Aressa Kelley
Alexander,AR
Summary
Accomplished Marketing Specialist with dual Master's degrees in Marketing and Media, offering a unique blend of high-level retail brand strategy and hands-on student admissions expertise. Proven track record of driving revenue and enhancing brand visibility through data-driven B2C initiatives and multi-channel campaigns. Strategic leader adept at managing complex P&L, navigating the student lifecycle, and implementing retail-style conversion tactics to optimize enrollment funnels. Committed to leveraging diverse industry experience to lead remote teams, optimize marketing spend, and deliver innovative growth strategies within the higher education and Ed Tech sectors.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
Work History
Vendor Marketing Manager (Remote)
Alpha Kappa Alpha, Inc.
Chicago, IL
01.2020 - Current
- Managed and grew client relationships by servicing over 200,000 members annually with customized, licensed retail products, generating consistent sales at showcases and trade shows.
- Directed all aspects of event presence and merchandising, including the planning, setup, and teardown of professional exhibits at conferences across the country.
- Oversaw strategic retail buying, procurement, and end-to-end product development to ensure brand alignment and maximize profit margins.
- Created and curated a wide range of promotional products and giveaways that successfully generated leads, built customer loyalty, and enhanced the overall event experience.
- Devised product pricing strategies and trade marketing investments to support growth.
- Helped develop opportunities of seasonal programs and marketing programs to achieve retail needs and maximize sell-through.
- Measured marketing program effectiveness via regular monitoring of KPIs.
- Collaborated with merchandising team on creating differentiated in-store experiences through unique merchandising and collateral opportunities.
- Balanced profit, volume and share objectives to deliver long-term growth.
- Oversaw preparation of marketing copy, images, videos, emails, and other collateral.
- Continually maintained and improved company's reputation and positive image in markets served.
- Devised content strategy to effectively engage target audiences.
- Answered questions and assisted customers with item selection and location.
- Set up displays and signage to attract customers and boost sales.
Director of Marketing and Operations
Park Plaza
Little Rock, AR
01.2018 - 01.2020
- Oversaw and coordinated all marketing event projects, including direct-mail, email campaigns, and promotions, from concept to execution for a high-volume event venue.
- Managed annual marketing budgets and operational expenses, allocating funds for digital advertising, community sponsorships, entertainment, and promotional activities to ensure profitability.
- Developed and led a comprehensive marketing team, supervising day-to-day operations and implementing all hiring, training, and development programs.
- Spearheaded strategic multi-media campaigns, designing custom graphics, professional websites, and promotional products that enhanced brand visibility and drove significant revenue.
- Acted as a key liaison between vendors, wholesalers, and retailers, overseeing the entire order fulfillment process and resolving customer complaints to maintain high satisfaction levels.
- Boosted brand awareness and generated leads while managing internal and external marketing campaigns and programs.
- Managed workflow between staff, coordinating documents, planning, and creative material distribution.
Admissions Manager
Strayer University
Little Rock, AR
2017 - 2018
- Led and mentored a team of admissions staff, managing all aspects of hiring, training, and development to foster an environment of teamwork and exceptional service.
- Actively participated in all stages of student recruitment and enrollment, consistently exceeding monthly goals and meeting ethical expectations.
- Partnered with various campus departments, including Student Financial Services and the University Registrar's Office, to finalize the enrollment process and ensure student success.
- Voted Marketing Admissions Manager of the Year, a recognition for providing excellent service, upholding high ethical standards, and successfully leading a team in a fast-paced environment.
- Recruited, interviewed and hired employees and implemented mentoring program to promote positive feedback and engagement.
- Set aggressive targets for employees to drive company success and strengthen motivation.
- Established performance goals for employees and provided feedback on methods for reaching those milestones.
- Devised and implemented strategic recruitment plan with consideration to both long and short term goals.
- Designed effective and user-friendly processes for both admissions and applicant review.
Marketing Specialist
IBO Design Group
Pueblo West, CO
01.2010 - 2016
- Provided strategic direction and guidance for the planning and development of comprehensive marketing campaigns, ensuring alignment with client brand identity and goals.
- Managed daily operations, budgets, and a team of 12 employees, ensuring the efficient execution of all marketing functions.
- Served as a product and marketing specialist for the sales force, enhancing their ability to sell services and effectively communicate brand value.
- Successfully managed the growth of start-up small businesses as a minority woman, providing expertise in business strategy and higher education.
- Tracked trade show expenses to maintain budget.
- Onboarded new team members and coached personnel in marketing tasks.
Enrollment Management Specialist
University of Phoenix
Memphis, TN
01.2007 - 01.2010
- Exceeded new student recruitment and enrollment goals by developing strategic referral pipelines and providing comprehensive student support.
