Project Manager Marketing

JENNIFER K. WARD

** ****** ****, ***** ****, VA *4085

540-***-**** • E-mail: ***@*********.***

March 2, 2014

Dear Sir or Madam:

Are you looking for a professional who can launch your efforts in public relations, marketing and

communications into the hemisphere? My past experience in the development and implementation of

marketing and public relations strategies, project and campaign management, branding, public relations and

perception, graphic design, social media, website design, strategic planning, business structure and

development, and working with press and media have enhanced my abilities to work in a variety of

environments. With my creativity and driven focus, I can provide you with a detail-oriented, sharp-minded,

award-winning team player that has the ability to take your marketing and communication effort to the next

level. If you are looking for enthusiasm, dedication, energy, and drive, you've just found it!

As I look forward to my relocation in Kansas City, my experiences in my previous and current positions

over the years has enabled me to develop and enrich my capabilities. I am experienced in handling multiple

accounts, projects, brands, and messages and working directly with CEO’s and Boards. My experience

working for a variety of businesses is extensive including University, local small business, national

companies franchises, and non-profits. As Director of Marketing and Communications at Girl Scouts of

Virginia Skyline Council, I was responsible for creating and capturing a brand new image and direction for

the council working directly with the CEO and was appointed to a national branding and marketing team

for Girl Scouts of the USA as part of the National CEO’s branding strategy. My experience has included

elevating connections and communication with internal audiences as well as the public, developing

marketing plans and communication strategies as well as message strategies that bridge to online platforms,

managing crisis communications and plans, launching special events and collaborations, acting as

spokesperson and contact point in general and during times of crisis, increasing media saturation,

developing brand recognition and community perception, assisting with fundraising initiatives, and creating

and distributing collateral materials that bring an organization’s mission, image, and brand to the forefront.

As a graphic designer and web designer for 17 years, I have designed magazines and publications for

online and print, presentations, displays and exhibits, campaigns, advertising, logos, collateral materials,

promotional products, and more. I also have extensive printing and press knowledge, as well as direct mail

and bulk mail, having directly supervised a print and production office and working with printers on

projects for many years. I have designed and maintained multiple websites over the years as well as online

newsletters and social media channel set up and management.

If I haven't captured your attention yet, let me also share that my commitment to all of the companies and

organizations I have worked with over the years, their mission, their continued growth, and how they are

perceived by internal and external audiences, is instrumental in my work on all projects I undertake and any

other duties that may be required of me. As I look forward to relocating to Kansas, my commitment is to

protect the interest and liability of the new corporation or company I have the privilege of joining by

maintaining an impartial, discrete, and professional attitude at all times. To me, attitude is everything!

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you and having the pleasure of

meeting you in the near future.

Sincerely,

Jennifer K. Ward

JENNIFER K. WARD

84 Scotts Lane, Eagle Rock, VA 24085

540-***-**** • E-mail: ***@*********.***

OBJECTIVE

A challenging executive position in marketing, communications, and public relations in the Kansas City

area that utilizes my management, planning, and creativity skills to align with company’s vision and goals.

QUALIFICATIONS

- Award-winning graphic designer, Public Relations professional, and published

columnist/writer as well as a recipient of the PRSA Lin Chaff Creativity Summit Award.

- Experience working in various environments: University, Non-Profit, National, Franchise, etc.

- Over 17 years of experience in marketing, communications, publication and graphic

design, event planning, project management and departmental strategy and development;

creating and presenting presentations; public speaking, media relations, Keppel-trained in on-air

camera interviewing; event planning for small and large scale events; editing/proofing; branding

and public perception development; authoring and designing campaigns, projects, and publications

(i.e. brochures, presentations, magazines, advertising, promotions, press release materials.)

- 15 years of experience maintaining, creating, and designing Web sites; analyzing usability,

accessibility, utilizing crossover print/Web materials for maximum effectiveness.

- Over 20 years of managerial experience with excellent organization and communication skills

with emphasis on strategic planning, problem solving, presentation, detail, teamwork, and impact.

- Over 22 years of experience in customer service and working with people including diverse

communities; works well in collaborative or self-starting environments; thrives in growing new

positions or ventures; able to meet deadlines; enjoys challenges, learning, and creating success.

- Commended for outstanding leadership, vision, working with others, and professionalism.

- Hard working, organized, dependable team player; worked full-time as a full-time student

while pursuing both degrees; 4.0 GPA during Master’s program.

EDUCATION

- Chaminade University, Honolulu, HI Master of Science, ABD 1997

- Appalachian State University, Boone, NC Bachelor of Science 1992

- Roanoke College, Roanoke, VA Business Management Institute 2008

WORK EXPERIENCE

Blue Filly Productions, Principal/Owner, Roanoke, VA 2007-Present

An award-winning marketing and public relations agency that develops marketing strategies and business

development opportunities for clients in the State of Virginia. Clients have ranged from large corporations

to franchises, chambers of commerce, non-profits, individuals and small businesses. Services include

marketing, branding, public relations, crisis communications, website design, graphic design, corporate

event planning, social media strategies and media relations. Serving small businesses by offering a

marketing program designed for tight budgets is our specialty.

