Deborah Bloom Email & Phone Number

Highland Park, Il

Serve as part-time writer for firm specializing in brand strategy and development, graphic design, web development and content development. Prepare articles, case studies and other marketing materials to promote the company, its clients and activities. Proofread and edit client content for both print and Web. Worked 15-20 hours per week for nonprofit supporting more than 1000 individuals with intellectual disabilities at 70 sites throughout Chicago. Researched and wrote stories for newsletter reaching more than 5500 families, donors, volunteers and staff. Prepared feature articles on the topic of inclusion, two of which were published in JUF News (publication of Jewish United Fund/Jewish Federation).

Evanston, Il

I managed staff responsible for promoting membership, programs and events, while positioning the Y as a thought leader in the community and an organization worthy of philanthropic support since Y’s have traditionally been seen as just “the gym and swim.” I introduced several new communications vehicles including a new fundraising brochure, the first-ever monthly staff newsletter distributed to more than 200 employees to facilitate interdepartmental communication and a new story-driven monthly email newsletter designed to engage McGaw's 10,000+ members as well as donors, volunteers and community members.

Winnetka, Il

Founded in 1920, The Hadley Institute for the Blind and Visually Impaired (formerly The Hadley School for the Blind) is one of the largest providers of distance education for individuals who are blind or visually impaired, their families and support networks. Visual impairment runs in my family so working for Hadley was both personal and meaningful. As VP, I was in charge of the operations of the Development and Communications Department. I managed a team responsible for both fundraising and marketing activities. I personally oversaw donor communications and served as liaison to the Woman's Board, providing consulting and support to their Annual Benefit including speech writing and video production. My greatest achievement at Hadley was leading a 15-month rebranding process, spearheading a task force of staff, faculty and board members. This effort led to a new name, logo and tagline for the organization.

Winnetka, Il

As Director of Communications and Development, I was responsible for overseeing outreach to students, faculty, donors, allied organizations and professionals in the field. This included managing the production of a number of publications to drive awareness and engagement with Hadley's programs. I initiated Student Award Winner videos, now produced each fall in conjunction with Hadley's Annual Meeting. I also produced the first-ever monthly newsletter for 70 staff and faculty spread out around the country to keep them abreast of school-wide activities. That newsletter was subsequently adapted as a communications vehicle to engage the Board of Trustees and keep them up to date on a monthly basis.

Chicago, Il

At AHA, I supervised a team of communications and marketing staff responsible for promoting AHA's mission, programs and advocacy in local markets in the Midwest. I also oversaw outreach to nonprofit partner organizations.

Chicago, Il

I have always loved libraries. So when the opportunity came up to manage the largest public education campaign in the history of the American Library Association on behalf of its 56,000 members, I was truly honored and excited. This was a grassroots campaign developed under a new brand, @ your library, to unite the communications and marketing efforts of libraries of all types all across the country. I managed the execution and promotion of the campaign through a variety of member communications and the development of customizable tools and materials for libraries to utilize. I also developed presentations and national conference programs and help manage national partnerships, including Major League Baseball, Woman's Day Magazine and Walgreens. Libraries representing all 50 states were on board prior to its official launch and 40 state chapters and 20 state library agencies were involved over the course of the first five years. The success of that first phase led the ALA Executive Board to extend the Campaign another five years. I consider this one of my greatest accomplishments.

Chicago,Il

I served as Acting Director of the Public Information Office, stepping into the position without disruption to department activities and kept all projects moving forward. I became the primary liaison to the Public Awareness Committee and also prepared talking points and remarks for ALA leadership.

Chicago, Il

I worked on a variety of communications projects to promote libraries and librarians including managing a national photo contest that garnered nearly 1000 photos. I oversaw staff responsible for publicity efforts for the annual national book awards press conference at ALA's Midwinter Meeting attended by more than 1000 librarians and national media. I also developed toolkit materials for an Internet safety campaign that resulted in 250 library “teach-ins” around the country.

Chicago, Il

MSI was a small, boutique public relations agency (no longer in business) that served local, state and regional government and nonprofit clients, including the IL State Board of Education and IL Coalition Against Tobacco. I helped coordinate several statewide public education campaigns, including one focused on the importance of early intervention services in IL for children ages birth to 3. I also coordinated strategic alliances with nonprofit organizations to provide grassroots support to outreach and engagement efforts. I was proud to have won several awards for these campaigns.

M.A., School Of Communication

Certificate in Nonprofit Fundraising and Philanthropy Additional coursework through The Kellogg Graduate School of Management, Center.

B.A., American Studies, Magna Cum Laude, Phi Beta Kappa

Justice Brandeis Merit Scholar; American Studies Department Award Recipient