NATASHA SIMONE FERGUSON

**** ******* ***** *********, ** 92503

Cell: 951-***-**** acrp2e@r.postjobfree.com www.behance.net/NSFerguson

CAREER SUMMARY:

Creative marketing, public relations and community development professional with ability to develop, execute and drive strategies yielding successful results. Proven strengths in planning, problem solving and leadership, combined with excellent communication skills that will contribute to the effective operation of an organization.

INDEPENDENT CONTRACT/CONSULTANT WORK:

Marketing/PR Director & Editor - Part-time (May 2012 – Present)

Brown Publishing Company/BPC Mediaworks Riverside, CA

* Execute and develop strategies to engage the community through outreach, social media marketing and e-marketing campaigns to increase brand awareness, sales and advertising.

* Develop, manage and oversee special events and projects.

* Contribute articles to the newspaper and perform special editorial assignments as needed.

* Worked with staff on the launch of the digital edition and organized the red carpet gala event in 2014.

* Responsible for 40% increase in online traffic to digital news subscribers as a direct result of e-marketing and social media marketing campaigns generated.

GENERAL WORK EXPERIENCE:

Activity Coordinator - Southern Region (July 2013 – September 2014)

California State Conference of the NAACP (Covered California entity) Sacramento, CA

* Certified Enrollment Counselor for Covered California (Government background check clearance).

* Participated in community and enrollment events partnering with various organizations.

* Community engagement through education and outreach to families and individuals, exceeding campaign goal in the southern region (outreaching to over 10,000 during the first quarter).

* Conducted presentations and spoke at small to large meetings and groups.

* Developed strategies to attain regional goals and managed outreach staff and volunteers.

* Recipient of recognition from Desert Regional Medical Center in Palm Springs for successful partnership of enrollment and outreach events in the Coachella Valley region.

Marketing/PR Manager (March 2002 – March 2012)

Riverside Downtown Partnership (RDP, non-profit organization) Riverside, CA

* Developed and executed public relation/marketing campaigns.

* Designed and created all marketing collateral material and managed the monthly newsletter.

* Responsible for maintenance and copy writing for the website.

* Wrote and distributed press releases and public service announcements to media entities.

* Generated and exceeded revenue goals through sponsorship and fundraising, as well as planned and managed cultural events from conception to completion.

* B2B marketing – implemented business and community development strategies, as well as enhanced community relations serving as a liaison between RDP and downtown businesses.

Editor/Online Editor (January 1999 - July 2001)

Advanstar Communications Santa Monica, CA (formerly in Santa Ana, CA)

* Copy edited, researched and wrote for Customer Interface Magazine and its e-newsletter.

* Editor for special sections of the magazine including Tools & Technology and Close-ups.

* Developed and produced an 80-page show guide for the call center division.

* Administrator and Online Editor for exhibitor information on all call center shows.

* Represented the magazine at trade shows managing trade show booth and conducting interviews.

PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS / AFFILIATIONS:

Present: Class XII – Eleanor Jean Grier Leadership Academy

2003-Present: Communications/Public Relations Chair for NAACP Riverside Branch #1059

2013-2014: Toastmasters International (Moreno Valley Chapter)

2008-2014: Public Relations Society of America (PRSA)

2002-2012: American Marketing Association (AMA)

2005-2012: Riverside Cultural Consortium Board (Marketing Chair)

2010-2012: Advisory Board Member of Clear Channel Communications

2008-2010: Board of Directors Member for the Arthritis Foundation (Inland Empire Branch)

2010-2011: Pacific Region Communications Council Member for the Arthritis Foundation

HONORS & AWARDS:

2012 Honored as “Gem of the Community” by the Riverside Juneteenth Committee

2012 Recognition from the Riverside Cultural Consortium for 10 years as Marketing Chair

2009 Community Builder Award Recipient - Black Voice News Foundation

2008 Recognition from Arthritis Foundation Inland Empire Branch for the Taste of the Towns

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS:

2011: Speaker/Tour Guide for California Downtown Association (CDA) Conference

2009-2015: Speaker/Presenter at the NAACP-Riverside Branch’s annual Freedom Fund Awards Gala

2009-2012: Judge for Park and Recreation’s "Riverside Sings" Vocal Competition

2009-2010: Judge and Presenter for the 5th and 6th Annual Inland Empire Music Awards

SKILLS / AREAS OF EXPERTISE:

Software/Technical

Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, Power Point, Adobe Suites: Photo Shop, Illustrator, InDesign

Basic HTML, Exponent Content Management System, WordPress, SEO and SEM.

Other

E-Marketing, social media, digital media, graphic design, strong organizational skills, team leader and staff motivator, ability to perform well in high-demand fast- paced environments.

EDUCATION:

Fullerton College Fullerton, CA (December 2000) - Major: Journalism

Alexander Hamilton High School Los Angeles, CA (June 1984) - High School Diploma

PROFESSIONAL REFERENCES:

Available upon request

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