Melissa E. Simon Email & Phone Number

Whippany, Nj

Jewish Federation of Greater Metrowest NJ is the largest philanthropic organization in New Jersey, and the eighth largest federation in the country focused on serving the Jewish community. I am responsible for creating marketing strategies and overseeing execution, representing the organization on a national level at professional conferences and peer organizations, and managing multiple projects from concept to completion. KEY ACHIEVEMENTS★ Redesigned the company website and community-wide e-communication while partnering with Financial Resource Development to create collaterals that could be utilized as fundraising tools. ★ Collaborated closely with the CMO and marketing strategists to develop creative programs and design concepts that meet the business objectives of the organization and advance its overall brand strategy. ★ Established creative direction for the entire line of online services and programs - including print and social media - while working with the account/strategy teams and copywriters to devise concepts and present to management.

Whippany, Nj

Senior Graphic Designer/Art Director - September 2000 to August 2015I was accountable for forming strong working relationships with cross-functional team members, and for providing proactive leadership and creative solutions while maintaining an awareness of issues in day-to-day team dynamics. KEY ACHIEVEMENTS★ Created consistent end-to-end brand experiences across multiple touchpoints, and worked jointly with the marketing team to ensure strategic goals and objectives were met. ★ Built brands from the ground up by formulating design concepts and design direction, ensuring alignment with brand identity while mentoring/leading a multi-functional creative team, and managing independent contractors.★ Directed all phases of design execution, revisions, mechanical production, and artwork release while producing the best visualization of the product and remaining within the allotted budgetary requirements.

Springfield, Nj

Chief Marketing Officer and Head Designer - September 2001 to PresentMati Jewels is a retail online jewelry store specializing in designing, creating, and selling statement jewelry pieces, including Martaki Bracelets, Neckwear, Earrings, Rings, Hamsa Jewelry, Pins/Charms, and other items both locally and internationally. I am in charge of designing, selling, and distributing jewelry pieces around the world while commissioning the finest jewelry makers to produce jewelry of superior quality, excellence, and caliber. KEY ACHIEVEMENT★ Designed the website, logo, and branding initiatives, and also marketed the Mati Jewels brand while communicating with customers to ensure that their requirements were fully met.

Parsippany, Nj

Graphic Art/Mac Operator – Sales and Promotion - July 1999 to September 2000Kings Food Markets is a food market chain specializing in delivering fresh produce and unique products as well as offering catering services and Cooking Studio classes to the public, with stores operating in northern New Jersey, New York, and Connecticut. I was responsible for the design and production of sale collateral - from print ads to label and logo designs - to increase retail food sales in the tri-state area. KEY ACHIEVEMENT★ Involved in photo retouching, scanning, proofing, design, and production of all in-store sales promotional materials while developing specifications to control costs and suggest design alternatives for cost-effectiveness.

West Orange, Nj

Graphic Designer/Art Director – Marketing - January 1994 to February 1999Jewish Community Center of Metrowest is a premier Jewish social, recreational, cultural, and educational center that serves the entire MetroWest community by providing a range of educational, social, cultural, and fitness programs. I was accountable for creating and developing all promotional materials for fundraising purposes and events, thereby raising awareness and boosting membership rates for fitness and enrichment. KEY ACHIEVEMENTS★ Devised specifications, obtained estimates, and resolved issues with printers to expedite production goals and meet deadlines. ★ Performed on-press inspection, approving press proofs from 2-4/c printing on sheetfed and web presses while selecting printing and paper, controlling costs, and offering design alternatives for cost-effectiveness.

East Orange, Nj

Graphic Artist – Department of Public Information - June 1990 to January 1994Jewish Community Center of Metrowest is a premier Jewish social, recreational, cultural, and educational center that serves the entire MetroWest community by providing a range of educational, social, cultural, and fitness programs. I was in charge of designing marketing collateral to generate awareness and support for the United Jewish Appeal $20M campaign, overseeing all pre-press proofs and press production duties, and making alterations where applicable. KEY ACHIEVEMENTS★ Monitored and controlled the printing budget while supervising the graphic designer, dark-room technician, production assistant, and pressmen. ★ Conducted on-site press inspections, ensured that deadlines and the overall quality of all printed pieces were maintained, and administered all mailings while preserving close contact with mail houses.

Bachelor Of Fine Arts (B.F.A.), Visual Communications Major With Emphasis In Advertising And Graphic Design, 3.5

Liberal Arts Courses, Art Fundamentals, 3.0