Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Affiliations
Certification
Timeline
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Matt Carra

Ozark,MO

Summary

Skilled Creative Director with over 13+ years of experience leading teams, managing budgets, commercial printing, and developing strategies to engage target audiences. Excellent communicator, problem solver and detail-oriented manager proficient in business operations and customer needs. Proven track record of developing successful and innovative designs and marketing campaigns that improve brand visibility and increase revenue. Possesses excellent eye for detail and nuanced understanding of brand voice, video production, and print marketing.

Overview

16
16
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Creative Director & Business Development

TCS Printing & Graphics
02.2021 - Current
  • Enhanced brand recognition by developing innovative marketing campaigns and visually compelling designs.
  • Streamlined creative processes for improved efficiency and team productivity.
  • Mentored junior designers, fostering professional growth and enhancing overall team capabilities.
  • Led cross-functional teams to deliver high-quality creative assets on time and within budget constraints.
  • Increased client satisfaction by delivering tailored design solutions that exceeded expectations.
  • Managed multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring timely completion and seamless execution.
  • Developed comprehensive style guides to maintain brand consistency across all channels.
  • Drove innovation by staying current on industry trends and incorporating new ideas into design work.
  • Improved internal communication by designing visually engaging presentations and collateral materials.
  • Built strong relationships with clients, leading to long-term partnerships and repeat business opportunities.

Director of Development & Marketing

Infinity Academy
07.2016 - 02.2021
  • Increased fundraising revenue by implementing innovative donor engagement strategies and targeted campaigns.
  • Streamlined grant application processes for improved efficiency and higher success rates in securing funds.
  • Enhanced donor relationships with personalized communication plans and regular updates on project progress.
  • Expanded the organization''s network of supporters through targeted outreach, events, and partnership development.
  • Developed comprehensive strategic plans to guide long-term growth and sustainability of the organization''s programs.
  • Managed budgets, forecasts, and financial reporting to ensure responsible allocation of resources toward mission-critical initiatives.
  • Mentored junior staff members in best practices for donor relations, proposal writing, and grants management.
  • Successfully planned and executed special events that raised awareness about the organization''s mission while generating new sources of support.
  • Leveraged social media platforms for effective storytelling that showcased organizational achievements, resulting in increased donor engagement.
  • Spearheaded deployment of websites, social media and mobile applications.

Lead Graphic Designer

The Copy Shoppe
07.2012 - 07.2016
  • Enhanced brand recognition by developing visually appealing marketing materials and graphics.
  • Increased client satisfaction by delivering high-quality graphic design solutions on time and within budget.
  • Led rebranding efforts, creating a cohesive visual identity that strengthened the clients market presence.
  • Mentored junior designers, providing guidance and feedback to help them grow professionally.
  • Managed multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring timely completion and maintaining high quality standards.
  • Developed creative concepts for print and mailing campaigns that effectively communicated key messages to target audiences.
  • Presented design concepts to clients in a persuasive manner, securing project approval and fostering strong relationships.
  • Balanced artistic creativity with practical business considerations, resulting in well-rounded designs that achieved desired outcomes.
  • Revamped presentation templates for improved visual appeal, leading to increased audience engagement during meetings and conferences.
  • Established style guides to ensure consistent application of branding elements across all channels and materials.
  • Selected typography, color schemes, images, and layout options for compelling designs tailored to specific project needs.
  • Met with customers to present mockups and collect information for adjustments.
  • Developed creative design for print materials, brochures, banners, and signs.
  • Coordinated with external vendors and suppliers to verify quality and accuracy of printed materials.
  • Enhanced print quality by conducting regular maintenance on printing machines and equipment.
  • Increased customer satisfaction by consistently meeting or exceeding project deadlines and quality standards.
  • Supported sales team in securing new business by providing technical expertise during customer consultations.
  • Participated in ongoing professional development activities such as workshops or conferences related to the printing industry.

