ERIN POLKA
* ********, *'ile Perrot, Quebec, J*V 8L1 . 514-***-**** .
*********@*****.**
PROFILE
. A proactive leader with 8+ years experience in market research, marketing
and media relations
. An innovative and resourceful professional, with a proven ability to
design, develop and implement strategic programs and supporting tactics
. An accomplished writer, with superior communication and presentation
skills
. A dynamic individual with a wide variety of personal interests, ranging
from web design to social media, that often inspire creative problem-
solving
EDUCATION
The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia
2011-2012
Award of Achievement in Web Analytics
Concordia University, Montreal, Quebec 2001-2004
B.A. Communication Studies, graduated with distinction (Dean's List)
John Abbott College, Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue, Quebec 1999-2001
DEC Creative Arts (Honor Roll and Dean's List)
RELEVANT EMPLOYMENT
Effective Momentum, Pointe-Claire, Quebec August 2012-May 2013
Senior Marketing Director
. Developed and executed comprehensive marketing plans, regularly assessed
individual activities and adjusted to ensure maximum effectiveness
. Implemented highly effective targeted marketing strategies, including
advertising, media relations and Google Adword campaigns, within agreed
upon scopes and budgets
. Managed multiple online profiles, including corporate websites, blogs and
social media sites
. Organized tradeshow participation and oversaw preparations, negotiated
contracts, designed complex booth structures and developed compelling
signage
. Produced copy for the web, press releases, datasheets, case studies,
technical articles and user manuals
. Developed and maintained style guides, templates, logos and digital image
libraries
. Fostered and managed relationships with external agencies, press
contacts, and internal customers
iPerceptions Inc., Westmount, Quebec February 2010-August 2012
Marketing and Communications Director
. Researched, developed and implemented a marketing, communications and
public relations strategy, including specific objectives, activities and
deadlines, and continuously monitored progress and evaluated performance
. Managed a budget of $1,000,000 and made decisions relative to the
selection, promotion, utilization, retention and compensation of
Marketing and Communications staff
. Oversaw all aspects of branding and messaging, by working closely with
the Web, Graphic and IT teams
. Lead agencies and internal team members to execute all communication
activities and public relations (marketing material, advertising, client
communications, direct mail, marketing campaigns, press releases, content
for trade publications, etc.)
. Wrote press releases, white papers, case studies, product sheets,
reports, blogs, newsletters, advertisements and other related material,
and recorded and produced online demos, webinars and video testimonials
. Managed print and online media relations, researched editorial
opportunities, and built strong relationships to ensure delivery of key
messages to the public and stimulate sales
iPerceptions Inc., Westmount, Quebec May 2008-February 2010
Analyst Team Manager
. In addition to the responsibilities listed below, supervised and
coordinated the activities of the Analyst team, including the assignment
of all incoming work
. Coached Analysts in their analytical, presentation and reporting skills
and helped them cultivate stronger client relationships
. Fostered cross-functional communication and interworking among the R&D
group, Marketing and Sales departments
. Developed project timelines, industry manuals, questionnaire designs and
custom research
. Participated in information and decisional meetings under the aegis of
the VP of Research & Analysis
iPerceptions Inc., Westmount, Quebec January 2006-May 2008
Project Analyst
. Worked with decision makers for leading websites in a broad array of
industry verticals such as automotive, hospitality, e-commerce and media
. Analyzed survey results, unearthed key learnings, provided actionable
recommendations to improve business, website and/or marketing program
performance, identified opportunities for additional professional
services
. Managed accounts valued at $1,000,000+, produced deliverables, assisted
clients with defining solutions to their initiatives and ensured timely
and sufficient resolution to all client issues and requests
. Prepared detailed in-depth analysis presentations and delivered them to C-
level and senior managers across North America
. Spearheaded initiatives to develop new quality control measures, workflow
standardization documents, and client communication guidelines
. Maintained expertise in online marketing, analysis tools, techniques and
other infrastructure requirements, as well as in-depth knowledge of
client websites, business models and online conversion strategies
FOB Hong Kong Ltd., Beaconsfield, Quebec October 2005-January
2006
Project Manager
. Managed the Second Cup Holiday 2005 account, serving as primary contact
for all caf s and Head Office
. Developed standard operating procedures to solve various problems with
UPS, lost/damaged items, errant shipments, credits, and invoicing
. Conducted warehouse quality control visits and advised error reduction
and efficiency improvement
. Performed data and cost analyses, making appropriate recommendations
. Aided in product research and development, organized freight,
distribution, and logistics
Future Electronics Inc., Pointe-Claire, Quebec February
2005-July 2005
Marketing Support Representative
. Represented the company and managed the accounts of 40+ top industry
suppliers
. Supervised all activities following order placement, i.e. inventory
management and sales support
. Created and monitored tracking reports, updated company-wide directory,
and entered new orders
. Dealt directly with suppliers via phone and e-mail to ensure timely
delivery of products and to resolve outstanding issues
SKILLS AND TRAINING
Language skills: Fluent English, strong French, conversational Spanish
Computer skills:
. Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint)
. Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Flash Catalyst,
Flash Professional, Dreamweaver, Fireworks, Acrobat)
. Video editing software (Adobe Premiere Elements, Pro Tools, Camtasia,
Apple QuickTime)
. Statistical analysis tools (SPSS Desktop Reporter, SPSS Text Analysis,
Google Analytics)
. Business software (Salesforce, Microsoft SharePoint, JIRA, vTiger)
. Content Management Systems (WordPress, SimpleClik)
. Public relations management software (PRWeb, Vocus, Cision, Business
Wire)
. Email marketing software (SEOmoz, MailChimp)
. Image editing software (Corel, Paint.net)
. Basic HTML
Professional training: Coaching Seminar (conducted by Jeff Balin), Web
Analytics Training and Certification (Avinash Kaushik), Optimizing Web
Analytics Performance: Workshop (Stephane Hamel), Marketing Writing
Bootcamp (MarketingProfs University), Quick Start to the AV Industry
(InfoComm Academy)
REFERENCES AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST