Kat Stark

• Outreach to an established portfolio of donors through mail appeal, hand written thank you cards, phone calls and meetings.
• Established first time sponsorships with many local businesses.
• Developed partnerships with local non-profits.
• Created marketing materials to promote programs, services, sponsorships and events to boost community participation and awareness.
• Provide stakeholders regular reports on development progress and program impact.
• Research, compose, and manage grant proposals to corporations and foundations to maximize funding opportunities from state and local entities.
• Market sponsorship opportunities with business partners to broaden funding.

Grant Funding Status:

• 2025 Awarded: $42,150 (Applied for $98,600)
• 2024 Awarded: $35,688 (Applied for $64,100)
• 2023 Awarded: $19,440 (Applied for $25,340)
• Secured significant annual in-kind media coverage since 2022, resulting in high-value exposure across TV interviews, radio, and television PSAs.
• Managed and optimized the website and Facebook, driving engagement to promote the mission and attract support.
• Cultivated strategic partnerships with local non-profits and businesses to expand outreach and support collaborative community initiatives.
• Collaborate with divisional/local leadership (Commanding Officer, Advisory Boards), and ensure adherence to Salvation Army policies.
• Analyze client statistics and data to guide future resource allocation decisions.

• Spearheaded the development and execution of the annual marketing strategy, objectives, and calendar for the retail property to drive traffic, increase sales, and enhance center awareness.
• Managed and maintained the center’s annual $300K marketing budget, overseeing expense approval, invoice processing, and monthly P&L reviews to ensure strict adherence to budget guidelines.
• Developed and executed strategic center events, promotions, and community relations initiatives, professionally networking with community leaders and institutions to maximize positive brand exposure.
• Directed all digital communications, managing the center’s website, social media, email marketing, and SMS platforms to build consumer engagement and support tenant promotions.
• Fostered strong tenant relations by acting as a primary liaison, consulting on sales productivity, and advising on advertising solutions (including carts, clings, and signage) to assist underperforming tenants in meeting sales breakpoints.
• Analyzed market research and monitored retail competition/demographic factors to inform strategic planning and provided current market trends to the leasing team to aid in new store openings and lease administration.
• Managed all center public relations, including developing and distributing press releases and handling media inquiries in compliance with corporate policy.
• Oversaw all visual communications for the property, including directories, window displays, signage, and annual holiday décor, while managing cross-functional projects, resources, vendors, and advertising representatives.

Assistant Marketing Manager | Rushmore Mall | 1999 - 2001 (2 years)

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Implemented shopping center and corporate strategies outlined in marketing plan.
• Assisted in development of Rushmore Mall Marketing plan.
• Public Speaking and community relations.
• Design, execute, and evaluate community and mall promotional events such as Blood Drives, Old Gloryous Celebration, Santa and Easter Bunny Photo Operations, holiday musical groups and many other events.
• Collaborated with Marketing Manager on public relations, advertising, sales promotions, merchant communications, seasonal décor, and budget administration.
• Extended the center's brand to key audiences; retailers, shoppers, media, community, investors, and the property team.
• Identified and pursued opportunities with key organizations which had the potential for partnership, sponsorship, or other mutual benefits.
• Demonstrated fiscal responsibility in meeting goals pertaining to budget.
• Analysis of demographic, sales and traffic trends.
• Website management; updating, tracking traffic.