Experience

SUMMARY

More than sixteen years’ experience leading communications initiatives, projects and branding work, with transferable skills in strategy development and execution, communication planning, content development, presentations, project management and facilitation. Creative thinker able to take ideas from concept to production within deadlines, budget, and in alignment with organizational strategy. Special aptitude/interest in all types of writing, branding and relationship management.

Fast, dependable writer of articles, speeches, talking points, web content, direct response collateral (print and online), annual reports, and consumer/employee letters.
Ability to leverage personal and organizational brand equities into practical communications solutions.
Strategic thinker able to apply creative and cost-effective marketing techniques.
Affinity for leading Branding initiatives on personal, product and organizational levels.
Excellent relationship management and interpersonal skills.

Professional Experience

**Jenn Stark Communications/KNOW YOUR BRAND, Cincinnati, OH 2008 – 2009**

Writer/Brand Consultant

Consultant providing long-term and ad-hoc writing services for organizations and entrepreneurs. Current clients include financial services organizations, a national online recruiting service, and executive leaders. Writing projects include website concepting, content execution and editing; publicity materials; articles; blog content; employee manuals; speeches and presentations; direct mail; Branding direction and training.

Student Loan Xpress, Inc., Cincinnati, OH 2002 – 2008

Vice President, Communications and Media

Coordinated public relations, corporate intranet/internet content, and extensive direct mail programs from concept to completion, for an organization that went from startup to $2.3 billion in assets within five years.
Provided strategic direction and content development for corporate communications, advertising, direct response media, public relations, marketing and outreach activities.
Created and launched marketing initiatives for new products and service initiatives.
Wrote or edited majority of company materials for consumer, business-to-business, investor, media, and governmental audiences.
Managed vendor relationships, freelance designers and directed activities of project teams to launch new products, update website design and functionality, and coordinate high-risk/crisis communications.
Conducted branding initiative for startup organization with emphasis both on investor relations and consumer appeal, including focus group research and Brand identity firm coordination.

Columbus Life Insurance Company, Cincinnati, OH 2001 – 2002

Assistant Vice President, Communications

Directed all collateral creation for the consultative financial professional market, including online and print promotions, award-winning trade show promotions, new market initiatives and product literature.
Developed comprehensive marketing, training and client education materials targeting key niche markets of small businesses, affluent women and retirees.
Since leaving position, have continued to work in consulting capacity to write annual reports and create personal branding, target marketing, and practice management modules from concept to completion.

Gap, Inc., Cincinnati, OH 2000 – 2001

Sr. Manager, Communications

Directed corporate communications for Gap, Inc.’s distribution division, including analysis of communication gaps and subsequent creation of inter-company communications materials, intranet content, and human resources collateral.
Provided communication planning and change management services to international distribution center management.

Student Loan Funding Resources, Cincinnati, OH 1999 – 2000

Sr. Director, Marketing Communications

Analyzed need for and directed branding overhaul to establish regional and national presence for an organization undergoing dramatic change. Company was successfully sold within six months of initiative.
Directed company’s first in-house marketing communications team, managing creative staff to produce collateral materials, print and online media, and design of trade show promotions.

Great American Financial Group, Cincinnati, OH 1992 – 1999

Project Coordinator: Marketing, Communications and Internal

Manager, Agency Operations

Senior Marketing Communications Specialist

Agency Operations Representative

As Project Coordinator, directed niche market development projects, including affluent market development; coordinated communications and strategic direction for in-house project management group, leading to $300,000 savings to company.
As Manager, developed new market for leading financial producer, including creation of communications, training and marketing collateral. Conducted qualitative market analysis and ensured regulatory compliance. Managed staff and project teams.
As Senior Marketing Communications Specialist, wrote award-winning sales-support materials. Consulted on special projects in areas of system design, client assessment and marketing, and new marketing initiatives. Client work resulted in launch of new department, conserving $11 million in client dollars in 1998.
As Agency Operations Representative, coordinated agency sales and assisted in launch of national insurance product sales campaign.

Education

BA, Communications, French, International Affairs, Xavier University

Received full scholarship to attend, Graduated Magna Cum Laude

Diplôme Annuel, Université de la Sorbonne, Paris, France

Received full scholarship to attend

Additional Activities

Award-winning creative writer, with published feature articles and interviews.
Invited speaker on topics of personal branding, public relations management, promotions and marketing. Teach classes and consult on branding via www.knowyourbrand.com.