Consultant

Posted on: 2006-02-28

Jessi LaCosta 1880 Superfine Lane, #17 • Wilmington, DE 19802 & 2058 Quaker Way #9, Annapolis, MD 21401 302.651.9769 • 410.266.3306 • [email protected] Communications consultant with over 10 years experience in public relations, marketing, training/development, and communications counseling. PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS • Extensive experience in media relations and reputation management • Specialize in long-term, results-oriented communication strategies and project management • Work with clients to identify issues of conflict and opportunities for improvement • Devise and execute innovative strategies to produce healthy project environments, yielding desired results • Responsible for brand development, identity standards maintenance, and image integrity • Copywriting and basic graphic design for communication vehicles and marketing support materials --- training models, newsletters, brochures, web sites, press packets • Coaching, training, mentoring for presentation skills, media management, public relations and marketing • Public speaking and workshop development and delivery PROFESSIONAL HIGHLIGHTS • Achieved more media coverage for 2004 Delaware Governor’s Awards for the Arts (9th year of event) than any year previously. • Increased media presence for the DCCA (museum) over 50% within first 6 months. More than tripled over-all press coverage and community awareness in less than three years. • Discovered future trend in Laser Vision treatment for an upstart – The company then became the first in Manhattan to drastically reduce surgical prices, thus securing strong presence in an extremely competitive market place. • Media trained high-level executives in the insurance industry –improving their communication skills as well as their comfort level & confidence in dealing with the media. • Helped local fashion designer to build brand through individual communications coaching. • Developed new sales strategy for inside sales department at Baltimore Magazine increasing retention of employees and surpassing sales goals EMPLOYMENT HISTORY: Consultant: BlueRio Coaching – 6/04 – present (Delaware/Maryland) Work with individuals and groups analyzing and implementing brand communications strategies, campaigns and long-term plans. Counsel and mentor individuals in areas including public relations, media relations, integrated branding, presentation skills, internal and external communications. Also work with clients to gain media exposure, develop brand recognition and improve basic business communications. Conduct public and motivational speaking, and free-lance writing on various subjects. Deliver on copywriting, basic graphic design as well as promotional events per clients’ needs. Director of Marketing/Public Relations – DCCA (Delaware Center for the Contemporary Arts) 8/01 – 4/04 (Wilm, DE) Work closely with Program and Development offices and Executive Director to fulfill long-term goals, mission and vision of institution. Maintenance and development of all media relations, marketing, visibility and image of institution. Develop, institute and maintain marketing research relative to the visibility and growth of the institution. Analysis and development of public relations, marketing and advertising strategies. Develop and implement marketing and public relations plan. Develop and execute visitor promotions. Assist Development Director with membership retention and acquisition strategies. Promote all exhibits, events and activities. Budget review and maintenance. Responsible for the integrity of image through such channels as advertising, print materials, web site, and logo usage. Develop and institute organization’s branding, identity standards and style-guide. Launch large-scale marketing research initiative Act as ambassador/representative of DCCA at all times on and off-site. Act as liaison between press and artists, press and board and press and institution. In an emergency act as primary or secondary contact with press. Prepare and deliver all press releases, PSAs, and advertising copy. Design and produce print materials. Design and oversee maintenance of web site. Analyze and purchase print and limited media. Educate and supervise interns and volunteers within the Development Department. Sr. Account Executive - Deutsch Inc. - (Relationship Marketing – Advertising Agency) - 8/00 – 6/01 (NY, NY) Market research and development for new business pitches, and client campaign launches. Oversee and manage client projects utilizing all agency departments including production, accounting, data processing, creative, strategic planning and media. Liaison between agency and clients and vendors. Provide supervision to Assistant Account Executives and Account Coordinators. Assist in strategic direction/positioning, and development of marketing plans and strategy. Accounts include, but limited to: Reflect.com. HomeRuns.com, RCI, Zoloft, and Verizon Information Services. Marketing Coordinator - One-Inc. & LaserOne - 3/99 - 8/00 (NY, NY) Develop and implement marketing strategies for surgical centers and ophthalmic practices to increase recognition and surgical volume. Analyze advertising and marketing trends for corporate and surgical centers. Develop and coordinate direct mail campaigns, print and radio ads. Purchase print media. Design, purchase and execute usage of advertising specialties. Work with advertising agencies and public relations firms. Create and maintain vendor relationships. Develop and execute staff training modules. Assist VP of Marketing with all marketing tasks for corporate and clients' marketing strategies, plans and goals. Regional Director - NERAC (Technology & Information Retrieval) - 9/97 - 3/99 (Balto, MD) Manage regional office. Generate new business. Coordinate and conduct teleconferences between clients, potential clients and corporate office. Analyze current marketing techniques of corporate to client. Analyze client's needs and consult back to headquarters. Act as liaison between clients and corporate headquarters. Maintained strict confidentiality between clients and corporate. Marketing Assistant - Conquest Communications Consulting Group, LLC - 6/96 - 9/97 (Balto, MD) Assisted in design and implementation of promotions and marketing plans on a per client basis. Research statistics, vendors, suppliers, and feasibility of programs and campaigns. Account Executive & Promotions---The Radio Zone, "The Kid's Station" - 4/95 - 1/96 (Balto, MD) Created new business. Sold and wrote advertising for clients. Developed promotional programs. Coordinated and executed special events and sponsorship packages. Collaborated with management on marketing strategies for Baltimore office. Baltimore Magazine/ESS Ventures - 9/92 - 4/95 (Balto, MD) Classified Sales Manager Responsible for advertising sales staff of two magazines. Created new business. Supplied leads and motivational exercises. Managed departmental budget, and monthly marketing plans. Collections on delinquent accounts. Consistently worked under multiple deadlines; two magazines (Mid-Atlantic Country Magazine, Baltimore Magazine) and special ancillary projects. Account Coordinator Responsible for event planning. Selected venues, designed sponsorships, and promotions for Baltimore Magazine related events. Also coordinated Baltimore Museum of Art, "Casino Ball" single's event. Coordinated and hosted ALL activities at single's parties. Maintained successful client relationships among vendors, sponsors and advertisers related to magazine events. Telemarketing Manager Selling Supervisor. Hired temporary staff for the telemarketing division of Baltimore Magazine's HEALTH SMART 95. Supervised staff, as well as sold listings to physicians in the Baltimore Metropolitan area - All while managing Classified division of BALTIMORE MADE EASY (ancillary product) and regular issues of magazine. ACTIVITIES & MEMBERSHIPS: Cecil Community College: adjunct instructor – Spring 2006 Montessori School: substitute teacher – 2005/2006 YMCA: fitness instructor: – 9/05 - present FAD (Fashion Alliance of Delaware) member: present American Diabetes Association: volunteer – 2002 - 2003 Discover Brandywine Valley Public Relations Association: member -3/2002 – 4/2004 Wilmington Riverfront Promotions Group: Co-Chair - 6/2002 - 11/2002 EDUCATION University of Baltimore; MA Publication Design – May 1997 James Madison University; BS Corporate Media - May 1992