- Utilized critical thinking and problem-solving skills to proactively address and resolve student issues, maintaining a high level of customer satisfaction.
- Conducted student appointments to identify educational goals, provide detailed program information, and develop personalized plans for success.
- Collaborated with finance advisors and other departments to ensure a seamless and positive enrollment experience for prospective and current students.
- Implemented strategies to increase student recruiting, engagement and retention.
- Coordinated and supervised academic advising activities.
- Used critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions and make decisions.
- Worked well in a team setting, providing support and guidance.
Assistant Sports Operational Manager
Higher Vision Sports, Intern
Malaga, Spain
01.2003 - 2006
- Company Overview: Euroleague Sports Division
- Managed the business affairs for professional American athletes in the Euroleague, including contract management and personal company missions.
- Administered marketing strategies for players and assisted with securing funding projects from multinational accounts.
- Handled all international travel arrangements for players, including passport and visa preparation, demonstrating expertise in complex logistics.
- Performed as a certified international visa worker, showcasing a strong understanding of international regulations and procedures.
- Established positive and effective communication among unit staff and organization leadership, reducing miscommunications, and missed deadlines.
- Developed and maintained relationships with external vendors and suppliers.
Marketing Recruitment Officer
University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff
Pine Bluff, AR
01.2006 - 01.2007
- Worked directly with university systems, academic affairs, and the Dean of Education to coordinate and manage undergraduate and graduate recruitment activities.
- Developed and implemented marketing communication plans, including email marketing, brochures, and social media flyers, to attract new students.
- Oversaw work-study student employees and managed the distribution of charitable scholarships to high school students, demonstrating leadership and community involvement.
- Enforced admissions policies and procedures, ensuring all activities were in full compliance with university and accrediting agency rules.
Director of Community Development Admin
Chamber of Commerce
Pine Bluff, AR
01.2002 - 01.2003
- Provided administrative and logistical support to the Community Development Planning Board, assisting in strategic community initiatives.
- Served as a key administrative leader in community relations and event planning, managing professional and marketing communications staff.
- Managed computer processing, data entry, and personnel administration to ensure the smooth operation of daily activities.
- Collaborated on various projects to support the Educational Development Program, contributing to community growth and outreach efforts.
Education
Master of Arts - Marketing
Webster University
Little Rock, Arkansas08.2013
Bachelor of Science - Professional Studies
University of Arkansas At Pine Bluff
Pine Bluff, Arkansas12.2006
Skills
- Digital marketing strategy (email, social, SEO/SEM)
- Enrollment funnel optimization & audience segmentation
- Campaign design, implementation, and performance analytics
- Content development for student recruitment
- Executive leadership & cross‑functional team management
- Project management & strategic planning
- P&L oversight, budget forecasting, and financial control
- Contract negotiation & vendor management
- Special event production & campus/community engagement
- Direct mail marketing & multi‑channel outreach
- B2C and B2B initiative development
- Community growth and partnership building
Timeline
Vendor Marketing Manager (Remote)
Alpha Kappa Alpha, Inc.
01.2020 - Current
Director of Marketing and Operations
Park Plaza
01.2018 - 01.2020
Marketing Specialist
IBO Design Group
01.2010 - 2016
Enrollment Management Specialist
University of Phoenix
01.2007 - 01.2010
Marketing Recruitment Officer
University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff
01.2006 - 01.2007
Assistant Sports Operational Manager
Higher Vision Sports, Intern
01.2003 - 2006
Director of Community Development Admin
Chamber of Commerce
01.2002 - 01.2003
Admissions Manager
Strayer University
2017 - 2018
Master of Arts - Marketing
Webster University
Bachelor of Science - Professional Studies
University of Arkansas At Pine Bluff
Work Availability
monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
swipe to browse
Master of Arts in Marketing and Media Communication Relevant Core Coursework
- Marketing Management
- Marketing Research
- Distribution Management
- Marketing Channel Management
- Business Statistics
- Promotional Management
- International Marketing
- Integrated Studies in Marketing & Human Resource
- Project Management
- Media Communication
- Media and Culture
- Public Relations
- Media Organization and Research
- Media Production Management
Awards
Honors and Recognition: Voted Marketing Admissions Manager of the Year | Community Awareness Appreciation Award | Business Initiative Award | Entrepreneurship Advancement Award | Marketing Initiative Scholar | Professional and Community Involvement: Beta Chi Graduate Chapter (Vice President) | Undergraduate Advisor | Community Service Chair | Memberships: AKA, Inc. | American Heart Association | Bryant Chamber of Commerce.