Kathleen Merusi
Chatham,NJ
Summary
Experienced project management professional with strong focus on team collaboration to support mission-oriented objectives through branding and dynamic community engagement.
Prepared to help grow communities through effective, creative communications and deliverables.
Known for reliability, organization, and adaptability in dynamic environments while bringing authentic leadership, dedicated teamwork, and effervescent positivity to the workplace.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Project Manager, Communications
Drew University
08.2021 - Current
- Manage marketing team workflow and high-priority creative deliverable needs across the University, including print, digital, and photography/video production projects
- Collaborate with stakeholders to define project scope, objectives, and deliverables aligned with institutional goals and mission
- Lead cross-functional team to develop methodologies that deliver complex projects on time and within budget with a focus on positive, energetic relationship building and engagement.
- Report directly to the Vice President of Enrollment and Strategic Communications to ensure seamless communication of leadership needs to the creative/digital team.
Project Manager, Communications
Drew University
07.2019 - 07.2021
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to align project goals and expectations while managing stakeholder communications
- Successfully managed multiple projects simultaneously by prioritizing tasks according to urgency, resource availability, and alignment with organizational goals.
- Additional responsibilities included web content management, copywriting, video storyboarding, proofreading, and email campaign building.
Assistant Project Manager, Communications
Drew University
08.2018 - 07.2019
- Organization of presidential communications, enrollment marketing deliverables, and institutional advancement and fundraising initiatives in support of senior project manager.
- Managed print and digital projects, from kickoff to delivery, including web pages, emails, social media ads, brochures, flyers, and other creative deliverables.
- Organized project meetings, prepared agendas, and documented action items for follow-up.
Assistant Director, Alumni Relations
Drew University
11.2015 - 07.2018
- Served as an engagement officer, connecting with alumni to encourage a positive, life-long relationship with the University.
- Supported alumni events and communications, including direct-mail personalized outreach, community engagement gatherings, presidential fundraising campaign receptions, reunions, and guest lectures.
Education
BA - Communications, Public Relations
University of Scranton
Skills
- Project Management: project planning, development, and execution in partnership with educators, administrators, external collaborators, designers, writers, and other creatives
- Relationship Building: cross-functional collaboration with varying constituencies such as alumni, local community, current students, parents, employees, and other business partners
- Process Implementation: creation and management of effective processes, as well as community buy-in initiatives to drive adoption of consistent branding and work practices
- Deliverable Software: experience in CRM, project management, and creative platforms such as MailChimp, Raisers Edge, Adobe Creative Suite, WordPress, and Asana
- Community Building: marketing focused on expanding constituencies, strengthening brand identity and mission advancement, and creation of fundraising-focused engagement opportunities
Timeline
Senior Project Manager, Communications
Drew University
08.2021 - Current
Project Manager, Communications
Drew University
07.2019 - 07.2021
Assistant Project Manager, Communications
Drew University
08.2018 - 07.2019
Assistant Director, Alumni Relations
Drew University
11.2015 - 07.2018
BA - Communications, Public Relations
University of Scranton