Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Softwaretechnology
Educationmilitary
Relatedexperience
Timeline
Intern
Hillary Johnson

Hillary Johnson

Streamwood,IL

Summary

Accomplished and results-driven communicator with over 30 years of experience leading and contributing to communication initiatives. Skilled in identifying trends, investigating and uncovering issues, and providing effective solutions. Possess an extensive background in legal research, market research and analysis, qualitative research, internal and external communication, print and electronic media, graphic design, storyboarding, training, event management, writing, and presentation. Industry experience includes e-commerce, marketing agency, graphic design, litigation support, nutrition, nonprofits, media, trade shows, oil and gas, auto parts, telecommunications, government/military, and education. Seeking a communication-related position where diverse skill set can be utilized to solve problems. High-achieving Marketing Communication Professional with proven ability to integrate operational strategies, build partnerships, and develop new revenue streams. Skillfully manage KPIs and internal controls to monitor operational trends and devise forward-thinking solutions. Results-focused, flexible, and resilient in resolving issues.

Overview

25
25
years of professional experience

Work History

Vice President of Operations/ Creative Director

Designer Papers, The Prcie Group, and Multi Print and Digital
04.2017 - Current
  • Operations Management: Oversees e-commerce operations, including website functionality, customer service, and order fulfillment
  • Collected and analyzed sales data and market trends to identify growth opportunities
  • Direct daily operations of the Designer Paper and Amazon stores
  • Maintained high customer service and retained loyalty, inventory management, and fulfillment
  • Continually analyze the B2B and B2C stationery markets to provide insight into creative trends, sales, and overall plans
  • Prepared and revised budgets and planning reports and improved efficiencies
  • Reviewed vendor contracts and consolidated inventory to cut costs
  • Creative Designer: Prepared art and copy for campaigns in digital, print, and apparel products
  • In charge of preparing imprints per spec for hundreds of vendors, including illustrations, logos, layouts, photos, and vectors for small and large-scale graphics
  • Ensure file graphics are appealing and on-brand and within budget
  • I am skilled in Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, and more
  • Consolidated e-commerce platform systems that improved efficiencies and customer response time
  • Crisis Management: During COVID-19, sales halted, business was reviewed, and necessary budget changes, including marketing, vendors, and shipping costs, were made to avoid a shutdown of on-site operations
  • Implemented new telecom systems for virtual teams to continue with business operations
  • When a tornado hit the warehouse, ensured inventory and customer records were safeguarded and implemented changes to better safeguard records
  • Co-wrote revised workflow procedure that included design briefs, online storage for drafts, and working files, and testing
  • Volunteer creative skills to nonprofits such as Literacy Volunteers Fox Valley, Chad Effect, and more to prepare for fundraising events
  • Applied excellent problem-solving, process development, and strategic implementation skills to lead and support all areas of operations.
  • Set clear goals to monitor targets and offered real-time input on performance and motivation.
  • Optimized facility layout for improved workflow efficiency and safety compliance standards adherence.
  • Drove customer satisfaction scores to all-time highs by overhauling customer service process.
  • Spearheaded digital transformation project, integrating advanced analytics to inform decision-making.
  • Cultivated strong relationships with clients, vendors, and partners for mutually beneficial collaborations.
  • Improved organizational efficiency, adopting cutting-edge technology solutions for process automation.

Freelance Marketing Communication Consultant

Freelance Marketing Communication Consultant
04.2015 - 03.2017
  • Conducted analysis, coding, and interpreted data to provide insights
  • Contributed to website redesign, improving UX design
  • Developed successful branding, content, campaigns, and editorial calendar
  • Managed projects from inception to conclusion, collaborating with clients
  • Analyzed data to learn about current perceptions of client services and improve marketing strategies
  • Developed presentations, brochures, books, and marketing materials according to client needs
  • Managed projects from start to conclusion, collaborating with senior leadership and respecting timelines
  • Wrote and edited clients’ content for print materials
  • Managed successful social media campaigns, leading to increased audience engagement and followership growth.
  • Built a robust network of industry experts who provided valuable insights into current trends impacting the field of communications consulting.
  • Facilitated productive brainstorming sessions that generated innovative ideas for client projects.
  • Provided strategic counsel to clients on messaging development, ensuring consistency across all channels.
  • Ensured consistent branding implementation across communication channels, reinforcing clients'' identity and values in the market.

