Dee Marsden Email & Phone Number

Chicago, Il, Us

Responsible for directing the strategy and workflow for marketing and communication efforts across the organization. Key accomplishments in this role: + Worked cross-functionally across departments and activated volunteers to deliver two fully-branded digital trade show and conference experiences (August 2020 and February 2021) while maximizing cost savings and exceeding revenue and attendance goals. + Achieved increase in participation, number of event resource downloads, and member media placements in top-tier outlets for national Neighborhood Toy Store Day campaign. Developed new resource kits, streamlined project management efforts, and leveraged technology to reach record numbers of participants and organic media placements while staying within a tight program budget. + Conceptualized, wrote, and updated digital content and microcopy following UX writing best practices to support B2B and B2C initiatives. + Led the creation of the online COVID-19 Resource Center, a member resource for retailers in light of the pandemic’s impact on small businesses. Developed high-quality original content and curated resources based on focus group insights to support members' needs.

Chicago, Il

+ Led the work of an external marketing agency to develop annual event and organizational marcom plan and ensure strategies aligned with organizational goals. Wrote and edited content to strengthen brand tone and voice throughout all print and digital materials including marketing collateral, program book, landing pages, and event and program descriptions. + Analyzed data and user interactions to inform the strategy and redesign of the digital member newsletter. Implemented segmentation, restructured content categories and updated visuals that resulted in increased engagement and conversions.+ Spearheaded annual membership renewal campaign, working across departments to streamline processes and utilize data to inform strategic decisions. Wrote copy for print and digital campaigns, resulting in achieving 119% of renewal goal.

Chicago, Il

+ Served as content strategist and editor for social media channels, blog, weekly e-newsletters and quarterly magazine publication. Managed a team of writers and vendors on all stages of production, from editorial planning to proofing. + Managed the planning and production of member-facing and consumer-facing programs and resources including the Best Toys for Kids Awards, Neighborhood Toy Store Day, Excellence Awards and Membership Directory. Led teams in regularly evaluating programs and leveraging innovation and technology to increase efficiency and effectiveness. Forecasted and maintained associated program budgets totaling $250,000.+ Identified newsworthy story angles for press releases and trade articles in order to increase awareness of ASTRA and reach new target markets. Negotiated barter agreements with industry trade publications to secure advertising space and maximize reach. + Created standardized style guides to ensure brand identity and integrity in all communications and organizational materials. Proofed organization digital and print communications and materials to ensure accuracy and consistency in voice and tone. + Worked with a team to concept design and execute trade show booth layout and corresponding pre-show and on-site marketing materials.

+ Implemented marketing and communication strategies on time and within budget. Included developing event look and feel, updating copy on websites and marketing collateral, and scheduling social media posts. + Gathered content for weekly enewsletter and quarterly magazine publication.+ Coordinated the Best Toys for Kids Award and Neighborhood Toy Store Day programs and member resource materials.

+ Managed membership database and regularly updated member records to ensure accuracy and maintain integrity of data. + Coordinated anniversary member renewal process, including managing bulk mailings and online invoicing. + Served as first point of contact for members and prospective members, outlining member benefits and providing prompt and accurate customer service by phone and email. Identified common pain points and led creation of content and resources to decrease incoming help requests.+ Updated both B2B and B2C website content and graphics using custom content management system.

Boston University

In addition to the responsibilities of Campus Staff, led a campus staff team of four in increasing student engagement and developing student leaders.

Boston University

+ Conceptualized content and wrote copy for monthly digital newsletter and annual report for stakeholders that included program updates, student stories and data metrics. + Served as campus staff advisor for student-led organization, which saw increased student membership and participation year over year. + Organized and managed logistics for domestic and international student volunteer service trips, recruiting teams of up to 60+ students from area colleges including Boston College, Harvard and MIT representing diverse ethnic, socioeconomic and religious backgrounds. + Created and led training programs on fundraising and cross-cultural sensitivity. + Worked with a team to develop program curriculum and led large group (300+) and small group discussions on topics of racial, social and economic injustice. Coordinated volunteer work sites with local relief organizations including Habitat for Humanity and Rebuilding Together.