marketing communications across email, direct mail, grassroots campaigns, and social media platforms. Established operational budgets and managed vendor bidding, selection, and payment process in line with buy-in from key stakeholders. Coordinated production schedules and budgets for marketing department.

• Guaranteed on time project completion within budget by improving communication channels among project management team regarding project scheduling and proofing.

• Set up image database as well as system for project cost tracking.

• Award by HR department in recognition for directing department during challenging phase.

 

MARKETING CONSULTANT

myLocal Homebrew Shop (MYLHBS) | Falls Church, VA | Oct 2012 - Aug 2016

Provided direction, guidance, and leadership in establishing a vision for engagement, working to build brand awareness, coordinate a social media strategy, and present an appealing, cohesive narrative to the public through the distribution of social media content, print publications, newsletters, and other promotional materials

• Consulted with the client to identify key messaging points, determine brand persona, and establish actionable steps for executing internal and external marketing campaigns—working alongside employees to find the stores voice and prepare them for navigating the complexities of editorial marketing including calendar planning and implementation 

• Established an annual marketing plan, strategy, and budget that aligned with MYLHBS goals and included launching an online storefront and a customer loyalty program that notably expanded reach, targeted new audiences, and boosted brand recognition 

 

DIGITAL COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER

Convenience Distribution Association (CDA) | Fairfax, VA | Oct 2012 - Jan 2015

Oversaw social media strategies and accounts. Produced content for Convenience Distribution Association (CDA), Convenience Distribution Magazine, and Marketplace & Solutions Expo including articles, web content, press releases, and promotional copy. Tracked analytics to measure engagement and determine impact of strategies to implement improvements and adjustments to future campaigns.

• Increased readership of newsletters by 10% and ultimately organizational engagement and awareness amongst target audiences with development and distribution of digital newsletters across all social platforms.

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COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER

National Concrete Masonry Association (NCMA) | Herndon, VA | Oct 2007 - Oct 2012 

Established an annual communications plan, strategy, and budget for the association and fostered trusted relationships with coworkers, NCMA members, industry partners, and media outlets—establishing a reputation built on integrity and accountability.

• Served as content creator, editor, and designer for two magazines, CM News and Concrete Masonry Designs, and a weekly electronic newsletter, e-news Brief.

• Drafted content and designed Annual Reports, Technical Publications, Membership Directories, educational materials, conference marketing, trade show displays, and website using Adobe Creative Suite, SharePoint, and WordPress.

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ADDITIONAL PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Marketing Project Manager, Newsletter Holdings/KCI Communications | Jan 2000 - Oct 2007

Project Manager, Arnold Advertising | Jul 1998 - Aug 1999

International Marketing Project Manager, Nomadic Display | Sep 1996 - Jul 1998

Publications Manager, National Professional Insurance Agents Association | Jul 1994 – Sep 1996

Preschool Teacher, Energy Child Development Center/U.S. Department of Energy | Jul 1991 – Dec 1993

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