Assistant Manager

Kodak @ Silver Dollar City
03.2010 - 06.2012
  • Improved customer satisfaction by addressing and resolving complaints promptly.
  • Streamlined operations for increased efficiency, implementing new processes and procedures.
  • Developed strong working relationships with staff, fostering a positive work environment.
  • Increased sales through effective merchandising strategies and targeted promotions.
  • Managed inventory levels to minimize stockouts while reducing overhead costs.
  • Conducted employee performance evaluations, providing constructive feedback for growth and development.
  • Implemented staff training programs, enhancing product knowledge and improving customer service skills.
  • Boosted employee morale by recognizing outstanding performance and celebrating team accomplishments.
  • Oversaw daily cash reconciliations, ensuring accurate financial reporting and minimizing discrepancies.
  • Assisted in recruiting, interviewing, hiring, and onboarding of new employees to maintain adequate staffing levels.
  • Scheduled staff shifts to ensure proper coverage during peak shopping hours without exceeding labor budgets.
  • Enforced company policies consistently while handling disciplinary actions when necessary with fairness and respect.
  • Promoted teamwork within the workplace by encouraging collaboration among staff members on various projects and tasks.
  • Mentored junior staff members in their professional development by offering guidance/support in their assigned roles.
  • Supervised day-to-day operations to meet performance, quality and service expectations.
  • Developed strategy to increase sales and drive profits.

Lead Lifeguard & Outdoor Pool Manager

Ozark Parks Department
05.2008 - 01.2010
  • Ensured swimmer safety by diligently monitoring pool activities and enforcing rules.
  • Prevented accidents through proactive lifeguarding practices and maintaining a watchful eye on swimmers.
  • Responded to emergencies with swift action, providing first aid and CPR when necessary.
  • Assisted in the successful training of new lifeguards, sharing expertise and best practices.
  • Helped coordinate and manage special events at the facility, contributing to positive community experiences.
  • Maintained accurate records of incidents, attendance, and other relevant information for management review.
  • Collaborated with fellow lifeguards to ensure seamless shift transitions and consistent coverage throughout operation hours.
  • Provided excellent customer service to all guests, addressing concerns promptly and professionally.
  • Organized engaging swim lessons for various age groups, teaching essential skills for aquatic safety and enjoyment.
  • Implemented effective staff schedules that maximized coverage while minimizing labor costs.
  • Assisted in developing comprehensive employee training materials that enhanced performance across the entire team of lifeguards.
  • Trained and managed team of lifeguards on pool safety and risk management protocols.
  • Provided customer service and responded to inquiries and complaints for optimal guest satisfaction.

Education

No Degree - Non-Profit Management

Missouri State University
Springfield, MO
08.2019

AAS - Certificate Add-on - Marketing

Ozarks Technical Community College
Springfield, MO
05.2010

Associate of Applied Science - Graphic Design

Ozarks Technical Community College
Springfield, MO
05.2010

Associate of Applied Science - Printing Technology

Ozarks Technical Community College
Springfield, MO
05.2010

Skills

  • Project Management Expertise
  • Strategic Leadership
  • Project Management
  • Design Understanding
  • Team Development
  • Campaign Development
  • Brand Messaging
  • Marketing Expertise
  • Vendor Negotiation
  • Team Building
  • Video Editing
  • Print Production

Accomplishments

  • Bronze Telly Award Winner in Digital Video PSA for Non-Profit Category.
  • Developed new training methods for photographers/sales reps
  • Developed packages and marketing items that resulted in a 40% increase in guests viewing their photos with a 25% increase in revenue.
  • Developed an annual event, designed to help raise funds for tuition assistance, that became one of Southwest Missouri’s largest events by it’s third year.

Affiliations

  • Marketing Sub Committee, Program Chair - Springfield Black Tie
  • Board of Directors Candidate - Springfield Black Tie
  • National Association of Nonprofit Organizations & Executives (NANOE)

Certification

  • Certified Nonprofit Consultant - NANOE
  • Certified Development Executive - NANOE
  • Certified Non-profit Executive - NANOE
  • Non-profit Budgeting - MSU
  • Non-profit Leadership - MSU

Timeline

Creative Director & Business Development

TCS Printing & Graphics
02.2021 - Current

Director of Development & Marketing

Infinity Academy
07.2016 - 02.2021

Lead Graphic Designer

The Copy Shoppe
07.2012 - 07.2016

Assistant Manager

Kodak @ Silver Dollar City
03.2010 - 06.2012

Lead Lifeguard & Outdoor Pool Manager

Ozark Parks Department
05.2008 - 01.2010

No Degree - Non-Profit Management

Missouri State University

AAS - Certificate Add-on - Marketing

Ozarks Technical Community College

Associate of Applied Science - Graphic Design

Ozarks Technical Community College

Associate of Applied Science - Printing Technology

Ozarks Technical Community College

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Matt Carra