Project Management Social Media
Resume:
V a n e s s a Á l v a r e z, M . A .
COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR
Chicago Coalition to End Homelessness (CCH) // 2021 – 2024 Created and led its first communications department. Incorporated best practices to streamline workflow, collaborative project management, equitable storytelling, and education across department teams for accountability, uniformity in messaging, design, and opportunities to address and end homelessness. Actively grew media relations for strategic pitches for city, state and national housing policy campaigns. Managed and led the organizational rebranding and relaunch process through research, interviews, analysis, collaboration, and leadership.
Responding to the June 2024 SCOTUS ruling criminalizing homelessness and its local impact, pitched a feature on WTTW.
Worked in coalition to build awareness of the March 2024 Chicago ballot question known as Bring Chicago Home.
Implemented a stakeholder engagement plan for its rebrand through presentations, key messaging, social toolkits, and departmental marketing tools.
In 2023, pitched exclusive access to CCH’s annual estimate report led to TV and radio features with digital media.
Developed an equitable communications program to apply knowledge of equity in content, campaigns and writing.
Established an email program to engage audiences and build thought leadership—resulting in a 10-30% increase in click conversion online and donations based on content. COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST
Children’s Place Association + International // 2018 – 2021 Fostered relations across programs, departments, and families to create trust and build awareness of the disinvestment of communities through impact storytelling. Executed a crisis communication plan for public audiences at the start of COVID-19.
Implemented a content funnel spanning five programs in four months, delivering high-impact communications across social media, blog content, and video production to boost engagement and visibility.
Optimized two websites to increase visitor retention, build the email subscriber base, and strengthen social proof, achieving growth in the first year.
Designed and launched a comprehensive digital
communications strategy for the agency's international division (Haiti and Africa), aligning with global goals and enhancing cross-border engagement.
*.*******.*******@*****.***
LINKEDIN.COM/IN/EVANESSAALVAREZ
Chicago, IL
C O N T A C T
S T R A T E G I S T P U B L I C R E L A T I O N S A D V O C A T E S K I L L S
A transformational professional rooted in listening, committed to bold storytelling to drive meaningful impact for internal and external audiences for 18+ years. Known for leading teams with curiosity and leveraging innovative, solution-based approaches to deliver measurable success in strategic communication, public relations, outreach, brand development, and advocacy initiatives. P R O F E S S I O N A L E X P E R I E N C E
Cross-Functional Team Leadership
Strategic Planning & Execution
Storyteller: Verbal, Written,
Imagery, Video
Thought Leadership
Creative Direction
Justice Seeker
Philanthropic Lens
Media Prep + Public Speaking
Writer + Editor
Key + Impact Messaging
Content Creation
Integrated Marketing &
Communication Plans
Organic Engagement + Reach
Spanish Language
Analysis + Reporting
Project Management
Microsoft 365, Canva, Every Action,
Google Workspace, WordPress,
Meta, X, LinkedIn
V a n e s s a Á l v a r e z, M . A .
COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR
Constitutional Rights Foundation Chicago // 2015 – 2017 Strengthened brand and program identity by developing cohesive editorial content, a video suite, social media platforms, and print materials to explain democracy and strengthen civic understanding for Chicagoland youth and educators.
Analyzed website metrics and relaunched its website for a streamlined UX experience, access to external stakeholders and programmatic materials.
Developed and refined database segments to enhance targeted messaging while coordinating online and email message calendars for maximum engagement.
Optimized audience segmentation and sharpened messaging, resulting in civic educator programmatic waitlists.
Managed online and email calendars, driving higher engagement across all digital channels.
SENIOR MARKETING COORDINATOR
Mercy Home for Boys & Girls // Chicago // 2006 – 2015 Served as a point-of-contact for internal and external marketing campaigns to support youth needing healing, guidance and opportunities to build a life of choices. Leveraged Spanish skills to produce bilingual content and acted as a media liaison, expanding organizational reach by building trust in communities, with media and stakeholders.
Managed the agency’s cross-functional marketing group, comprising senior and mid-level management, to track, analyze, and report on internal and external marketing and communications efforts, identifying trends and measurable achievements.
Led the org with rebrand governance, ensuring needs were met and guidelines honored.
Developed culturally nuanced, national direct mail appeals, resulting in a Spanish microsite, bilingual marketing materials, donor scripts, and a toll-free donor line to engage the new donor base.
Pioneered social media as a strategic branding tool, positioning it as a primary communication channel to attract new audiences and generated 10,000 followers in three years.
M.A. // Organizational &
Multicultural Communication
DePaul University, Chicago, IL
B. A. // Journalism
Columbia College, Chicago, IL
C O U R S E S &
T R A I N I N G S
Mujeres de HACE Leadership
Program
Managing to Change the
World
Racial Equity in the Workplace
SEED: Seeking Educational
Equity and Diversity
Organizing for Change
V O L U N T E E R I S M
Chicago Scholars: Selection
Committee, 2023 - Present
Latinos Progresando: Events +
Outreach, 2022 – Present
DePaul Latinx Alumni:
Founding Member, 2021 - 2024
S T R A T E G I S T P U B L I C R E L A T I O N S A D V O C A T E E D U C A T I O N P R O F E S S I O N A L E X P E R I E N C E
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