Paralegal Specialist

Department of Justice
08.2011 - 05.2015
  • Organized and maintained a database of millions of documents; used analytics and targeted searches to make monthly reports to lead attorneys
  • Researched various industries, including oil and gas, automotive parts, and food services, and reported on findings
  • Managed projects and collaborated with multiple government agencies (i.e., TEA, FBI, ATF) during the investigations
  • Completed witness interviews and contributed to case strategies adopted by attorneys
  • Managed multiple cases and assisted on another when needed
  • All cases led to successful settlement agreements and imprisonment
  • Conducted in-depth background research and prepared reports on various markets using software (i.e., Lexis, Westlaw, and PaRR)
  • Analyzed corporate financial statements, SEC filings, electronic communications, and document reviews and created spreadsheets, charts, graphics, timelines, and presentations
  • Assisted attorneys in all phases of cases, including litigation, plea agreements, and sentencing; some included international targets and fugitives
  • Trained new paralegals and go-to person regarding case history, key players, companies, and documents
  • Monitored their assignments and assisted when asked
  • Managed complex cases effectively using advanced technology tools such as e-discovery software and document management systems.
  • Enhanced case efficiency by managing and organizing legal documents, evidence, and client files.

Sales and Marketing Administrator

Chicago Exhibit Production Company
12.2009 - 03.2011
  • Prepared content and design for print and electronic direct marketing materials to draw qualified leads
  • Supported domestic and international sales divisions by writing, editing, and designing sales proposals for potential clients/exhibitors
  • Wrote, designed, produced, and monitored marketing communication materials (RFPs, bids, mock-ups, portfolios) for national and global markets, including trade show advertisements and promotions with minimal budget allowance
  • Conducted market research and analyzed statistics related to exhibitors showcasing in national (i.e., NAB, CES) and international (i.e., MIDO) trade shows for sales executives
  • Designed, wrote, and implemented email and website marketing campaigns (100,000+ distribution); and wrote and designed quarterly newsletter for direct mail campaigns (approx
  • 5,000 in distribution domestically and 1,500 internationally)
  • Conducted market research to identify new business opportunities and potential customers.

Special Projects Legal Assistant

San Diego Volunteer Lawyer Program
08.2008 - 08.2009
  • Essential duties include developing a marketing plan to promote SDVLP programs and activities, including branding policy, producing fundraising events, training, and providing administrative support to executive staff
  • Event planner for all levels of fundraising events, including LAF-OFF (Lawyers are Funny Comedy Show), Justice for All Pro Bono Awards Dinner, and Volunteer Appreciation Events, for over 14,000 pro bono attorneys and judges
  • Managed event planning and ticket sales; designed all graphics (print and electronic media) and marketing email campaigns; assisted show MC and amateur talent; coordinated audio and visuals with local venues, such as San Diego House of Blues and Westin Hotel
  • Managed other staff and recruited volunteers for the events
  • Designed, wrote, and produced print and electronic media for events, including sponsorship materials and promotional videos
  • Contributed content to the website and wrote scripts for videos to assist with the mission
  • Created email marketing campaigns, wrote press releases, and photographed amateur talent to promote ticket sales, sponsorships, and donations that assisted in meeting goals, mainly when funding decreased

Communication Director/ Administrator

NCN/ NBA
11.2004 - 08.2008
  • Charged with driving the creation and development of all marketing communications for the nutrition, nutraceutical, and technology investment network start-up firm, encompassing Website content/design, conferences, investor meetings, marketing emails, and all commercial publications necessary for branding in both the nutrition and venture capital industries
  • Worked with principals to target investor audiences at NUTRACON Expo West, an industry trade show, to host investor meetings and network to market company funding opportunities
  • Created, managed, and published all marketing platforms, including investor manuals, website (www.nutritioncapital.com), and emails
  • Coordinated with sponsors and start-up companies seeking funding with graphics, biographies, and applications for the press in extremely tight deadlines for conferences out of state
  • Provided critical presentation support for trade show networking, including Nutrition Business Journal Newport Summit NUTRACON WEST and LOHAS by developing PR materials and PowerPoint files
  • Effectively managed sponsors, correspondence, and conference materials
  • Evaluated campaign performance using data-driven insights to inform future strategies.

