Communications Specialist Resume
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SUMMARY OF QUALIFICATIONS
• Outgoing and articulate communicator with strong writing, editorial and presentation skills.
• Critical thinker. Able to develop strategic plans, sound judgments and compelling arguments.
• Outstanding interpersonal skills. Easily build productive, enduring relationships at all levels.
• Skilled in creatively promoting new programs and products.
• Effective working both independently and as part of a team. Committed to ideals of excellence.
• Energetic and organized. Able to efficiently handle the demands of multiple projects in detail.
• International experience. Adept in multicultural environments; well traveled in Europe.
PERTINENT SKILLS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Communications and Public Relations
• Revitalized struggling education program, benchmarking with nationally-recognized leaders to strategically develop improvement plan based on specific needs for individual and organizational success. Effectively partnered and communicated with stakeholders to establish standards, goals and update policies for program initiatives, building sustainable support for ongoing success.
• Serving as community liaison, revitalized and managed external relationships to facilitate organizational initiatives, leveraging communications and consensus-building skills to gain input and buy-in of key parties and promote organizational efforts. Improved overall internal and external communication, establishing rapport that encouraged support of and loyalty to programs.
• Leveraged public relations expertise and technology skills to direct the design, creation, training and delivery of promotional media piece showcasing the diversity and accomplishments of district organization for state accreditation visit. Executing speech development and graphic presentation skills, developed well-received presentation that was adopted by the district for future public relations use.
• As advertising account executive, generated press kits for regional and industry events, crafted press releases for product launch, provided research and editorial support to all members of agency, made outside contacts with vendors and clients and coordinated communication for media opportunities.
• Planned, designed and delivered range of presentations to diverse audiences in multiple forums. Utilized research, strategic planning, and disciplined communication skills to develop plans that effectively engaged, informed, persuaded and motivated audiences. Assessed performance through surveys and feedback.
Leadership and Management
• Coordinated and maintained the development of numerous marketing plans for regional clients that resulted in increased exposure and profits. Utilized market research and consumer communication to identify opportunities for growth and predict outcomes.
• Facilitated and supervised the development of more than individuals each year in international environment through effective instruction, individual reviews, performance reports and re-alignment of training plans according to course objectives and outcomes. Adept in multicultural environments.
• Planned, prepared and delivered integrated curricula designs to support the needs of diverse learners. Authored multiple training and learning initiatives for individuals and colleagues. Communicated and reported individual/group progress to senior leaders, colleagues and parents and through conferences, Web site and newsletter.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
INDEPENDENT CONSULTANT
Private Contractor, US, UK (-present)
• Provide individual consulting and editorial services to both student and adult clients preparing proposals, marketing materials, and application essays. Skilled in effectively identifying needs and creating solutions under tight deadlines.
ENGLISH & MEDIA INSTRUCTOR
Barnet and Buckinghamshire Borough Schools, London, UK (-)
• Developed and instructed English Literature and media courses to individuals from diverse backgrounds and levels during three year international assignment in two organizations. Devised daily training sessions using multiple teaching and presentation techniques, focusing on seminar, classroom, Web based and self-instruction to effectively engage and motivate audiences. Authored exam preparation directives to enhance skills and achieve nationally recognized scores. Efficiently communicated results and progress to proper channels. Ability to convey message in understandable terms and applications.
PROGRAM COORDINATOR/ INSTRUCTOR
Marion Independent Schools, Marion, IA (-)
• Hired to restructure and develop struggling enrichment program within one year to exceed state mandated standards and objectives. Responsible for strategic planning including: needs assessment, budget appropriation, curriculum design and implementation, and public relations. As an instructor, identified needs for specialized groups and administered training classes, assessed results, wrote reports and implemented enhancements as needed. Authored multiple learning resources.
MEDIA INSTRUCTOR/ASSISTANT TO THE DIRECTOR
Area Ten Education Agency, Cedar Rapids, IA (Summers -)
• Developed and instructed three media and film courses for summer enrichment program. Supported and promoted program success by contributing to planning and execution, and effectively managing communication between instructors, participants and director.
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE, National Communications Company
McLeod USA Publishing Co., Minneapolis, MN ()
• Developed and managed publishing and marketing needs of more than business accounts. Developed new business and increased sales with established accounts and mature territories. Handled both short and long-term planning. Conducted meetings, created marketing proposals and performed follow-up consultation with clients to provide marketing solutions and meet consumer needs.
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Intern, Regional Advertising Agency
Meyocks and Priebe Advertising Inc., West Des Moines, IA ()
• Assisted in coordinating internal team of public relations specialists, graphic designers, and writers involved in creative and strategic development of marketing campaigns for food/beverage, insurance and health industries.
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Arts in English/Education, The University of Iowa,
Bachelor of Arts in Advertising, Iowa State University,
Emphasis: Marketing Communications
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND ACTIVITIES
Professional Development: Department representative for AQA Exam Board Qualification Conference (London, ), Overseas Trained Instructor Program (London, ), Interactive White Board Training (London, ), Key Stage Three Curriculum Seminar (London, ), National Gifted and Talented Seminar (Indianapolis, ), Iowa Talented and Gifted Conference (Waterloo, ).
Volunteer Activities: London Marathon (), Mentor to Annual Youth Drama Festival (). Mentor to Delta Zeta Sorority Iota Chapter in Program Development and Philanthropy Events (-)
Awards/Activities: Nominated to Phi Sigma Pi Academic Fraternity (), VEISHEA (ISU annual celebration) Public Relations Co-Chair (-‘), Delta Zeta Sorority President (-’), Recipient of ISU’s Outstanding Sorority President Award (), State FFA Officer; SE Vice-President ( -’)
