Relations Assistant Specialist

JILL STERLING

Summary

Seasoned public relations professional with more than 25 years of experience in public relations, marketing and communications. Excellent writing, communications and event planning skills. Proven experience in relationship management with vendors, customers, clients, constituents, donors and the board of directors. Track record of producing exceptional communications and marketing plans that have achieved optimal results in all outlets and to all audiences.

WORK EXPERIENCE

Honest Medical Group 7/2022 – 3/2023

Communications Specialist

Nashville, TN

Provided communications support in all facets of marketing and communications strategy for this startup health care company, which included internal newsletters and other marketing and written correspondence.

Mosbrook Design (contract) 2020 - 2022

Communications Manager

Chicago, IL

Provided periodic editing and proofing support for design firm’s written materials. Primary client is pharmaceutical company located in Chicago.

Boys Hope Girls Hope of Illinois 1/2022 – 5/2022

Events Manager

Wilmette, IL

Responsible for planning, organizing, and facilitating all fundraising events for this non- profit. Also managed communications initiatives for the organization to increase visibility and funding.

o“An Evening of Hope”, the non-profit’s most recent fundraiser, netted over $400,000.

oPlanned, coordinated and implemented annual wine tasting event, implementing new facets to raise additional funds and expose the organization to new donors.

Creative Circle (creative freelance agency) 11/2017 - 12/2021

Public Relations Specialist (ongoing assignments on contract basis)

Chicago, IL

Worked for companies such as Morton Salt and True Value as a public relations and communications consultant.

oCrafted internal communications materials to inform employees about new human resources initiatives.

oWrote speeches for True Value’s CEO to help him articulate new products information and supply chain changes.

Manager of Communications WINGS Program, Inc.

(Illinois’ largest domestic violence housing agency) 12/2015 – 11/2017 Rolling Meadows, IL

Oversaw all communications for the agency, which included newsletters, CEO messages, newsletter, programs and initiatives.

Strategized and implemented communications plan for the agency, which included the opening of a domestic violence shelter, making WINGS the largest domestic violence agency in the state of Illinois.

Developed visual and oral presentations, written correspondence, speech writing, research and consultation, along with website content management and social media outreach.

Served as media contact for all inquiries.

Interfaced with all employees across the agency to communicate relevant news both internally and externally.

Director of Public Affairs 01/2005 to 12/2015

Ronald McDonald House Charities of Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana –

Oak Brook, IL

Responsible for writing and coordination of organization's annual report, bi-annual newsletter and all communications pertaining to the organization.

Administered and managed grants and multiyear scholarship program, which includes engagement of grantees and scholarship winners.

Worked closely with board of directors and subcommittees to ensure proper execution of programs.

Wrote interesting and effective press releases, prepare information for media kits and develop and maintain company internet or intranet web pages.

Established goals for soliciting funds, develop policies for collection and safeguarding of contributions, and coordinate disbursement of funds, when appropriate.

Worked with donors, families and volunteers when appropriate.

Public Relations Supervisor, Margie Korshak, Inc – Chicago, IL 01/1998 to 07/2004

Managed and executed public relations and marketing projects for the agency's clients. Responsibilities included writing and producing annual reports, newsletters, press releases and promotional materials.

Expertise in developing and executing broadcast and print media opportunities including local and national television placements.

Identified main client groups and audiences, determined the best way to communicate publicity information to them, and developed and implemented a communication plan. Managed communications budgets.

Draft speeches for company executives and arrange interviews and other forms of contact for them.

Evaluated advertising and promotion programs for compatibility with public relations efforts.

Business Development Coordinator

Waller Lansden Dortsch & Davis – Nashville, TN

04/1996 to 08/1997

Managed public relations, marketing and business development projects.

Prepared internal and external newsletters, press releases, advertisements, promotional materials, and proposals to obtain new business.

Planned and organized events, seminars and receptions. Assisted with recruiting and summer associate program.

Public Relations Assistant Burson-Marsteller – Washington, D.C.

05/1993 to 09/1994

Planned and coordinated public relations campaigns and press conferences for companies including Philip Morris Companies, Inc., State Farm Insurance and American Barrick Gold Corporation.

Responded to requests for information from the media or designated an appropriate spokesperson or information source.

Education

Bachelor of Science: Communications/Journalism/Public Relations

University of Tennessee - Knoxville

(H) 423-***-**** ************@*****.***

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