Communication Director

AJL Litigation Media
01.2005 - 06.2007
  • Consistently secured settlements ranging from $200,000 to $12 million for clients of this settlement/arbitration video development firm by conducting thorough jury research and creating powerful settlement videos
  • Led focus groups and investigative legal and jury research in Imperial Valley, San Diego, San Bernardino, Orange, and Los Angeles Counties and reviewed video, testimony, and documents to develop a case management plan for graphics and editing personnel
  • Performed assessments to unite central themes and create visual presentations, including highly publicized cases for settlement hearings and trials before a jury
  • Wrote settlement videos in a news format for civil cases such as catastrophic vehicle collisions, amusement park ride failures, and excessive force
  • Used visual communication theories and persuasion theories to make arguments clear, complicated medical techniques understandable, and to ensure dynamic incident timelines highlighted significant facts of cases
  • Videos were instrumental in mediation awarding multiple clients’ major settlements
  • Created a powerful presentation that landed six major clients in one week
  • Created videos for the awards program at the annual Justice for All Dinner
  • Conducted a complete assessment of the company marketing position and recommended enhancements to the Website, letterhead, and business card
  • Oversaw preparation of marketing copy, images, videos, emails, and other collateral.
  • Secured long-term accounts by recommending strategies to promote brand effectiveness and highlight product benefits.
  • Devised content strategy to effectively engage target audiences.
  • Coordinated with design and media teams to develop high-quality creative assets.

Lecturer, Business Communication

San Diego State University
08.2002 - 08.2004
  • Educated students on international business communication strategies, business writing, research, and communication skills
  • Authored/planned lecturer material using digital media and PowerPoint
  • She conducted research strategies for secondary and primary sources
  • Introduced students to high technology media in the workforce (video interviews and electronic portfolios) and business report writing/ research in advanced themes, such as business post 9/11, environmental tourism, and entrepreneurship
  • Developed and implemented innovative teaching strategies to engage students in lectures and coursework.
  • Evaluated and revised lesson plans and course content to achieve student-centered learning.
  • Cultivated critical thinking skills through challenging assignments that required analysis, synthesis, and evaluation of information from various sources.
  • Participated in conferences and professional development opportunities to stay up-to-date with latest trends in field.
  • Utilized distance learning technology to instruct students remotely.
  • Evaluated student progress through regular assessments, providing detailed feedback for improvement and growth.
  • Developed strong relationships with colleagues, collaborating on curriculum development and sharing best practices in teaching strategies.
  • Created and designed quizzes, tests and projects to assess student knowledge.

Adjunct Professor, Communication and Business Communication

Phoenix College
09.2001 - 08.2002
  • Taught Business Communication courses, providing instruction to up to 100+ undergraduate students.
  • Graded quizzes, tests, homework, and projects to provide students with timely academic progress information and feedback.
  • Developed curriculum standards, lesson plans and syllabi.
  • Evaluated and revised lesson plans and course content to achieve student-centered learning.
  • Optimized assessment processes by designing rubrics that clearly communicated expectations for various assignments.
  • Encouraged class discussions by building discussions into lessons, actively soliciting input, asking open-ended questions and using techniques to track student participation.
  • Contributed to curriculum development efforts, ensuring content was up-to-date and relevant to industry trends.
  • Boosted class participation rates by fostering a positive and collaborative learning environment.

Freelance Reporter

San Antonio Business Journal
01.2000 - 12.2000
  • Interviewed business professionals for research and report writing assignments
  • Copyeditor and researcher for all sections of a weekly business newspaper, including the record and calendar events
  • Edited stories for accuracy and clarity.
  • Built strong relationships with sources to gain access to exclusive information.
  • Covered breaking news events effectively, ensuring timely updates for audiences while maintaining factual accuracy and journalistic integrity.
  • Addressed sensitive topics professionally while adhering to ethical standards.
  • Collaborated with editors to develop compelling story ideas, ensuring diverse content that appealed to a wide audience.
  • Captured and edited audio, video and photographs to provide multimedia content to enhance stories.
  • Collaborated with editors and photographers to produce cohesive and visually appealing stories.
  • Maintained ethical journalism standards, ensuring fairness and objectivity in all reports.

Education

M.S. - Technology Management

University of Advancing Technology
Phoenix, AZ
01.2002

B.A. - Communication, concentration in Electronic Media and English

University of Texas at San Antonio
01.2000

No Degree - Admiral Staff, Military Police

US Navy
NAS Sigonella, Sicily And COMSIXTHFLT, Gaeta
07-1998

Skills

  • Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, Rush)
  • Google Analytics
  • Facebook Analytics
  • Twitter Analytics
  • Amazon Analytics
  • Microsoft Word
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Microsoft Access
  • Smart Draw
  • Visio
  • Sony 250DV Broadcast Camera
  • Sony 300DV Broadcast Camera
  • Audio Mixers
  • Mirantz
  • Editing Decks
  • Light kits
  • ProCoder
  • Projectors
  • ELMOs
  • Summation
  • Relativity
  • Recommind
  • CaseMap
  • Lexis
  • Westlaw

