Quality Assurance Marketing

MARY BARNES

703-***-**** ****.******@*****.***

SUMMARY

Set and execute strategic vision for digital media and print platform, tools, and resources

Highly motivated communications professional with a solid track record of creating, editing, maintaining, and revising

complex documents and publications

Fifteen year background in desktop and digital publishing

Proven management and leadership skills in a deadline driven environment

Skilled in document layout and design

Solid editorial and design background that spans magazines, newspapers, websites, and mobile app development

Self starter who meets project deadlines and requirements within budget

EXPERIENCE

GAMA International (Falls Church, VA) 10/2011 – present

Director of Communications / Editor in Chief

Work closely with senior staff to assess department needs and set strategic vision in all delivery formats including print

communications, digital communications, web presence, and social media

Responsible for all general communications programs of GAMA International, including the association’s bimonthly journal,

gamaweb.com, annual conference collateral, press releases, annual reports, comprehensive editing projects, and electronic

communications

Direct the development and maintenance of the GAMA International website, including its content, design, and

functionality

Direct the development of all program materials related to the association’s annual conference, including the

preliminary and onsite programs, ads, and other print and online content

Create communications for both print and online membership and marketing initiatives

Engage in high level interactions with leadership, members, staff, and others

Develop and implement communication strategy and tactical efforts

Adhere to and manage communications budget

GAMA International 07/2009 – 10/2011

Managing Editor

Managed quality assurance of communications, including marketing collateral, emails, press releases, flyers, and magazine

print advertising

Managed the entire production process from article development to layout, design, and print for the association’s

flagship publication, the GAMA International Journal

Responsible for communications project management and implementation

Developed and maintained online content for the association’s website, including collaborating with internal and

external clients to achieve consistent style and branding

Produced program materials for the association’s annual conference, including print and online registration and marketing

materials, brochures, and advertisements

Acted as a liaison between GAMA members and practitioner and vendor authors

Created communication products for GAMA International that furthered the association’s strategic goals and were

professional in content and appearance

03/2008 – 07/2009

GAMA International

Communications Specialist / Asst. Managing Editor

• Wrote and edited content for the association’s website, bimonthly journal, weekly newsletters, catalogs, programs,

advertisements, and internal communications

• Substantively edited material written by others to achieve consistent tone and content

• Copyedited work for stylistic consistency, clarity, coherence, tone, and correct language usage

• Prepared, formatted, and produced materials for distribution, such as marketing slicks and annual reports

• Prepared and posted website updates

• Managed editorial process, marking proofs and preparing materials for design and layout

Mary Barnes

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EXPERIENCE

USA Today (McLean, VA) 02/2000 – 03/2008

Editor, Education Programs

Managed the development and distribution of education materials for USA Today’s print and online initiatives

Developed and published content that resulted in positive brand extension for USA Today's circulation and education

departments through sales and partnering initiatives. Among those partners: NASA, the Federal Reserve, the Kauffman

Foundation, the National Basketball Hall of Fame, the National Cyber Security Alliance, Samsung, and AT&T

Created and published content on USA Today’s website on a daily basis

Wrote and edited copy for print and electronic publications, including education materials, marketing and sales brochures,

and other collateral

Planned and developed numerous print and online curriculum resources, including a comprehensive 12 week high school

journalism course, an elections website, and First Amendment lessons

Developed dozens of collegiate case studies using USA Today articles and graphics to highlight the significance of a single

issue

Acted as a liaison with editorial staff to stay apprised of each day’s news and to ensure content accuracy

Conducted active onsite field research to gain first hand knowledge of how materials were implemented and used by

consumers

Surveyed consumers on a regular basis to determine the usefulness and quality of USA Today’s education and other materials

Attended conferences and professional development seminars to keep abreast of current industry trends and forecasts

USA Today 11/1998 – 02/2000

Associate Editor, Education Programs

Edited, copyedited, and proofread USA Today’s entire line of education program and marketing materials

Wrote copy for education guides and marketing materials

Managed the production process for education guides from the development of copy to layout and design to final

publication

Aided in the strategic development, design, and implementation of quality education resources for print and online

publications

Created and maintained a comprehensive database of archived USA Today graphics for use in the development of

educational, training, and marketing materials

USA Today 05/1997 10/1998

National Partnerships Coordinator

Copyedited and proofread education guides, marketing materials, and other collateral

Prepared complex presentations for use at inter department and client meetings

Coordinated USA Today’s Education’s annual National Advisory Board meeting

SKILLS

Well versed in Chicago and AP editorial styles

Proficient in Adobe CS6, in particular INDD, Microsoft Word, iMIS, CMS

Possess strong knowledge of Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator

Adept using both Windows and Mac operating systems

EDUCATION

Georgetown University, Washington, DC

Bachelor of Arts

Major in government and international relations

Minor in English

DISTINCTIONS

2013 MarCom Gold winner

2012 MarCom Gold winner

Six time recipient of the USA Today Jewell Award for excellence in editorial and publishing practices

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