Girl Scouts of Virginia Skyline Council, Director of Marketing & Communications

Roanoke, VA 2004-2009

Directs and supervises a department who is responsible for the development and implementation of the

council’s marketing and communications plan; develops and implements branding and image initiatives of

the council; participates in the corporate and strategic planning process, risk management assessment,

budget planning, and implementation of four departmental budgets throughout; official media spokesperson

for a 36-county area in Virginia and nationally; manages media coverage for the council, maintains positive

working relationships with media sources, and oversees the council’s crisis communications plans and

implementation; directs and trains council volunteers on working with their local media; coordinates, plans,

and directs the implementation of council special events and promotions including press junkets, Girl Scout

activities, grand openings, fundraising events, and other opportunities throughout the year; directly

supervises an in-house print shop responsible for publishing printed materials, postage and direct mailings,

JENNIFER K. WARD

84 Scotts Lane, Eagle Rock, VA 24085

540-***-**** • E-mail: ***@*********.***

and working with prepress operations for publication of council magazines; VIP coordinator; designs,

develops, and directs the layout and publishing of internal and external communication pieces such as

council magazines (Executive Editor), PR materials, newsletters, manuals, reports, website, and brochures.

Served on the national marketing and branding team of Girl Scouts of the USA.

Mario Industries, Inc., Director of Marketing/Webmaster, Roanoke, VA 2002-2004

Responsible for the development and management of the Marketing Department, design, and layout of

company newsletters, and design, construction, and management of company Web sites, develops

marketing strategies that crossover from Web to print; develops marketing and branding initiatives to

increase sales, coordinates national press and media relations; coordinates events and expos, assists in page

layout and design for advertising, catalogs, presentations, and promotion materials.

University of Saint Joseph, Web Author/Coordinator, West Hartford, CT 2000-2001

Leads a website and authorship initiative that develops strategies, design, and maintenance plans for the

University’s first-ever website consisting of approximately 900 front-end pages and an additional 1500

connected and back-end pages; drafts guidelines and procedures; works with the local media; provides

guidance and instruction on website design and development, crossover marketing initiatives for Web and

print, works as project manager for all website and advertising initiatives. As part of College Public

Relations team, assists in event management, VIP visits, and promotion on campus; developed and

implemented a very successful first-ever admissions campaign; works with campus photographers for

crossover Web and print imagery; responsible for budgetary items and assessing future financial needs.

University of Saint Joseph, Director/Chief of Campus Safety, West Hartford, CT 1997-2000

Leads a department responsible for ensuring and promoting safety and security on campus; publishes

campus reports required by law, alerts, procedure manuals, and articles; develops officer training program;

conducts public speaking events, presentations and RAD; maintains departmental Web site; serves on

commencement committee as department head in event promotion and management; VIP visit coordinator,

works with media and local authorities; responsible for budget, strategic plans, and policy development.

MEMBERSHIPS, ACTIVITIES, & ACHIEVEMENTS

- Award-winning: Recipient of the 2012 Lin Chaff Award for Creativity; 2013 Hermes Platinum

Award for Publications/Brochure; 2013 Recipient of Hermes Gold Award for Writing/Publication

Column; 2012 Summit Award in Public Relations;2011 Summit Gold Award in Publications.

- Appointed to the national marketing and branding team of Girl Scouts of the USA. (2008-10)

- PRSA (Public Relations Society of America, Blue Ridge Chapter; Secretary, Board of Directors,

Hospitality Chair, Awards Co-Chair)

- Botetourt County Horseman's Association, 501(C)(4), President, Board of Directors, 2007-13

- Horse Rehab Sanctuary, 501(C)(3); Board of Directors, Public Relations/Marketing,

Fundraising, Webmaster (2003 to 2005)

- Roanoke Valley Horse Rescue, 501(C)(3); Board of Directors, Fundraising Director, Public

Relations Assistant (2002 to 2003)

- College Honors: Graduate with Honors, Alpha Phi Sigma & Phi Theta Kappa Honor Fraternity,

National Dean's List

- College Activities: Student Government Association: Student Judicial Board, ASU Theater and

Arts Department, Panhellenic Executive Council Recording Secretary, Rush & Judicial Counselor

to Sororities, Sigma Kappa Sorority Vice-President of Pledge Education and Alumnae Relations.

COMPUTER EXPERTISE

Extensive computer knowledge and Proficiency; Windows; Adobe Creative Suite, InDesign,

Illustrator, Photoshop, Acrobat, Fireworks; MS Publisher; Dreamweaver, Social Media, Wordpress,

CRM platforms, and more. Quickly adapts to new computer programs and languages.

Contact this candidate