Karen Szala
WASHINGTON,DC
Summary
Experienced professional specializing in sales, fundraising, and social media strategies. Demonstrated commitment to delivering exceptional client services while upholding high standards of professionalism. Proven track record of securing profitable deals and enhancing client and donor retention rates.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
Work History
Licensed Residential Realtor
Various Real Estate Agencies
Washington, DC
11.2009 - Current
- Licensed real estate professional in District of Columbia, specializing in first-time homebuyers and military buyers/sellers.
- Negotiated purchase agreements between buyers and sellers effectively.
- Collaborated with buyers, sellers, investors, landlords, and renters to facilitate transactions.
- Coordinated open houses that effectively showcased properties to interested buyers.
- Developed targeted marketing strategies that increased property visibility in local markets.
- Led community outreach programs that strengthened brand visibility through social media and print advertising.
- Organized events such as Art All Night 2022 and 2023, promoting community engagement and networking.
- Completed coursework in law and ethics to enhance industry knowledge and compliance.
- Ensured compliance with state and federal regulations pertaining to residential real estate transactions.
Freelance Social Media Consultant
Self-employeed
Washington, DC
01.2009 - Current
- Established and enhanced social media presence for businesses and events.
- Developed tailored social media strategies that aligned with client goals and enhanced audience engagement.
- Created engaging reels, posts, and YouTube videos that increased visibility for charitable events, real estate agents, and event coordinators.
- Assessed social media data and provided actionable insights to optimize campaign effectiveness.
- Monitored trends in social media tools, applications and websites to stay up-to-date with current technologies.
- Coordinated with distribution companies, local media, and lifestyle websites for feature publications.
- Organized fundraising events and community outreach.
Freelance Event Employee
Enemy Ink Screen Printing
Orlando, FL
01.2005 - Current
- Coordinated event logistics by organizing schedules and resources for successful company events.
- Staffed live print events, including Star Wars Celebration and New York Comic-Con.
- Managed tagging, folding, and expedited shipping of over 200,000 pieces of merchandise to ensure timely delivery.
Fundraising Consultant/Event Coordinator
Master Chorale of Washington
Washington, DC
08.2008 - 01.2009
- Coordinated fundraising and outreach events at private clubs and Kennedy Center to engage community support.
- Developed comprehensive fundraising strategies to support operational goals.
- Conducted research to identify potential donors, grantmakers, and other funding sources.
- Implemented online giving platforms, facilitating individual donations and expanding donor reach.
- Streamlined online donation and ticket purchase processes, enhancing accessibility and establishing social networking presence.
Fundraising Contractor
Little Sisters of the Poor
Washington, DC
04.2008 - 07.2008
- Developed and implemented fundraising strategies to meet organizational goals.
- Organized new events, establishing sponsorship and ticketing procedures to streamline fundraising efforts.
- Coordinated logistics and volunteer efforts for fundraising events, ensuring smooth execution and participant satisfaction.
- Managed donor databases to maintain accurate records of contributions and interactions, enhancing donor engagement.
- Designed and edited a quarterly newsletter, resulting in a 3% gain in donations over the previous year.
Assistant Director of Membership & Development
The Electrochemical Society
Pennington, NJ
07.2007 - 12.2007
- Managed membership retention and recognition programs for sponsors and donors, enhancing engagement and loyalty.
- Cultivated strategic relationships with prospective members, corporate sponsors, and donors to expand network and support.
- Represented the Society at conferences to promote programs and recruit sponsors.
- Developed student programs to increase university-level interest.
- Wrote and designed impactful fundraising materials and conference announcements to effectively communicate initiatives and attract participation.
Finance Director/Event Planner
Congressman Bill Pascrell, Jr. for Congress
Wayne, NJ
02.2006 - 07.2007
- Cultivated relationships with potential donors through targeted outreach and networking, increasing donor engagement and support.
- Recruited and coordinated volunteers for fundraising activities, enhancing event execution and community engagement.
- Organized private fundraisers, tours, and lunches for sitting Member of Congress.
