THE SALVATION ARMY WESTERN DIVISION - OMAHA, NE
Coordinator of Communications, Design & Events
March 2019 – Present
- My primary role focuses on the coordination and execution of three main operational endeavors: communications, design, and special events. In that capacity, I work closely with the Director of Integrated Communications on communications-focused endeavors, which include news-gathering projects to generate stories about Salvation Army programs, services, staff, clients, awards and the like. In addition to communications work, I also manage web, social media, graphic design, photography and video production needs.
- My role also supports the development team and department leaders with corporate relations, community partnerships and fundraising initiatives for various events including:
- D.J.’s Hero Awards Luncheon
- Tree of Lights Kickoff
- Angel Tree Drive
- Adopt A Family Radiothon
- Toyland
- Red Kettle Campaign
- Red Kettle 5K
- 7 Can Help Kids Back to School Backpack Drive
- Event Planning
- In my role as an event planner and coordinator, I help manage all aspects of event planning meeting strict deadlines and budget demands.
- My goal is to ensure everything related to an event is taken care of, from idea conception and preparations to day-of logistics.
- I'm charged with creating experiences and bringing visions to life. I scout locations, solicit bids and manage vendor relationships and client communications.
- I'm also responsible for creating all promotional and marketing materials for events including artwork and copy for brochures, flyers, invitations, postcards, programs and event signage.
- Live/Virtual Events
- As a Director and Producer, I direct live shows and live streaming efforts for various events which were transitioned to virtual events due to the ongoing pandemic.
- I've directed and produced the Tree of Lights Ceremony, Volunteer Awards, Tastes and Treasures Online Fundraising Event and the Western Women's Ministries Conference, all of which were virtual events in 2020.
- I utilize Zoom and Microsoft Teams for team communications, event planning, coordination and execution.
- I have created and managed micro websites and YouTube channels for the distribution of event-related content.
- Video Production/Photography
- I create and develop multimedia content for client stories and testimonials, internal company announcement videos, external promotional social videos, branded video content, recruiting videos, training videos and other enterprise-wide projects.
- I write and develop scripts, storyboards, call sheets, shot lists and show rundowns.
- I plan video shoots; scout, select and reserve shoot locations.
- I work independently, as well as part of a team, to establish project goals and deliverables.
- I develop production schedules, timelines and deadlines.
- I record and edit video and audio projects which includes selecting program format for final output, capturing and importing media, organizing raw media, editing footage and sound files, creating and inserting static and motion graphics, titling, adding music/voice-over and sound effects.
- I manage media and video libraries and I archive video and photo content.
- I shoot photos for special events and various field assignments which include youth programs and activities, music and band camps, awards and recognition events, headshots and client photos.
- Social Media
- I work closely with other teams and departments to develop social media campaigns that help achieve established fundraising goals.
- I create consistent, meaningful content on all social media platforms, including writing and editing social media posts, improving donor engagement, and promoting social media campaigns.
- I manage a high volume of daily social media posts while also communicating with social media followers, including responding to queries in a timely manner.
- I monitor and help manage the social media accounts and pages of 26 corps locations over a three-state region which includes Nebraska, South Dakota and western Iowa.
- I create and develop social media content plans that are consistent with The Salvation Army's brand identity.
- I use analytical tools such as Google Analytics, Hootsuite Pro, and Facebook Insights to monitor and evaluate the The Salvation Army's social media presence and performance.
- I stay up to date on best practices and emerging trends in social media.
SELF-EMPLOYED - OMAHA, NE
Director, Producer, Editor & Filmmaker
May 2005 – Present
- Provide expertise and consultation to various clients regarding video marketing strategies including use of video, photography, and social campaigns to promote their business, products and services.
- Control the budget and allocate resources for a project.
- Read, research and assess ideas and finished scripts.
- Create rough and final cuts for clients.
- Consult with stakeholders from production to post-production process.
- Pull together all the strands of creative and practical talent involved in a project to create a team.
- Supervise the progress of a project from production to post production.
- Hire and manage talent and crew members.