Cara O'Neil
Portland,OR
Summary
I am an experienced marketing and communications professional who specializes in the publishing industry, from books to comics, graphic novels, manga, games, and more. I enjoy creating compelling campaigns that connect with readers and fans in innovative, effective, authentic, and community-focused ways.
A reliable, proactive, detail-oriented, and professional leader in marketing and publicity, I am experienced in building and managing teams. I have a proven track record in presenting successful integrated campaigns for books, comic series, and more. Particular areas of focus include strategic planning and developing and maintaining relationships with business partners, retailers, distributors, media, press, and talent. Adept at project management and fostering team collaboration, driving continuous improvement and achieving results in competitive and challenging environments, I have a great deal of experience in managing multiple projects and product launches simultaneously.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Vice President of Marketing
Dark Horse Comics
08.2017 - 11.2025
- Developed and executed comprehensive marketing strategies and campaigns to enhance brand visibility and audience engagement with both brand and specific titles and lines, from Berserk to Magic: The Gathering to Hellboy and more.
- Cultivated relationships with key stakeholders, including business partners, retailers, distributors, media, press, and creators, to strengthen partnerships and develop tailored campaigns.
- Led cross-functional teams to drive successful product launches and promotional campaigns.
- Oversaw budget allocation for marketing initiatives, ensuring optimal resource utilization and cost-effectiveness.
- Managed public relations efforts, securing positive media coverage for products, news, and events.
- Maximized trade show presence by designing impactful booth experiences and coordinating event activities, including San Diego Comic-Con, New York Comic Con, American Library Association Annual Conference, ComicsPRO, London Book Fair, and more; led sales presentations and moderated panels.
- Oversaw digital marketing initiatives, including social media strategy, email campaigns, digital advertising, and content marketing.
- Shared monthly reports of marketing KPIs to support executive decision making.
- Oversaw marketing and publicity team. Mentored junior staff, fostering professional development and enhancing team performance through collaborative projects.
Web and New Media Manager
Oregon Humane Society
03.2012 - 09.2017
- Developed and executed comprehensive email marketing and social media strategies to increase audience engagement and awareness of initiatives.
- Managed content creation and distribution across multiple platforms, including websites, email, social media, and print magazine.
- Created and implemented a social media campaign (#OHSpets) that resulted in increased social media engagement and grew followers by more than 300% in one year, still in use today.
- Oversaw the implementation of new digital tools, including Salesforce, Convio, and other software and apps to streamline workflow and improve UX.
- Utilized project management tools including HootSuite, Basecamp, and more to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
- Led website redesign project and optimized overall UX, navigation, and landing pages for improved user experience and increased conversion rates.
- Managing editor for quarterly print publication, OHS Magazine: tracked content deadlines, managed content creators, and ensured materials met quality standards.
- Worked with a team of event planners, outreach managers, publicity managers, graphic designers, and administrative volunteers to create integrated marketing campaigns.
- Managed crisis communications alongside publicity/PR manager and assisted in providing media training to staff as needed.
Web Manager
Pacific University
08.2010 - 08.2011
- Developed and maintained official university website content to enhance user engagement and accessibility, as well as specific departmental websites and subsidiary sites.
- Led web development projects enhancing user experience and accessibility across university platforms.
- Worked with multidisciplinary team from Marketing Communications department to develop and implement a brand style guide for web and print.
- Integrated social media feeds with the university website and managed content for these platforms, increasing followers, engagement, and visibility in brand initiatives.
- Supervised cross-functional team of developers and student interns to optimize website performance and streamline digital communication.
- Primary administrator for CRM software (Convio, Blackbaud), email programs such as MailChimp, and proprietary university systems.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Anthropology
Mortar Board National Honor Society Member - Publications Manager
Master of Science - Writing: Publishing
Marketing Manager for Ooligan Press
Skills
- Marketing and communications strategy
- Project management
- Media, business partner, client, talent relations
- Digital and integrated marketing
- Press and publicity campaign management
- Cross-functional team leadership
- Public relations
- Social media strategy
- Performance analytics
- Written and verbal communication
- Budget management
- Event planning and management
Additional Information
Software, app, and tool expertise includes: Google Suite; Sprout Social, GetResponse, MailChimp, Basecamp, Airtable, PowerPoint, Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Creative Suite, SweepWidget, Twitch, YouTube, Meta Suite (Facebook, Instagram, and more), Twitter/X, Discord, Muck Rack, Cision, Agility PR, WordPress, Convio, Blackbaud, Salesforce, more. HTML, CSS. Proficient in both Mac OS and Microsoft/Windows environments. Proficient with and a quick learner of proprietary databases, brand style guides, and content management/approvals systems.