Molly Gillespie Email & Phone Number

Buffalo Grove, IL, US

• Develop, implement and manage comprehensive brand strategy in collaboration with village leadership and community, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and values.
• Manage all aspects of the village’s communications program, including print and e-newsletters, online platforms, press releases, media relations and other public information platforms, to maintain consistency and.
• Enhance the village’s online presence and cultivate positive public relations with the community by disseminating information through various online channels, while being mindful of diverse community perspectives.
• Oversee plans, design and maintenance of website, social media platforms and e-mail marketing platforms, providing training to employees, troubleshooting issues and increasing visibility of content.
• Serve as the village spokesperson, Public Information Officer (PIO) and media liaison, developing press releases, monitoring media coverage and assisting other agency PIOs as needed.
• Build collaborative relationships with all departments to integrate their programs and services with the overall village brand and ensure consistency across communications.

Elgin, IL., US

• Served as city spokesperson and media liaison.
• Coordinated communications budget to support software, subscription services, marketing and advertising strategies, professional services agreements and print and postage.
• Strategized communications plans for projects, initiatives, events and educational campaigns to increase attendance and engagement.
• Coordinated content for and oversaw city social media, website, mobile app and other digital communications platforms.
• Oversaw city branding development and implementation.
• Wrote, edited and designed city newsletter direct mailed to households bi-monthly.

Elgin, IL., US

• Researched and collaborated to bring meaningful vetted programs and initiatives forward such as a backyard beekeeping ordinance, Earth Day and pumpkin composting events, curbside textile recycling, composting.
• Managed the administration of regular commission meetings and special retreats by working in partnership with the chair to prepare agendas and memos, take meeting minutes and plan action items.
• Tracked and reported progress of goals and objectives found within Elgin’s Sustainability Action Plan to stakeholders informed and determine opportunities for education and initiatives.
• Oversaw grant programs and sponsorships to provide valuable educational programs and events to the community.
• Pioneered sustainability-focused marketing efforts through social media and print collateral, in-person demonstrations and public presentations, which educated and inspired residents and other regional sustainability.

Elgin, IL., US

• Developed a foundation for digital communications to plan and provide content and brand identity that increased the city’s social media presence and engagement.
• Wrote and distributed press releases and served as city spokesperson and media liaison.
• Coordinated and oversaw city social media, website and mobile app communications platforms.
• Designed marketing collateral including posters, fliers, graphics, signs, postcards, brochures and other items for various city departments.
• Designed, wrote and distributed citywide "Elgin Insight" email newsletter highlighting strategic initiatives, employees and community partners.
• Created 311 cases for information requests, service requests and complaints/compliments received on social media platforms.

Elgin, IL., US

• Planed and executed nature center programs and volunteer workdays.
• Developed programs and created descriptions, fees and schedules for quarterly parks and recreation brochure.
• Maintained landscape surrounding building, removing invasive species and promoting natives.
• Maintained and expanded building exhibits and displays.
• Planned and executed events to draw new visitors to the nature center, growing Earth Day Celebration attendance 300% from inaugural event in 2014 to 2017.
• Collaborated with various departments to assist in site needs and restoration efforts.

Fort Collins, CO, US

• Facilitated numerous high and low elements, as well as the climbing wall, games, energizers and initiatives.
• Experience working with various groups and organizations, each requiring different planning and programming to achieve unique goals and dynamics.
• Experienced various group dynamics first and second-hand, learning qualities applicable to real-life situations.
• Processed group experiences and translated observations and lessons to group dynamics and real life situations.
• Attended multi-day facilitator training, plus a shadowing and mentoring program to improve challenge course skills.

Fort Collins, CO, US

• Responsible for entering and approving employee hours into university payroll system.
• Developed offsite and onsite challenge course manuals.
• Supported administration of challenge course office, including fiscal responsibilities.
• Assisted budget development for new fiscal year.
• Maintained scheduling and maintenance processes.
• Purchased supplies necessary for improved appearance and maintenance of challenge course.

Fort Collins, CO, US

• Developed, implemented and trained staff on policies and procedures for the university's first outdoor rental program.
• Researched, recommended and purchased gear and supplies for outdoor program, climbing wall and challenge course.
• Coordinated logistics for planning of trips and clinics to accommodate program’s budget and mission, as well as client needs and desires.
• Assisted in coordination, promotion and execution of events, such as Reel Rock Film Festival and Banff Mountain Film Festival.
• Developed and distributed creative marketing products for trips, clinics and events.
• Scheduled courses, clinics and events to coordinate staffing and facilities.

Fort Collins, CO, US

• Led multi-day backpacking trips for novice/intermediate student participants in alpine terrain of Colorado, practicing and encouraging Leave No Trace principles.
• Led snowcamping and snowshoeing courses in the Colorado State Forest, Cameron Pass.
• Co-instructed an introduction to rock climbing class, teaching basics including belaying, rappelling, safety and risk management.
• Collaborated with Colorado Fourteeners Initiative and State Forest State Park trail coordinator for trail service projects.

Bachelor Of Science (B.S.), Natural Resources Recreation And Tourism

High School Diploma, General Studies