Events, Communication, Marketing

S A R A H P A L Y A

MANTENO, IL

815-***-**** ***********@*****.*** linkedin.com/in/sarahepalya

E X E C U T I V E S U M M A R Y

A highly organized Communications and Events Professional with extensive experience in fast-paced environments. Focused on relationship building and enhancing public image. Demonstrated strengths in content creation and program development. Recognized for meticulous eye for detail and design and go-getting attitude. Core Competencies

• Public Speaking

• Written & Oral Communication

• Leadership

• Critical Thinking

• Event Planning

• Copy Editing

• Creativity

• Relationship Development

P R O F E S S I O N A L E X P E R I E N C E

JOLIET REGION CHAMBER OF COMMERCE & INDUSTRY, Joliet, IL 10/2021 – Present Manager of Events & Programs

• Maintains an annual calendar of events to promote and support the organization and oversees all planning and logistics for such Chamber meetings and events.

• Creates projected income and expense reports for each event and cultivates sources of non-dues revenue.

• Establishes and secures sponsorships for each event and follows through with sponsorship activation including the management of member, sponsor, and Chamber expectations with clear and persuasive communication.

• Produces and shares eye-catching and informative marketing materials.

• Institutes an overall strategy for Chamber social media platforms to ensure strong, consistent messaging.

• Develops and maintain relationships with Chamber members.

• Acts as the liaison to the Joliet Area Young Professionals subgroup which includes arranging monthly meetings, securing board positions, assisting in the group’s events, and other duties as needed.

• Recruits and motivates volunteers.

ULTA BEAUTY, Bolingbrook, IL 10/2019 – 01/2021

Community Relations Specialist

• Partnered cross-functionally to develop content for Ulta.com, social media and other channels to highlight community efforts.

• Compiled and analyzed community relations impact metrics to then create engaging recaps and graphic and written communications to educate and build pride in company’s community work.

• Provided administrative support to payroll deduction, associate relief program and associate fundraisers as well as budget management for corporate and foundation programs.

• Managed the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, Dress for Success and Save the Children national partnerships alongside Senior Manager which included support in fundraising of over $4 million for the Breast Cancer Research Foundation and $1.2 million for Save the Children in 2020.

• Created volunteer plans, projects, and events to increase associate satisfaction and connection to business initiatives.

SARAH PALYA PAGE 2

LEWIS UNIVERSITY, Romeoville, IL 08/2018 – 05/2020 Adjunct Professor

• Introduced students to the role of effective public relations and community relations in the sport and fitness industry by teaching Public Relations for Sport and Fitness Managers and Community Relations in Sport and Fitness.

• Examined the nature and function of public relations in a variety of sport and fitness settings including the integration of public relations in an organization's strategic plan.

• Instructed on the creation of campaigns, development of media relationships, utilization of internet and social networks, as well as the importance of communication with internal and external publics, staging media events, providing information services and dealing with crisis. CHICAGOLAND SPEEDWAY AND ROUTE 66 RACEWAY, Joliet, IL 08/2015 – 10/2019 Community Relations and Marketing Manager (08/2018 – 10/2019) Communications Manager (11/2017 – 08/2018)

Communications Coordinator (08/2015 – 11/2017)

• Managed all Chicagoland Speedway and Route 66 Raceway community marketing initiatives, engagement activities and community partnerships and programs.

• Managed local, regional, and national nonprofit organization relationships while facilitating Racing Advocated for Community Enrichment (R.A.C.E.) programming, educational initiatives, and live event fundraising efforts.

• Successfully secured $400,000 in two grants from the State of Illinois for project funding by writing and submitting appropriate grant applications.

• Pitched local, regional, and national media through dynamic and informative press releases.

• Developed and managed relevant relationships with key media, public relations representatives, and sanctioning bodies on local, regional, and national levels.

• Articulated key messaging for track president, drivers, and crew members.

• Developed cohesive communication plans with social media and consumer marketing teams and supported social media efforts with videography and photography content pieces.

• Contributed to strategic planning of the marketing-communications team to provide a clear sense of direction and an outline for the subsequent year with measurable goals.

• Accountable for budget planning, invoice and expense processing and management of scheduling and payroll for the Marketing/Communications department.

• Supported communication planning and event execution including media tracking and recaps.

• Assisted with planning and implementation of employee events. B O A R D & C O M M I T T E E E X P E R I E N C E

United Cerebral Palsy-Center for Disability Services, Board, Joliet, IL (October 2022 – Present) Joliet City Center Partnership, Marketing Committee, Joliet, IL (January 2022 – Present) Joliet Chamber of Commerce & Industry, New Orleans North Festival Committee, Joliet, IL (January 2022 – Present)

E D U C A T I O N

Master of Arts, Organizational Leadership, Concentration in Organizational and Nonprofit Management, LEWIS UNIVERSITY, Romeoville, IL (2018)

Bachelor of Arts, Mass Communication, Concentration in Public Relations & Advertising, LEWIS UNIVERSITY, Romeoville, IL (2014)

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