April Dunic
Hazlet
Summary
Communications executive specializing in strategic brand management and digital fundraising. Led initiatives generating $175 million annually by leveraging data insights to enhance marketing strategies. Demonstrated expertise in elevating brand visibility and fostering donor engagement through effective storytelling and integrated communication efforts.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
Work History
Executive Director, Communications
Hackensack Meridian Health Foundation
Edison
08.2018 - Current
- Lead strategic communications and marketing for a foundation raising ~$175 million annually through data-driven decision-making
- Drive donations for ongoing $1B Be The Difference campaign by creating content strategy and overseeing story development, generating 50 million+ impressions and securing millions in donations at launch, winning a Platinum eHealthcare Leadership Award for Best Digital Fundraising Campaign
- Deployed omnichannel marketing strategies across 10 foundations and multiple service lines, driving donations while ensuring brand consistency and message alignment throughout network
- Utilize integrated MarTech stack and audience segmentation for all efforts, raising $2.5M in two months through a viral campaign for Foundation's Tackle Kids Cancer initiative
- Amplify brand share of voice (SOV) to secure media features and a comprehensive content ecosystem for communications reaching 20,000 donors and 40,000 team members
- Manage an agile team and optimize a $1M+ budget, allocating resources based on performance metrics to maximize ROI
- Amplified executive influence by leading Foundation President's thought leadership platform and crafting impactful speeches for HMH C-suite on Foundation-related initiatives
Public Relations Manager
Hackensack Meridian Health
Edison
09.2015 - 08.2018
- Protected and enhanced brand reputation for two regional hospitals by serving as the primary crisis communications spokesperson, leveraging sentiment analysis, and managing online reputation through personalized patient engagement
- Amplified leadership and brand visibility by securing strategic speaking engagements and orchestrating high-impact events, enhancing community relations impact.
- Engineered compelling, data-driven narratives for multi-channel distribution, translating complex medical information into accessible content that increased audience engagement.
- Deployed integrated communication strategies for Neuroscience program to align internal and external messaging, creating a unified brand experience.
Director of Public Relations, Marketing and Communications
Starlight Children's Foundation (now DBA enCourage Kids Foundation)
New York
08.2012 - 09.2015
- Secured high-impact national media coverage to command the brand's narrative, engineering data-informed communications for executive keynotes and leadership
- Leveraged influencer analytics to identify and partner with celebrity spokespeople, resulting in a predictive model for year-over-year donation growth
- Scaled brand's digital footprint and community engagement by deploying social listening and A/B testing frameworks, optimizing content performance and engagement across key platforms
- Architected the complete brand transformation to enCourage Kids Foundation, deploying a new brand architecture and comprehensive content strategy to unify stakeholder communications and sentiment
Managing Director
aPRil Comm, LLC
Hoboken
10.2009 - 08.2012
- Advised distinguished agencies and private clients on brand reputation and market positioning, enhancing client perception and competitive advantage
- Architected and executed integrated media strategies, securing high-value placements across traditional and digital platforms to drive narrative and business goals
- Executed high-profile brand activations and events, generating millions in media impressions and increasing brand visibility in competitive markets
- Provided executive media coaching to C-suite leaders, preparing them to deliver compelling, on-brand messaging during high-stakes interviews and appearances
- Created data-driven digital and social media strategies to optimize clients' online footprint, expanding audience reach and deepening engagement
- Brand Experience: NJ Board of Public Utilities (Clean Energy Program), Banfield Pet Hospital, Milo's Kitchen, Best Friends Animal Society, Fixodent, Crest 3D White, Oral-B Power Toothbrush, Duracell, Green & Black's Organic Chocolate, Trident, Dentyne, Old Spice, Halls, and Body Shop, among others
Client Service Manager
PainePR (now DBA Citizen Relations)
New York
02.2008 - 10.2009
- Architected and directed integrated brand strategies for Procter & Gamble, overseeing campaigns that captured market share and increased consumer engagement
- Advised C-suite executives and global leaders, orchestrating high-stakes press conferences and events while developing narrative strategies for executive communications and keynotes
- Led cross-functional teams at all levels, promoting talent development and ensuring executional excellence while managing P&L for large-scale program budgets, including the use of celebrity ambassadors and influencer marketing
- Brand Experience: Pampers, Iams/Eukanuba, Old Spice, Sony, Duracell and Future Friendly
Senior Account Executive
MWW Group
East Rutherford
07.2004 - 02.2008
- Executed integrated client communication strategies, securing print and digital media coverage through international press tours and targeted content creation, including quarterly newsletters
- Progressed from Assistant Account Executive to Account Lead, overseeing client budgets and mentoring junior staff
- Brand Experience: McDonald's, Samsung, Capital One, Nikon, VisitScotland, Cape May Tourism, Phillips Seafood, The Restaurants at Newport, The LeFrak Organization and Fruit2O
Assistant Account Executive
Stern + Associates (DBA Stern Strategy Group)
Cranford
07.2003 - 07.2004
- Created compelling narratives and provided media coaching to key spokespeople, resulting in high-impact media coverage
- Managed client communications and provided strategic support for account initiatives.
- Assisted in developing marketing strategies for diverse client campaigns.
- Coordinated project timelines and ensured deliverables met client expectations.
Media Analyst
LexisNexis/PR Solutions
New Providence
06.2002 - 05.2003
- Cultivated and managed network of 16,000 media contacts, enhancing publication's reach and influence in the industry
Education
Bachelor of Arts - English Major/Journalism Minor
Wagner College
Skills
- Strategic communications
- Crisis management
- Stakeholder engagement
- Media relations
- Content strategy
- Brand management
- Data-driven marketing
Timeline
Executive Director, Communications
Hackensack Meridian Health Foundation
08.2018 - Current
Public Relations Manager
Hackensack Meridian Health
09.2015 - 08.2018
Director of Public Relations, Marketing and Communications
Starlight Children's Foundation (now DBA enCourage Kids Foundation)
08.2012 - 09.2015
Managing Director
aPRil Comm, LLC
10.2009 - 08.2012
Client Service Manager
PainePR (now DBA Citizen Relations)
02.2008 - 10.2009
Senior Account Executive
MWW Group
07.2004 - 02.2008
Assistant Account Executive
Stern + Associates (DBA Stern Strategy Group)
07.2003 - 07.2004
Media Analyst
LexisNexis/PR Solutions
06.2002 - 05.2003
Bachelor of Arts - English Major/Journalism Minor
Wagner College