SUMMARY

Award-winning business communications professional with over 20 years of experience. 

• Supported state-funded small business development program with marketing, documentation, reporting, recruiting, event management and relationship building. 

• Led all communication initiatives--from website development and event flyers to "stage managing" networking events (live and virtual). 

• Skilled in MS Office Affinity Publisher, Constant Contact, MailChimp, Google Workspace, & more.

Editing • Content Development • Community Outreach • Internal & External Communications • Marketing • Presentation Deck Design • Program Support • Training 

EXPERIENCE

Marketing Communications Designer| Certified Professional Resume Writer

PROFESSIONAL DESIGNS JAN 2001 - PRESENT

Manage freelance marketing communications practice catering to professionals across diverse industries: small business, non-profit, academia, freelancers, careerists (entry to executive), and regular folk. Grew significant referral network and loyal client base.

KEY ACCOMPLISHMENTS

• Published in two industry how-to books for job seekers. 

• Recognized with TORI award for outstanding writing.

ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Coordinate and deliver marketing workshops targeted to freelancing professionals, technical innovators, and small business owners.

• Develop written content based on clients’ needs, including online profiles, newsletter articles, social media posts, website content, printed media, training materials, and client communications. Optimize digital content for searchability.

• Provide technical writing, editing, and proofreading services to commercial, non-profit, and individual clients.

• Contract on presentation design; create templates, logos, illustrations, charts, and other graphic elements to balance visuals and support textual content.

Program Administrator | Business Counselor, Mentor-Protégé Program

THE UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA IN HUNTSVILLE SEP 2019 - MAY 2022

Led communication initiatives, event management, and business development activities for a state-funded programs. Collaborated with supportive services programs, industry leadership, contractors/ subcontractors, and aligned regional educators.

KEY ACCOMPLISHMENTS 

• Executed communication strategy for mentor-protégé program overseen by Alabama DOT. Expanded online reach in highway construction industry. 

• Collaborated with external partners to launch pilot career pathways program in highway construction. Reached enrollment capacity with several wait-listed candidates.

ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Developed and update MPP website and social media channels; monitor performance.

• Designed print and digital marketing materials, including program portfolio, executive summaries, event flyers, presentations, coverage maps, and other graphics.

• Initiated database development projects: program participants, recruiting targets, time and effort distribution, bid sheets, and project scheduling controls.

• Met with program participants to conduct needs assessments and discuss business development strategies. Designed solutions to advance presence in a competitive market.

• Presented small business marketing training.

• Orchestrated virtual seminars.

• Led communication efforts to promote startup OJT program: website, press release, marketing, instructional content, trainee communications.

Marketing Communications Specialist

THE UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA IN HUNTSVILLE SEP 2015 - JUN 2018 

Hired to establish communications strategy for industrial & systems engineering office. Delivered communications that were consistent and on point with the UAH brand. 

KEY ACCOMPLISHMENTS

• Turned an invisible role into one creating meaning, impact, and "buzz" among students in (and outside!) the program.

ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Promoted programs that connected students to industry via research opportunities, fellowships, internships, and projects.

• Coordinated planning and preparation of annual newsletters.

• Planned and wrote news features.

• Authored and managed content for weekly newsletter, outreach material, online news, social media, board briefings, and website content.

• Executed social media strategy for special events.

EDUCATION

The University of Alabama in Huntsville

BACHELOR OF ARTS (B.A.), ENGLISH AND COMMUNICATIONS 2018

• Magna cum laude