MARK FIERST
Maple Grove,MN
Summary
I have a diverse set of professional and lived experiences that I bring to every aspect of my job. As an independent business owner and an employee within a large university, I have a unique perspective on how organizations can run effectively. I am committed to growth, relationship building, and creating a culture of inclusion.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Admissions Coordinator
University of Minnesota
Minneapolis, MN
06.2022 - Current
- Lead recruitment efforts for the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program by providing comprehensive support to prospective students, guiding them through the admissions process.
- Develop, implement, and oversee recruitment events, ensuring they align with the division's goals and values while engaging potential applicants.
- Steer the creation and continuous refinement of admissions policies and procedures, ensuring they reflect the University's and Division's mission and values.
- Maintain records of applicant data using Slate and Google Suite, ensuring accuracy, timely decision-making, and effective reporting in accordance with institutional and APTA standards.
- Revitalized marketing strategies, including content creation for social media; collaborated with the University marketing team to create marketing videos. Increased Instagram followers of 100% organically and increased engagement by over 150%.
- Lead alumni communication efforts through the development of a program newsletter and alumni events, focused on increased involvement, efficacy and donor generation.
- Drive the Division's commitment to its JEDI (Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion) goals by integrating these principles into all recruitment and admissions processes. Number of underrepresented students per cohort increased from 21% in 2019-2021 to 43% average from 2022 through 2024.
- Supervised seven graduate students in various roles to support the admissions team and social media campaigns.
Owner and Photographer
Mark Fierst Photography, LLC
Minneapolis, MN
07.2011 - Current
- Cultivate strong, trust-based relationships with clients by providing clear communication, professionalism, and personalized service.
- Developed and executed targeted marketing and advertising strategies to increase brand awareness and drive client acquisition, including social media campaigns, email marketing, and influencer partnerships.
- Led consultations with clients to understand their vision, ensuring that each event exceeded expectations.
- Managed multiple projects concurrently, effectively prioritizing tasks, meeting deadlines, and ensuring flawless execution.
- Coordinated day-of logistics for weddings and other events, overseeing all aspects of the event to ensure smooth operations and a seamless experience for clients and guests.
- ILEA Star Award- Best Event Photography (2019, 2020)- Award for outstanding event photography, including exceptional photographic skill, event planning, and day-of management.
- ILEA Star Award- Partner of the Year (2024)- Peer-Award for outstanding service to the ILEA Minneapolis-St.Paul Chapter
Special Education Paraprofessional
Spring Lake Park Schools
Spring Lake Park, MN
08.2006 - 06.2014
- Provided 1:1 and small group academic support to a diverse set of high school students with various intellectual, physical, emotional, and social disabilities.
- Collaborated with special education and mainstream classroom teachers to create individualized education plans, modify assignments and tests to individual needs, and create a safe learning environment.
Head Boys' and Girls' Tennis Coach
Spring Lake Park Schools
Spring Lake Park, MN
08.2006 - 06.2014
- Provided leadership for the SLP Boys' and Girls' varsity tennis program, including middle school, junior varsity, and varsity teams.
- Created daily, weekly, and season-long lesson and goal plans.
- Managed individual emotional, athletic, and skill levels for over 40 players.
- Orchestrated the logistics of schedule creation, transportation, budget and fundraising.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Education
Gustavus Adolphus College
St. Peter, MN05-1998
Skills
- Strong organization
- Client relations
- Planning and coordination
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Excellent communication
- Process management
- Student relations
- Marketing
- Student support services
Certification
Related Training
- ECHO Foundations Equity Certificate- University of Minnesota
- Mental Health Advocate Training- University of Minnesota
Timeline
Admissions Coordinator
University of Minnesota
06.2022 - Current
Owner and Photographer
Mark Fierst Photography, LLC
07.2011 - Current
Special Education Paraprofessional
Spring Lake Park Schools
08.2006 - 06.2014
Head Boys' and Girls' Tennis Coach
Spring Lake Park Schools
08.2006 - 06.2014
Bachelor of Arts - Education
Gustavus Adolphus College