AOL Jobs Week Resume Winner: Zakiya Pope
Location: New York, NY
Industry: Marketing/Product development
Time Unemployed: 0 months
What do you want your potential employer to know about you?
For the past seven years I have had the incredible opportunity to work in a boutique PR and marketing firm allowing me to become an expert in creating various campaigns for fashion, philanthropic organizations, celebrity and universities. I've cultivated relationships with local communities and media outlets working closely with several organizations coordinating fund raising parties, celebrity fashion shows and red carpet events. I am now looking forward to applying my skills and knowledge in a new setting, with an established company where I can continue to grow in this field.
During my time as the Director of Operations at Michigan State University we launched and maintained a youth and student fan club which increased average attendance of home and away games while presenting the new coaching staff and team to the community. Some of the accomplishments and duties my team and I achieved are briefly listed below:
Oversaw fundraising events from conception to completion, attending to every detail from creating the invitation, creating a menu to booking special guest and maintaining the budget and staff
Created and maintained a direct mailing list of donors, potential donors as well as fans and alumni / Managed internal and external communications
Designed and developed design solutions for invitations, brochures, news letters, booster/fan club t-shirts and signage
Increased overnight and day camp attendance by 37%
Increased Jam Jenison attendance from 2,200 fans to 5,100 fans through use of aggressive marketing strategies.
I don't want to take up too much of your time, but I'd love to meet with you sometime this week and speak with you about my experiences with Kenneth Cole productions and MAC cosmetics.
Objective
As a dedicated results-driven communication professional I have experience managing/pitching high profile brands as well as non-profit organizations. I'm seeking challenging career with a company that values results and emphasizes teamwork.
Education
Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 2005 - 2007
Masters in Communication
Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, MI, 1998 - 2003
Bachelors in Merchandising and Marketing
Professional Experience
2007 - 2009 Vital Public Relations, New York, NY
Account Executive
Maintained relationships with industry contacts for fashion, beauty and celebrity clients; assisted in launching red carpet events and album releases parties with celebrity clients; created and executed media kits, decks, e-mail, web and print campaigns for multiple projects; managed and provided direction for clients with respect to press coverage; composed press releases, tip sheets, pitch letters, and highlight sheets; identified new opportunities and areas of improvement when developing innovative short-term/long-term solutions, office newsletters, client profiles and research materials; forecasted, managed, and presented press opportunities; developed comprehensive strategies for clients, resulting in consistent media features and unique PR opportunities.
Selected Accomplishments:
Spearheaded Grill Daddy ad campaign, featured in Clean Eating, Good Morning America, Shape Magazine, Good Day NY.
Successfully launched Sabidos & Basteris ad, featured in Italian Vogue, Italian Elle, Lucky Magazine, Ebony Magazine.
Assisted with launch of John Allen ad, featured in Details, Men's Vogue, Blackbook.
2005- 2007 Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI
Director of Operations
Responsible for supervising the short and long-term communications goals of the team and staff; created, implemented and measured the success of all communications and marketing materials, including publications and media relations; launched and maintained booster/fan clubs to raise average attendance; developed, coordinated and oversaw programs, technical assistance and resource materials to assist the team in the positioning of their activities; developed short- and long-term plans and budgets; worked closely with program support staff, game day staff, national sponsors, media and other stakeholders; worked with coaching and support staff as a style-guide to coordinate the appearance of all print and electronic materials such as letterhead, use of logo, publications and brochures.
Selected Accomplishments:
Increased Jam Jenison attendance from 2,200 fans to 5,100 fans through use of aggressive marketing strategies.
2003 - 2005 Kenneth Cole Productions, New York, NY
Product Development Assistant
Facilitated design assistant in product development with specifications such as design and color; maintained design files for the entire division; communicated with international and domestic vendors; participated in trade and trend shows; coordinated the transfer of sales samples to representatives.
Skills
Proficient in html, Photoshop, InDesign, Dreamweaver, web design, and Illustrator.
If you have a job lead for Zakiya, please contact her at about.me/Zakiya.
