Ajla Subasic
St. Petersburg,FL
Summary
A dynamic, results-oriented thought-leader with more than seven years of experience working in communications and on both federal and international political campaigns. A strong passion for strategic planning, relationship building and advocacy.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Campaign Strategist
Global Wave Digital
Washington, D.C.
05.2020 - Current
- Advise and provide one-on-one training to a diverse portfolio of international NGOs in the use of digital communications tactics to drive policy change within the areas of human rights, public health and safety
- Develop and execute country-specific strategic digital communications plans to engage and mobilize grassroots and grasstops audiences including key decision-makers and media
- Conduct landscape analyses to inform in-country advocacy campaigns
- Lead weekly conference calls to discuss campaign progress and strategy
- Analyze campaign progress and provide metric reports for in-country campaign work
- Identify opportunities for rapid response and develop strategies and tactics including messaging and media outreach
- Conduct training sessions to build capacity of organizations to run advocacy campaigns with a clear focus on digital communications
Digital Communications Director (Cycle Position)
America Votes
Manchester, NH
05.2020 - 04.2021
- Led weekly round tables with key stakeholders and partners (Planned Parenthood, ACLU, Sierra Club, etc.) to advise them on digital communications including messaging and rapid response to drive electoral and legislative priorities
- Developed key messaging to promote meaningful engagement and increase voter turnout across key demographics in the state
- Reviewed partners' digital communications programs and provided feedback, recommendations and strategic guidance
- Developed a series of digital communications and media outreach trainings to educate partners on best practices
- Developed a major state-wide digital communications electoral plan that was leveraged by in-state partners for the 2020 presidential, congressional, and gubernatorial elections
- Headed digital communications for a state-wide voting rights coalition including content development, social listening, community management and paid advertising
Digital Director (Cycle Position)
Mike Bloomberg 2020
Atlanta, GA
01.2020 - 04.2020
- Managed all statewide digital communications channels including Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and more.
- Provided live digital coverage during presidential debates, rallies and events
- Trained field staff and volunteers on social media best practices to advance the campaign's digital presence
- Developed high-impact email blasts and SMS campaigns
- Developed and executed digital communications strategies to mobilize campaign supporters – recruiting 100 volunteers in less than a month.
- Identified rapid response opportunities and lead in-state media relations efforts including drafting statements and media outreach
Marketing Manager
Cricket Wireless
St. Petersburg, FL
08.2018 - 01.2020
- Supported more than 50 stores across three states in digital and traditional marketing
- Developed marketing collateral for distribution that included photos, videos and graphics
- Developed and led the execution of special events and community sponsorship
- Developed, monitored and analyzed each store's unique marketing budget
Digital Marketing Manager
Venerate Media Group
Tampa, FL
02.2015 - 09.2019
- Oversaw and directed 10 employees in all things digital marketing for 15 unique clients covering topics such as PPC, SEM, social media, email marketing, PR, SEO, and web development
- Personally selected to relocate to Europe to lead a four-month program to build and train a team of virtual digital assistants
- Tracked and analyzed website analytics, PPC and SEO initiatives, and social media campaigns to recommend new tactics and adjustments to maximize results
- Analyzed and delivered weekly reporting, insights and results to clients, executives and partners
- Led both client and agency accounting; facilitating the timely payment of invoices, budget management and employee timesheet/payroll coordination to ensure seamless and cost efficient business performance.
Social Media Manager
AARP
Tampa, FL
05.2016 - 05.2018
- Managed AARP Advocates social media channels; creating high-quality, on-brand content, running targeted ads to maximize engagement, and community management
- Coordinated with AARPs Government Affairs team to develop digital communications strategies in support of multistate federal advocacy campaigns to protect Medicare and Social Security, lower prescription drug prices, and expand access to affordable healthcare
- Developed messaging framework that protected and strengthened AARP’s brand while communicating legislative priorities and driving grassroots action
- Developed and executed social media strategies to encourage 2016 presidential candidates to create and announce plans detailing proposals to keep Social Security solvent
- Nurtured strong online relationships with policy makers, AARP members, influencers, members of the media, and advocates to support AARP’s policy priorities
- Leveraged social listening tools to monitor online conversations and identify rapid response opportunities during the 2016 election and key policy moments
Communications Specialist
AARP
Tampa, FL
01.2014 - 05.2016
- Created written and visual content for AARP Florida's digital platforms (blogs, website, social media, etc.)
- Lead media relations efforts for Central Florida (curated media lists, wrote press releases and media advisories, and monitored news updates for coverage)
- Assisted in planning community forums, advocacy events, and briefs on political activities
- Developed comprehensive communications strategies around legislative issues led by AARP's advocacy team
- Developed high-quality scripts for AARP's local radio channels
- Managed a comprehensive editorial calendar that ensured coordination and timely placement of news, stories and communications to AARP's audiences
Communications Specialist
TampaBay-Job-Links
Tampa, FL
01.2014 - 05.2016
- Developed story ideas and wrote/edited content for a variety of communications channels, including print, email newsletters, the website, press releases, and social media channels
- Supported the planning of community outreach events, coordinated event logistics and developed materials to promote the events
- Wrote and distributed press releases and media advisories to local news outlets and media contacts
Education
Master of Science - Global Strategic Communication
Florida International University
Miami, FL12.2015
Bachelor of Science - Mass Communications
University of South Florida
Tampa, FL12.2014
Skills
- Internal and External Communication
- Content Development
- Print and Digital Media
- Strategic Planning
- Media Outreach
- Rapid Response
- Social Media Management
- Project Management
- Public Relations
- Paid Advertising
- Client Relations
- Strategic Communication
- Crisis Communication
- Press Releases and Statements
Accomplishments
2018 PR News Social Media Awards Social Good Campaign:
AARP - The Future of Healthcare
2018 AVA Digital Awards Platinum:
AARP - Fighting For Your Health
2018 AVA Digital Awards Gold:
@AARPAdvocates
2017 PR News Social Media Awards Social Good Campaign:
AARP - Take a Stand
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
Croatian
Native or Bilingual
Bosnian
Native or Bilingual
Serbian
Native or Bilingual
Macedonian
Limited Working
Bulgarian
Limited Working
Timeline
Senior Campaign Strategist
Global Wave Digital
05.2020 - Current
Digital Communications Director (Cycle Position)
America Votes
05.2020 - 04.2021
Digital Director (Cycle Position)
Mike Bloomberg 2020
01.2020 - 04.2020
Marketing Manager
Cricket Wireless
08.2018 - 01.2020
Social Media Manager
AARP
05.2016 - 05.2018
Digital Marketing Manager
Venerate Media Group
02.2015 - 09.2019
Communications Specialist
AARP
01.2014 - 05.2016
Communications Specialist
TampaBay-Job-Links
01.2014 - 05.2016
Master of Science - Global Strategic Communication
Florida International University
Bachelor of Science - Mass Communications
University of South Florida
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