Michelle Spezowka

2007 – 2009 (2 years)

Provides functional marketing expertise and is responsible for the development and delivery of distinctive and compelling marketing collateral, advertising, direct marketing, catalogues and eMarketing, maximizing effectiveness and efficiency of marketing communications programs across target audiences.

* Responsible for planning and implementing a variety of integrated marketing campaigns and catalogue production processes including: budgeting, copy, creative, timelines, flatplans, art direction, supplier negotiation, print management, data analysis, and distribution
* Key stakeholder responsible for posting product updates and promotional messaging on websites
* Create all templates for corporate stationery, communications collateral and signage
* Acts as a leader in developing brand standards and marketing assets to ensure corporate image is consistently portrayed in advertising, marketing and corporate communications platforms
* Work collaboratively with sales to develop successful tradeshows
* Exercise relationship management skills with industry contacts and media to increase brand awareness
* Develop creative briefings, campaign planning and follow programs through to completion
* Collaborate with sales to penetrate new markets and business opportunities

Public Company; 1001-5000 employees; CDCS; Computer Software industry

August 2006 – May 2007 (10 months)

Responsible for developing and executing demand creation marketing plans and strategies using multiple elements of e-marketing, direct mail, website and promotional mediums to develop brand loyalty and support the acquisition of new customers.

* Collaborate across departments to develop materials, logistics and advertising needs including winback programs and product releases
* Create branded, specific, relevant and compelling messaging
* Develop campaign briefs and spear launch meetings
* Manage complex and extensive budgets
* Track and analyze program effectiveness, constantly driving for higher conversion and ROI
* Research, identify, manage, and participate at events and trade shows including identification of speaking and networking opportunities
* Day-to-day execution of all aspects of direct response campaigns
* Track the progress and execute adjustments to the plan as necessary; understand the appropriate metrics to manage and report program results relating to activity responders, attendees and participants, qualified leads and measurable opportunities added to sales funnel

Nonprofit; 1001-5000 employees; Retail industry

September 2005 – September 2006 (1 year 1 month)

Direct all production phases of product marketing for catalogues and retail marketing projects.

* Oversee the conceptual steps in brand-building strategies and manage through to print delivery
* Develop marketing briefs that communicate seasonal merchandising strategies
* Utilize merchandising lists to build draft catalogue spreads
* Assist in the design and proofing of retail and promotional collateral as necessary
* Set and maintain production workflow procedures and schedules
* Negotiate costs, monitor supplier deadlines and ensure quality product is achieved
* Assist media team with event management and signage projects

Sole Proprietorship; 201-500 employees; Apparel & Fashion industry

January 2000 – July 2005 (5 years 7 months)

Creative Director and Production Manager for catalogue, wholesale and e-commerce operations.

* Produce creative marketing projects for 4 sales channels
* Manage an annual $1.5 million budget
* Develop and execute brand campaigns and manage through to completion
* Develop cross-promotional programs for retail, catalogue, e-commerce, and wholesale channels
* Provide art direction for catalogues, advertising, hang tags, wholesale, and in-store POP
* Collaborate to ensure merchandising strategies are met
* Develop and manage direct mail co-op programs for wholesale retailers
* Execute all copy writing and editing initiatives
* Develop brand awareness strategies and programs across all sales channels
* Manage customer relationship programs for catalogue, wholesale and direct mail initiatives
* Develop promotional calendar and creative content for website updates

Public Company; 51-200 employees; Marketing and Advertising industry

July 1998 – January 2000 (1 year 7 months)

Production Coordinator

* Coordinate projects between editorial, art and sales departments for 4 titles
* Determine critical paths and project guidelines for Managing Editors and Brand Managers
* Review client specifications on content and merchandising strategy
* Monitor the approval process between creative teams and brand managers
* Coordinate photo shoots for private labels
* Manage flow of copy and art to ensure layouts are produced to schedule
* Proofread and fact check editorial content including cutlines, bylines and product specifications
* Develop flatplans for Managing Editors and monitor schedules for assigning art and edit
* Manage distribution on 2 titles including promotional and direct mail programs
* Research and assign recommendations for pitches and launches to New Business teams