Adobe Audition

  • QuickBooks
  • Operations management
  • Logistics management
  • Purchasing and planning
  • Business development
  • Business administration
  • Cost analysis and savings
  • Customer service
  • Problem-solving
  • Excellent communication
  • Multitasking Abilities
  • Organizational skills
  • Team leadership
  • Adaptability and flexibility
  • Self motivation
  • Customer relations
  • Active listening
  • Problem-solving aptitude
  • Reliability
  • Adaptability
  • Interpersonal skills
  • Relationship building
  • Inventory management
  • Inventory tracking and management
  • Marketing strategies
  • Continuous improvement
  • Sales management

Softwaretechnology

  • Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, Rush)
  • Analytics: Google, Facebook, Twitter, Amazon
  • Microsoft: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, Smart Draw, Visio
  • CAMERA Sony 250DV and 300DV Broadcast Camera, Audio Mixers, Mirantz, Editing Decks, Light kits, ProCoder, Projectors, ELMOs, etc.
  • Legal Database/Research: Summation, Relativity, Recommind, CaseMap, Lexis, Westlaw, Law, Audition (audio clips), QuickBooks

Educationmilitary

  • M.S., Technology Management, University of Advancing Computer Technology, 05/01/02
  • B.A., Communication, concentration in Electronic Media and English, University of Texas at San Antonio, 05/01/00
  • Operations Specialist, U.S. Navy/Command 6th Fleet Gaeta & NAS Sigonella, Italy, 01/01/94 - 12/31/98

