Marketing Manager
Cortina Companies, Franklin Park, IL                                                                         8/2023-Present

 

Responsibilities:
• Interact with clients, internal and external stakeholders, and Field Sales Representatives to build
relationships with them while ensuring their needs are being met.
• Work collaboratively with customer service as an extension of the sales team.
• Assist customers in person, by email, or telephonically.
• Produce client-facing marketing materials including but not limited to Catalogs, Websites, and email
communications.
• Prepare, Compile and maintain necessary marketing collaterals needed to sustain and support sales
efforts.
• Create monthly and quarterly departmental reports to determine whether KPIs are being met and
where there is room for improvement
• Prepare and provide for all customer interactions including training purposes and various business
reviews including required artwork and files for all custom product orders.
• Develop and prepare Training materials for sales training. Event planning, set up and preparation.
• Assume all existing “marketing” functions such as email, blasts, and customer template build-outs, and internal production support.
• Assume “control” over websites and social media accounts.
• Learn required internal software related to customer service including; Intrac, and Desposco.
• Develop in tandem with the Vice President required training, field support and customer product
training programs.
• Prepare and attend scheduled National Tradeshow Events.

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Marketing Communications Manager                                                 8/2022 – 4/2023

BankFinancial, Downers Grove, IL

 

Responsible for strategic planning, creation, graphic design, and measurement of all marketing and corporate communications. Projects included but were not limited to campaigns, public relations, merchandising, newsprint, video, web content, brochures, sales presentations, collateral in branches, forms and business documents, grassroots campaigns, and charity events. Managed projects within the department budget as set by the SVP, of Corporate Marketing.

 

Served as the primary graphic designer and copywriter for all creative projects and provided direction to vendors to stay on brand. Managed website updates and optimized content on the Bank’s website, including landing pages, links, and SEO optimization.

 

Developed creative vision for campaigns to be implemented across all channels. Managed workflow of all incoming projects and maintained budgets for communications projects including acquiring quotes from vendors.

 

 

Marketing Lead                                                                                            8/2019 – 8/2022

Partnership Financial Credit Union, Des Plaines & Franklin Park, IL

 

Designed and developed advertising, branding, marketing collateral, social media, and website content (including introducing blog content) to promote the credit union. Engaged in all aspects of graphic art, print, and digital tasks from concept to layout and production. Ensured all marketing material across all media was consistent and contained unified brand messaging.

 

Initiated and nurtured relationships with key contacts and vendors. Represent PFCU at community events, industry networking engagements, and SEG. Monitored current events, banking and credit union trends, and advances in technology with a focus on advertising, brand awareness, marketing, social media, and website design. Served as a resource for PFCU staff for counsel, education, and information.

 

Interacted with third-party vendors to contribute expertise to projects. Co-managed marketing digital projects, including customer email interaction, mobile advertising and promotions, and website design and presentation. Oversaw the vendor selection process and ensured compliance with budgets and timelines.

 

Ensured SEO efficiencies and updated digital platforms, including Google, and Google My Business with current information and links. Utilized analytics to evaluate website efficiencies and developed methods to improve website traffic. Incorporated new technologies into the website to maintain a current and proactive presentation. Monitored emerging web technologies through blogs and events.

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Marketing Specialist                                                                                          1998 – 2019

Connie’s Pizza, Chicago, IL

 

Oversaw all aspects of social media marketing for the pizza restaurant. Interacted with General Managers to develop and launch marketing campaigns. Designed and implemented all restaurant menus, point of sales material, and promotional items. Collaborated with vendors to ensure style consistency with the company's overall advertising/marketing schemes.

Inaugurated social media marketing and email campaigns. Designed all print material to support various marketing initiatives. Ensured consistent use of graphics in marketing content and outreach material, including brochures, business cards, letterhead, and associated visual means of identifying the business.

 

Consulted with management to develop marketing and sales strategies for the annual marketing campaign. Wrote and edited copy and designed graphics for, newsletters, outline advertising, printed media, and similar venues. Generated new business through resale accounts and large catering orders.

 

Utilized computer graphics, page-layout software, and photography to design and produce cutting-edge advertising and marketing material. Monitored production schedules and ensured compliance with budget parameters.

• Introduced and launched various types of marketing techniques, including customer loyalty programs, direct email campaigns, and Email marketing.

• Designed advertisements, tradeshow banners, and signage from concept through completion.

• Inaugurated new marketing concepts and practices to transition the business away from outdated methodologies and practices.

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Owner/Principal                                                                                                 1998 – 2008

LSDesigns, Inc., Glen Ellyn, IL

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Consulted with clients and produced corporate identities and proactive marketing for multiple companies. Interacted with management to determine marketing direction and goals. Advised on cost-effective and efficient media purchases. Teamed with client managers and printers in every phase of advertising development from pre-press to production. Engaged in photography sessions, photo retouching, and styling for adverting presentations.

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Education

Master of Arts
Integrated Marketing Emerson College, Boston, MA
 

Bachelor of Arts
Marketing, Advertising, and Public Relations Columbia College, Chicago, IL

 

Other Interests

Yoga Instructor, Corepower Yoga, Elmhurst, IL