Maren D. Email & Phone Number

San Diego, Ca, United States

Responsible for external and internal communications, marketing, government relations, and creative services for the 2.6 million-square-foot destination. Reporting to the CEO and serving as head of the Communications Department, I represent and promote the center, increasing its visibility and supporting its mission, values, and goals.

San Diego, California

Los Angeles, Ca

As part of the museum's senior leadership team, I led a division that included communications, marketing, membership, visitor/retail services, government outreach, education, and public events. I oversaw approximately 45 staff members, led teams producing more than 150 events each year, and worked closely with our fundraising team to advance an $80M comprehensive campaign. In my EVP role, I served as acting President and CEO, as needed.

Los Angeles, Ca

Led the Autry's Communications and Visitor Experience division. - Met or exceeded annual goals for admissions, membership, and associated revenue. Our team achieved the highest attendance on record for several annual events and series, including our American Indian Arts Marketplace and summer salsa series.- Guided the Autry’s efforts with the National Trust for Historic Preservation, the City of L.A., and community stakeholders to identify a long-term, sustainable future for the Autry's historic Southwest Museum site in Northeast Los Angeles.- Advanced media partnerships with outlets such as the Los Angeles Times and Public Media Group of Southern California (PBS SoCal & KCET) to bring museum content to national audiences.- Supported an $80M comprehensive fundraising campaign to preserve the Autry's collections of more than 600,000 objects and enhance all of the museum's educational and public programming activities.

Greater Los Angeles Area

Position expanded to include oversight of Membership and Visitor Services. Dedicated to enhancing the Autry experience for visitors and members; increasing attendance; and working across departments to strengthen the Autry's brand identity.

Los Angeles, Ca

Led the Autry's communications, advertising, and social media initiatives.- Supported efforts to develop a refreshed series of print, online, and onsite materials that communicate the museum's distinctive position and value within Southern California.- Oversaw public relations and marketing campaigns for major exhibitions about topics such as Route 66, the Civil War and the West, and Native North American beadwork.- Contributed to increases in the museum's earned revenue through admissions, membership, store and cafe sales, and venue rentals.- Carried out innovative audience engagement initiatives such as the launch of High Five Art, a new public art contest, and development of event partnerships with entities such as Eat|See|Hear.- Enhanced the Autry's online presence by upgrading to mobile-optimized e-mail templates, transitioning to a more visitor-friendly online ticketing service, and developing highly targeted social media marketing campaigns.- Led two crowdfunding campaigns that raised a total of more than $80,000 for the Autry.

San Diego, Ca

Led public relations, marketing, and fundraising efforts for a collaborative of 27 museums and performing arts organizations in San Diego's Balboa Park, the nation's largest urban cultural park.Communications & Marketing - Coordinated with a broad spectrum of organizations to manage Balboa Park’s online marketing and communications initiatives, including the redesign and development of a new Balboapark.org.- Publicized Balboa Park programs through social media, a park blog, and partnerships with media outlets such as the San Diego Union-Tribune. Represented Balboa Park in TV segments on CNN, NBC San Diego, CW, FOX5 San Diego, and 10NEWS.- Provided guidance to museums and other cultural institutions regarding online, social, and mobile communications and advertising.- Oversaw online outreach to San Diego’s Spanish-speaking population.- Led an innovative marketing campaign for which a coworker and I slept in Balboa Park's cultural institutions for 26 days to showcase the range of activities available to visitors.Fund Development - Directed BPOC’s fund development efforts, including identification of needs; cultivation of individual, corporate, and foundation donors; and oversight of grant-related proposals, correspondence, and reports. - Secured corporate and nonprofit advertisers for online campaigns on Balboapark.org.- Developed new business opportunities and media partnerships to exceed yearly revenue goals.Public Affairs - Raised the profile of BPOC’s work through presentations at national conferences; communications with the media and elected officials; and management of the BPOC website and printed materials.

Researched and wrote hotel and restaurant chapters for several editions of "Fodor's San Diego," including the 2011, 2012, and 2013/14 books.

Responsible for social media marketing, production of the weekly e-newsletter, and editorial coverage of restaurants, bars, spas, and hotels throughout San Diego County. Public appearances for Citysearch included live segments on KUSI (TV) and Channel 93.3 (radio).

Developed and led fundraising, communications, outreach, and public policy initiatives for a nonprofit organization serving refugees and asylum-seekers. Specific tasks include supervising the Government Affairs Director, Special Initiatives Manager, and interns; coordinating events such as film screenings, plays, and fundraisers; writing and designing newsletters, annual reports, fact sheets, e-newsletters, and year-end appeal letters; speaking to students and professionals; pitching story ideas to reporters; updating the web site and managing social media. Key contributions:- Wrote successful proposals for grants from private foundations, corporate giving programs, and the United Nations.- Placed feature stories and/or editorials in the San Diego Union-Tribune, Voice of San Diego, El Latino, North County Times, Sacramento Bee, Sacramento Business Journal, Los Angeles Daily Journal, KPBS (radio and TV), and KGTV10. - Coordinated an advocacy campaign that included screenings of the film “The Visitor” across San Diego County. The series concluded with a screening in Washington, D.C. attended by legislators, government employees, and leaders of international human rights organizations.- Created and maintained social media pages on Twitter, Facebook, and Youtube.- Wrote and designed SURVIVORS’ first-ever annual report in 2007.- Won San Diego American Marketing Association’s “Fast Pitch Competition.”

San Diego, Ca

- Wrote editorials and feature stories for teens in Bucks County. - Interviewed residents, elected officials, and well-known figures such as ‘N Sync, Alex Trebek, and Good Charlotte.

Bachelor Of Science, Journalism

Activities and Societies: The Daily Northwestern

Executive Education Program For Management & Leadership

An executive education program with a focus on leadership development, fundraising, design thinking and strategy, management skills.

Study Abroad, Durban, South Africa

Studied reconciliation, development, and basic Zulu.

Education record