Karen Boland Email and Phone Number

As the School Marketer I am responsible for actively recruiting new learners, and retaining current ones in the school in line with the overall sales and marketing strategy, by achieving sales and enrolment targets.Sales: Market researchGenerate leads for enrolment Coordinated promotional eventsManage sales and enrolmentsInduct new learners Report measurements/metricsMarketing:Deploy materials (Publications)Brand management (Corporate Identity)Marketing initiativesCommunications:Manage online presence Manage written correspondenceKnowledge & Skills• Time management• Project management skills• Attention to detail• Service orientation• Problem solving• Decision Making• Communication and Influencing skills• Organising, Planning and prioritising work• Relationship Building/Customer service orientation• Analytical ability

With the rise of smartphones, tablets, social networks and other forms of devices and new media, organizations are changing the way they communicate with customers and how they market their products and services. As an amateur social media manager, I create and maintain marketing options for companies on different platforms, all while using the company's voice and guidelines. Currently I design content to share across your Facebook page, your Instagram account and MailChimp Newsletters.I have continued with my hobby of photography and anything else creative and have developed my style and skill extensively. I am able to photograph independently, as well as with other photographers. I have successfully shot multiple weddings as well as various shoots, ranging from individual photos and the family sessions.

Plan, implement and attend PR activities for the school to promote a positive image.Attend events which include the annual School Play, Open Day, Art Exhibitions, Sports fixtures, Ensemble performances, awards evenings, sponsorships / fundraisers evenings and general cultural and educational activities during and after school hours.Provide desktop publishing needs for subject departments, sports and cultural offices. This includes the preparation of publications for internal and external audiences including signage, posters, printed programs for events and all certificates, brochures, cards, invitations, photo discs and yearbooks etc.As the primary photographer for the school, I would take photos / video clips for all events and to record school life in general. All media would be downloaded, edited then uploaded online / blogged or saved for future use. I have successfully taken individual school photos for the school, alternatively we have arranged an outside company to take.Copywriting: School news would be submitted to the press weekly. This is then blogged are shared across social networks. Editorials are also required for special press features and events.Press Advertising: Reserve space and design advertising with appropriate mediaoutlets. (e.g. Educational Feature, vacancies and events). Website: Manage and maintain the school website by keeping it up to date.Yearbook: I co-ordinate the entire yearbook. From taking and obtaining photos to getting the editorial in from the learners and staff. Complete the DPT process get it print ready for external printing company.ID Cards: Manufacture all internal learner and staff identification cards.Record Book: a discipline book for each and every learner, which is produced by myself and printed and bound by an external company.Social Media: Manage LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram pages and all of its content.

Shelly Jewellers is a owned and managed by Kay Chalmers and her son, Shelby Boland. As the Jewellery Store Manager I was responsible in handling the daily management and the operations of the store. I would oversee the employees and their work, uphold customer service and prevent theft. At the time, the store has three sales ladies, and I would supervise and manage these employees including interviewing and hiring, and assigning work schedules. I was responsible for performing inventory of the entire store which included the counting and checking of stock, reconciling of cash with sales receipts, processing of transactions records and ordering merchandise and stock when necessary.As the store has high profile merchandise, it was my duty to ensure that the store personnel comply with the store’s security, sales and record taking practices and procedures.Practicing great customer service is of utmost importance in retail, and I had to be able to address the queries or concerns that may arise from the customers.I controlled the operaing costs of the store, and was responsible for payroll of all staff, UIF/PAYE documentation and payment, VAT related work as well as processing payment via EFT or cash to suppliers, as well as buying and selecting of jewellery for the store. The workshop on site is primarily for repairs and successfully started up, with assistance, the custom side of the shop again. The store is now able to make custom made jewellery for their customers.On the marketing side of the business, I implement internal and external marketing and visual merchandising initiatives to promote and advertise the store and its merchandise, and services. This included a weekly advert in the local Caxton newspaper, and then would post this material on the Social Media Pages and advertiseon those platforms too. (WhatsApp, Facebook & Instagram)

See present occupation

Assistant to PRO Debbie van Niekerk (contract)