Maria Melero
Park Forest,IL
Summary
Talented and results-oriented creative professional with experience leading teams, and developing strategies to engage target audiences. Proven track record of developing successful and innovative advertising and marketing campaigns that improve brand visibility and increase engagement. Possesses excellent eye for detail and nuanced understanding of brand voice and messaging.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Legislative Director
Cook County Commissioner
01.2024 - Current
- Negotiated vendor contracts, achieving $36,000 in annual cost savings while simultaneously managing business operations by overseeing contractors and consultants to meet key deliverables.
- Implemented 36 resolutions in less than one year, garnered support as needed, while providing updates to leadership.
- Authored over 100 speeches for press conferences, panels, interviews, and public remarks, conducting research and collaborating with leadership to deliver true to tone audience-specific messaging aligned with organizational objectives under tight deadlines.
- Oversaw and optimized social media presence across multiple platforms, increasing reach by 72.4%, content interactions by 218.1%, and follows by 240% through strategic alignment of posts with branding, and platform-specific analytics, while streamlining content creation processes to enhance efficiency and maintain quality.
- Managed community event logistics, including venue selection, contract negotiation, and vendor coordination, while utilizing project management skills to ensure events stayed on schedule and within budget, resulting in increased attendance by over 50% through strategic marketing campaigns and engaging promotional materials.
- Established successful partnerships with external organizations, obtaining sponsorships for community events expanding opportunities and resources.
- Fostered positive relationships with local journalists and media
- Collaborated with a diverse evolving team, showcasing strong interpersonal and team-oriented skills by effectively navigating high-pressure, dynamic settings while upholding professionalism, confidentiality, and steadfast loyalty to the organization.
- Oversaw change management initiatives, minimizing disruption while maximizing positive outcomes during periods of transition.
- Led crisis-management efforts during unexpected challenges; mitigating potential negative impacts on operations.
- Improved office operations by automating constituents correspondence, record tracking and communications.
- Streamlined communication with constituents through a variety of platforms including microsoft forms, social media and news letter.
- Connected constituents with essential resources and services fostering strong community relationships.
- Organized training programs for new staff and interns, promoting professional development and maintaining high standards of performance within the team.
- Coordinated and facilitated meetings between key decision-makers and stakeholders, fostering open dialogue and collaboration on shared goals.
- Represented leadership by standing in on meetings, ensuring their interests were effectively communicated, and produced comprehensive reports and detailed notes to support informed decision-making.
- Reviewed budgets, ensuring appropriate allocation of resources towards priority projects.
- Represented the organization at conferences, gaining insights on industry trends, fostering professional relationships, and identifying opportunities to support organizational goals.
- Oversaw appointment scheduling and itinerary coordination for leadership.
- Completed bi-weekly payroll
- Created reports, presentations and other materials for executive staff.
- Identified opportunities to streamline processes and improve office operations and efficiency.
- Organized and updated databases, records and other information resources.
- Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
Media Director
Thornton Township
05.2019 - 12.2023
- Implemented strategies for promoting campaigns on social media increasing engagement 150%
- Conducted research and identified market trends to inform creative direction.
- Analyzed data and metrics to measure success of campaigns and adjust strategies accordingly.
- Monitored industry trends to keep creative materials fresh and engaging.
- Designed innovative creative strategies to raise brand awareness and engagement for organization.
- Directed digital media and promotional material, reviewing each element against client standards and expectations.
Marketing Consultant
Community Preschool
04.2016 - 05.2017
- Coordinated & developed integrated digital marketing campaign increasing enrollment by 28%
- Launched Google Ad campaign utilizing analytics to measure performance & website metrics
- Revived social media marketing efforts increasing engagement, inquiries, and referrals
- Designed all promotional materials utilizing Adobe Photoshop breathe bar
Marketing Consultant
05.2016 - 12.2016
- Greater Chicago Area
- Optimized organic and paid SEO maintaining #1 ranking increasing website traffic
- Decreased bounce rate by 50%, increased CTR, & improved average session time by 3 minutes Page 1 of 3
- Set & monitored bench marks & objectives, evaluated results, & modified accordingly
Leading Consultant
Small Business Consulting Institute
08.2014 - 12.2014
- Liaison between client and consultant team to insure consistent communication in addressing the myriad of issues the business was experiencing
- Lead R & D and analyzed data to identify key issues relevant to increasing revenue and awareness
- Explored multichannel marketing efforts building integrated marketing communications plan
- Implemented sensory marketing strategy increasing foot traffic by 20%
Manager
Foto1 Digital
04.2008 - 05.2013
- Implemented client consultation selling strategy, increasing revenue 40% and decreasing complaints 80%
- Preformed qualitative and quantitative research of customer satisfaction rates
- Kept up to date and consistent analysis of competitors promotional and pricing strategies
- Trained employees to produce high quality photographs with limited time restraints
- Meticulously examined photos for flaws that would be digitally enhanced through Adobe Photoshop
- Trained employees to tastefully retouch digital images by manipulating lighting, exposure, and color
- Provided extensive training in customer service to maintain reputable products and services
- Promoted open communication amongst employees and management to increase efficiency
- Enforced company policies with emphasis to punctuality, especially with appointments and deadlines
- Cultivated a creative working environment to ensure unique and memorable customer experiences Page 2 of 3
- Dispersed, organized, and adapted scheduling of employees and customer appointments
Education
Bachelor's Degree - Marketing
Purdue University Calumet
2017
Skills
- Management
- Training
- Photoshop
- Graphic Arts Design
- Assignment Delegation
- Creative Team Collaboration
Languages
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Legislative Director
Cook County Commissioner
01.2024 - Current
Media Director
Thornton Township
05.2019 - 12.2023
Marketing Consultant
05.2016 - 12.2016
Marketing Consultant
Community Preschool
04.2016 - 05.2017
Leading Consultant
Small Business Consulting Institute
08.2014 - 12.2014
Manager
Foto1 Digital
04.2008 - 05.2013
Bachelor's Degree - Marketing
Purdue University Calumet
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