Relatedexperience

  • Vice President of Operations/ Creative Director, Designer Papers, The Prcie Group, and Multi Print and Digital, 01/01/17, Present, Oversees e-commerce operations, including website functionality, customer service, and order fulfillment., Collected and analyzed sales data and market trends to identify growth opportunities., Direct daily operations of the Designer Paper and Amazon stores., Maintained high customer service and retained loyalty, inventory management, and fulfillment., Continually analyze the B2B and B2C stationery markets to provide insight into creative trends, sales, and overall plans., Prepared and revised budgets and planning reports and improved efficiencies., Reviewed vendor contracts and consolidated inventory to cut costs., Consolidated e-commerce platform systems that improved efficiencies and customer response time., Crisis Management: During COVID-19, sales halted, business was reviewed, and necessary budget changes, including marketing, vendors, and shipping costs, were made to avoid a shutdown of on-site operations., Implemented new telecom systems for virtual teams to continue with business operations., When a tornado hit the warehouse, ensured inventory and customer records were safeguarded and implemented changes to better safeguard records., Co-wrote revised workflow procedure that included design briefs, online storage for drafts, and working files, and testing., Volunteer creative skills to nonprofits such as Literacy Volunteers Fox Valley, Chad Effect, and more to prepare for fundraising events.
  • Freelance Marketing Communication Consultant, 01/01/15, 12/31/17, Conducted analysis, coding, and interpreted data to provide insights., Contributed to website redesign, improving UX design., Developed successful branding, content, campaigns, and editorial calendar., Managed projects from inception to conclusion, collaborating with clients., Analyzed data to learn about current perceptions of client services and improve marketing strategies., Developed presentations, brochures, books, and marketing materials according to client needs., Managed projects from start to conclusion, collaborating with senior leadership and respecting timelines., Wrote and edited clients’ content for print materials.
  • Paralegal Specialist, Department of Justice, 01/01/11, 12/31/15, Chicago, IL, Organized and maintained a database of millions of documents; used analytics and targeted searches to make monthly reports to lead attorneys., Researched various industries, including oil and gas, automotive parts, and food services, and reported on findings., Managed projects and collaborated with multiple government agencies (i.e., TEA, FBI, ATF) during the investigations., Completed witness interviews and contributed to case strategies adopted by attorneys., Managed multiple cases and assisted on another when needed. All cases led to successful settlement agreements and imprisonment., Conducted in-depth background research and prepared reports on various markets using software (i.e., Lexis, Westlaw, and PaRR)., Analyzed corporate financial statements, SEC filings, electronic communications, and document reviews and created spreadsheets, charts, graphics, timelines, and presentations., Assisted attorneys in all phases of cases, including litigation, plea agreements, and sentencing; some included international targets and fugitives., Trained new paralegals and go-to person regarding case history, key players, companies, and documents. Monitored their assignments and assisted when asked.
  • Sales and Marketing Administrator, CEP (Chicago Exhibit Production Company), 01/01/09, 12/31/11, Chicago, IL, Prepared content and design for print and electronic direct marketing materials to draw qualified leads., Supported domestic and international sales divisions by writing, editing, and designing sales proposals for potential clients/exhibitors., Wrote, designed, produced, and monitored marketing communication materials (RFPs, bids, mock-ups, portfolios) for national and global markets, including trade show advertisements and promotions with minimal budget allowance., Conducted market research and analyzed statistics related to exhibitors showcasing in national (i.e., NAB, CES) and international (i.e., MIDO) trade shows for sales executives., Designed, wrote, and implemented email and website marketing campaigns (100,000+ distribution); and wrote and designed quarterly newsletter for direct mail campaigns (approx. 5,000 in distribution domestically; and 1,500 internationally).
  • Special Projects Legal Assistant, San Diego Volunteer Lawyer Program, 01/01/08, 12/31/09, San Diego, CA, Developing a marketing plan to promote SDVLP programs and activities, including branding policy, producing fundraising events, training, and providing administrative support to executive staff., Event planner for all levels of fundraising events, including LAF-OFF (Lawyers are Funny Comedy Show), Justice for All Pro Bono Awards Dinner, and Volunteer Appreciation Events, for over 14,000 pro bono attorneys and judges., Managed event planning and ticket sales; designed all graphics (print and electronic media) and marketing email campaigns; assisted show MC and amateur talent; coordinated audio and visuals with local venues, such as San Diego House of Blues and Westin Hotel., Managed other staff and recruited volunteers for the events., Designed, wrote, and produced print and electronic media for events, including sponsorship materials and promotional videos., Contributed content to the website and wrote scripts for videos to assist with the mission., Created email marketing campaigns, wrote press releases, and photographed amateur talent to promote ticket sales, sponsorships, and donations that assisted in meeting goals, mainly when funding decreased.
  • Communication Director/ Administrator, Nutrition Capital Network, 01/01/07, 12/31/08, San Diego, CA, Charged with driving the creation and development of all marketing communications for the nutrition, nutraceutical, and technology investment network start-up firm, encompassing Website content/design, conferences, investor meetings, marketing emails, and all commercial publications necessary for branding in both the nutrition and venture capital industries.
  • Communication Director, AJL Litigation Media, 01/01/07, 12/31/09, San Diego, CA, Consistently secured settlements ranging from $200,000 to $12 million for clients of this settlement/arbitration video development firm by conducting thorough jury research and creating powerful settlement videos., Led focus groups and investigative legal and jury research in Imperial Valley, San Diego, San Bernardino, Orange, and Los Angeles Counties and reviewed video, testimony, and documents to develop a case management plan for graphics and editing personnel., Performed assessments to unite central themes and create visual presentations, including highly publicized cases for settlement hearings and trials before a jury., Wrote settlement videos in a news format for civil cases such as catastrophic vehicle collisions, amusement park ride failures, and excessive force., Created a powerful presentation that landed six major clients in one week., Conducted a complete assessment of the company marketing position and recommended enhancements to the Website, letterhead, and business card.
  • Lecturer, Business Communication, San Diego State University, 01/01/02, 12/31/04, Educated students on international business communication strategies, business writing, research, and communication skills., Authored/planned lecturer material using digital media and PowerPoint., Introduced students to high technology media in the workforce (video interviews and electronic portfolios) and business report writing/ research in advanced themes, such as business post 9/11, environmental tourism, and entrepreneurship.
  • Adjunct Professor, Communication and Business Communication, Phoenix College, 01/01/01, 12/31/02
  • Freelance Reporter, San Antonio Business Journal, 01/01/00, 12/31/00, Interviewed business professionals for research and report writing assignments., Copyeditor and researcher for all sections of a weekly business newspaper, including the record and calendar events.

Timeline

Vice President of Operations/ Creative Director

Designer Papers, The Prcie Group, and Multi Print and Digital
04.2017 - Current

Freelance Marketing Communication Consultant

Freelance Marketing Communication Consultant
04.2015 - 03.2017

Paralegal Specialist

Department of Justice
08.2011 - 05.2015

Sales and Marketing Administrator

Chicago Exhibit Production Company
12.2009 - 03.2011

Special Projects Legal Assistant

San Diego Volunteer Lawyer Program
08.2008 - 08.2009

Communication Director

AJL Litigation Media
01.2005 - 06.2007

Communication Director/ Administrator

NCN/ NBA
11.2004 - 08.2008

Lecturer, Business Communication

San Diego State University
08.2002 - 08.2004

Adjunct Professor, Communication and Business Communication

Phoenix College
09.2001 - 08.2002

Freelance Reporter

San Antonio Business Journal
01.2000 - 12.2000

B.A. - Communication, concentration in Electronic Media and English

University of Texas at San Antonio

M.S. - Technology Management

University of Advancing Technology

No Degree - Admiral Staff, Military Police

US Navy
Hillary Johnson