Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Languages
References
Timeline
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Carolina Ortiz

Carolina Ortiz

Bloomington,MN

Summary

I am an experienced and proactive leader with a strong background in nonprofit management and growth. I have supported program expansions and played a key role in launching new programs. I am skilled in building coalitions, enhancing community engagement, and fostering key stakeholder relationships. I bring expertise in media relations, organizational structure, and public relations to drive strategic planning and communication.

Overview

11
11
years of professional experience

Work History

Associate Executive Director

COPAL
Minneapolis, MN
02.2022 - Current
  • Collaborate closely with the Executive Director in planning, program development, and staff leadership to drive organizational success, while supporting the organization's core areas, including communications, development, health and wellness, environmental justice, workers' rights, organizing, public policy and membership.
  • Lead efforts to secure financial support and expand program offerings while monitoring organizational dynamics to identify risks and opportunities, ensuring alignment with long-term goals and sustainability.
  • Represent COPAL in high-profile engagements, advocating for organizational interests and strengthening relationships with key stakeholders for strategic influence.

Director of Communications

COPAL
Minneapolis, MN
07.2019 - 02.2022
  • Directed the establishment of the main systems and processes for the Communications team.
  • Crafted and executed strategic communication plans to boost mission reach and strengthen media presence.
  • Led recruitment and onboarding efforts to build a skilled communications team.

Student Advisor

Pearson VUE
Bloomington, MN
09.2015 - 02.2022
  • Participated in creating and rolling out GEDWorks initiative, promoting employer-funded pathways for GED achievement.
  • Assisted in developing a strategic and business plan to drive program success, employer engagement, and national expansion of GEDWorks.
  • Developed systems to track student progress and supported the creation of a bilingual advisor program, enhancing program efficiency and accessibility for Spanish-speaking students.

Benefits Specialist

Cargill
Hopkins, MN
09.2013 - 12.2015
  • Collaborated with a team to develop and implement an in-house database tracker for case management, streamlining documentation and improving efficiency.
  • Supported integration initiatives through implementation of culturally informed practices.
  • Assisted Spanish-speaking employees in understanding and navigating their benefits, ensuring clear communication and improved access to resources.

Education

Bachelor of Science - Organizational Communication And Public Relations

University of Minnesota
Crookston, MN
12-2024

PhD Candidate - Communications

University of Minnesota
Minneapolis, MN

Skills

Leadership & Management:

  • Nonprofit Leadership & Growth
  • Program Development & Expansion
  • Team Building & Staff Development
  • Strategic Planning & Execution
  • Stakeholder Engagement & Coalition Building

Communications & Public Relations:

  • Media Relations & Public Speaking
  • Strategic Messaging & Crisis Communication
  • Community Outreach & Engagement
  • Social Media Strategy
  • Internal & External Communication

Fundraising & Financial Management:

  • Grant Writing & Proposal Development
  • Fundraising Strategy & Budget Management

Organizational & Operational Skills:

  • Organizational Development & Process Improvement
  • Event Planning & Coordination
  • Volunteer & Project Management

Advocacy & Policy:

  • Policy Advocacy & Government Relations
  • Research & Report Writing
  • Public Policy Campaigns
  • C3 (501(c)(3)) Engagement & Compliance
  • C4 (501(c)(4)) Advocacy & Lobbying
  • PAC Fundraising & Campaign Strategy

Technical Skills:

  • Proficient in Airtable, EveryAction, Salesforce, QuickBooks, and Microsoft Office Suite

Languages

Spanish
Native/ Bilingual
English
Native/ Bilingual
French
Limited

References

References available upon request.

Timeline

Associate Executive Director

COPAL
02.2022 - Current

Director of Communications

COPAL
07.2019 - 02.2022

Student Advisor

Pearson VUE
09.2015 - 02.2022

Benefits Specialist

Cargill
09.2013 - 12.2015

Bachelor of Science - Organizational Communication And Public Relations

University of Minnesota

PhD Candidate - Communications

University of Minnesota

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Carolina Ortiz