- Managed donor databases and maintained accurate contribution records, ensuring compliance with Federal Election Commission reporting requirements.
- Processed donor contributions including tracking funds received and issuing receipts or thank you notes.
Catering Sales Coordinator
Centerplate/NBSE at the Washington Convention Center
Washington, DC
10.2004 - 07.2005
- Oversaw on-site management of catering services for high-profile events like the 2005 Independence Inaugural Ball and the 2005 Presidential Ball, ensuring guest satisfaction and adherence to event specifications.
- Coordinated catering services for diverse events, ensuring seamless execution from coffee breaks to award banquets.
- Facilitated travel and accommodations for visiting event teams, enhancing overall event support and coordination.
Schedule Coordinator/Human Resources Assistant
Centerplate/NBSE at the Washington Convention Center
Washington, DC
06.2004 - 10.2004
- Coordinated hourly staff schedules in alignment with union contracts and company policies.
- Managed staffing changes and informed employees of updates promptly.
- Coordinated event schedules for large-scale conventions and meetings.
- Managed communication between staff, vendors, and clients to ensure alignment.
- Scheduled staff shifts based on event requirements and operational needs.
Director of Interpreting Services
Graham Staffing Services
Washington, DC
10.2003 - 06.2004
- Led team of 38 freelance sign language interpreters to ensure effective service delivery.
- Coordinated staffing of interpreters for various events, overseeing payroll and invoicing processes.
- Conducted interviews and hired new interpreters based on skills and references to maintain high service standards.
Freelance Production Assistant
Doc City Productions
Arlington, VA
01.2003 - 05.2003
- Organized film shoots, scouted locations, and procured crew and props.
- Created categorizing system to organize and streamline access to audio-visual materials.
- Researched topics and sourced materials to support documentary film narratives.
Field Coordinator
New Jersey Democratic State Committee
Ocean County and New Brunswick, NJ
08.2002 - 11.2002
- Coordinated events to enhance visibility and drive voter registration efforts.
- Developed voter turnout strategies and facilitated communication between officials and candidates.
- Coordinated field operations for community outreach initiatives across New Jersey.
- Managed volunteer recruitment and training for local campaign efforts.
- Developed strategic communication plans to enhance voter engagement.
Education
B.A. - Visual and Media Arts
Emerson College
Boston, MA05-2002
Skills
- Property valuation and market analysis
- Marketing strategy development
- Contract negotiation and compliance
- Transaction coordination
- Document preparation
- Homebuyer and seller representation
- Property showings and open house hosting
- Relocation support
- Client counseling and collaboration
- Microsoft Office proficiency
- CRM and database management
- Google Analytics expertise
- Email marketing strategies
- Social media engagement
- Community outreach initiatives
- Team collaboration tools
- Time management skills
- Nonprofit fundraising and charity promotion
- Artificial intelligence applications
References
Available upon request.
Timeline
Licensed Residential Realtor
Various Real Estate Agencies
11.2009 - Current
Freelance Social Media Consultant
Self-employeed
01.2009 - Current
Fundraising Consultant/Event Coordinator
Master Chorale of Washington
08.2008 - 01.2009
Fundraising Contractor
Little Sisters of the Poor
04.2008 - 07.2008
Assistant Director of Membership & Development
The Electrochemical Society
07.2007 - 12.2007
Finance Director/Event Planner
Congressman Bill Pascrell, Jr. for Congress
02.2006 - 07.2007
Freelance Event Employee
Enemy Ink Screen Printing
01.2005 - Current
Catering Sales Coordinator
Centerplate/NBSE at the Washington Convention Center
10.2004 - 07.2005
Schedule Coordinator/Human Resources Assistant
Centerplate/NBSE at the Washington Convention Center
06.2004 - 10.2004
Director of Interpreting Services
Graham Staffing Services
10.2003 - 06.2004
Freelance Production Assistant
Doc City Productions
01.2003 - 05.2003
Field Coordinator
New Jersey Democratic State Committee
08.2002 - 11.2002
B.A. - Visual and Media Arts
Emerson College