McKayla Cothran
Birmingham,AL
Summary
Results-driven marketing manager with a strong foundation in strategic planning, brand development, and aesthetic direction. Proven ability to increase brand visibility and engagement across multi-platform digital campaigns. Experienced in managing marketing budgets, coordinating strategic events, and aligning creative initiatives with measurable business objectives. Relationship-centered professional who prioritizes client loyalty, transparent communication, and long-term growth. Highly coachable team player with a strong work ethic, receptiveness to feedback, and a consistent drive for excellence.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
Work History
Marketing Manager
Maven Marketing & Co.
Birmingham, AL
07.2025 - Current
- Developed and executed social media campaigns to enhance brand awareness.
- Assisted in creating engaging content for digital platforms and email newsletters.
- Supported event planning efforts, contributing to successful product launches.
- Conducted market research to identify trends and customer preferences.
- Managed vendor relationships for promotional materials and events.
- Analyzed campaign performance metrics to recommend improvements.
- Boosted brand awareness and generated leads while managing internal and external marketing campaigns and programs.
- Boosted sales performance through the creation of engaging promotional materials and targeted advertising strategies.
- Mentored junior team members, providing guidance and support to foster professional growth and skill development within the marketing department.
- Negotiated partnerships with key influencers, maximizing brand exposure in target markets.
- Managed budgets, allocating funds strategically towards high-impact initiatives that supported overall business goals.
- Oversaw budget allocation for marketing initiatives, ensuring cost-effective spending and financial accountability.
- Increased customer engagement with creative content strategies, tailoring messages to target demographic preferences.
- Improved website visibility through development and implementation of SEO strategies.
- Developed creative presentations, trend reports, kitted assets, and product data sheets.
- Wrote and distributed press releases to increase brand visibility.
- Utilized online marketing platforms to promote real estate services and generate leads.
- Collaborated with real estate agents, lenders, and homeowners to gather essential information for appraisals.
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
- Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Demonstrated respect, friendliness, and willingness to help wherever needed.
- Organized and detail-oriented with a strong work ethic.
- Learned and adapted quickly to new technology and software applications.
- Passionate about learning and committed to continual improvement.
Freelance Photography
McKayla Cothran Photography
Birmingham, AL
07.2025 - Current
- Market and promote photography services through social media, referrals, and digital branding strategies
- Manage end-to-end client experience from initial inquiry through final delivery
- Coordinate scheduling, location planning, and shoot logistics to ensure seamless execution
- Maintain professional client communication to create a clear, organized, and high-quality experience
- Specialize in couples, bridals, graduate sessions, and lifestyle photography
- Travel for on-location sessions, demonstrating flexibility and adaptability in dynamic environments
- Deliver professionally edited, high-resolution images within established turnaround timelines
- Developed pricing packages tailored to different client needs and budgets
- Created mood boards and pre-session planning guides for clients
- Adapted quickly to changing weather, lighting, and travel constraints
Social Media Intern
Maven Marketing & Co.
Birmingham, AL
01.2025 - 06.2025
- Analyzed social media metrics to measure performance and identify areas for improvement.
- Developed visual assets using graphic design tools to enhance online presence and brand identity.
- Created engaging content to catch attention of potential customers.
- Collaborated with the marketing team to create visually appealing graphics and multimedia content.
- Researched relevant industry trends to develop engaging, topical social media content.
- Enhanced online presence with innovative marketing strategies tailored to specific target audiences.
- Created informative and entertaining posts for client's Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram pages.
- Monitored social media channels for relevant news and trends, incorporating them into the overall strategy as appropriate.
- Supported event promotion efforts through targeted social media posts and cross-promotions with partners.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of emerging social media tools, trends, or algorithms changes to continuously refine strategies for maximum effectiveness.
- Developed creative and unique campaign visuals, including videos, GIFs and images.
- Responded to comments, posts, and questions from various channels.
- Participated in regular meetings with other departments such as PR or Sales teams to ensure alignment of goals and strategies across company divisions.
- Conducted daily updates to social media profiles to boost company online presence.
- Developed content calendar to maintain balance of promotional and informative posts.
D1 Student Athlete - Softball
Samford University Athletics
Birmignham, AL
08.2021 - 05.2025
- 4-year starter at the Division 1 level, demonstrating elite time management and performance consistency
- Earned SoCon First Team All-Conference and Second Team All-Conference honors
- Selected to SoCon All-Freshman Team
- Served as Team Leader and SAAC Representative, representing team interests at the university level
- Balanced full competitive season schedule with completion of senior-year internship
- Dean’s List recipient and Athletic Scholarship
Business Owner
Rep Jesus Clothing Co
Birmingham, AL
01.2024 - 04.2025
- Co-founded and scaled a faith-based apparel brand operating under a Christian nonprofit
- Developed and executed brand positioning, go-to-market strategy, and direct-to-consumer sales initiatives
- Designed and launched e-commerce website, optimizing user experience to drive online conversions
- Managed digital marketing strategy across social platforms to increase brand awareness and merchandise sales
- Oversaw product development lifecycle including sourcing, inventory management, pricing strategy, and fulfillment
- Drove revenue growth through targeted campaigns, community engagement, and strategic content marketing
Education
Bachelor of Science - Journalism And Mass Communication
Samford University
Birmingham, Alabama, AL05-2025
Skills
- Strategic planning
- Creative direction
- Marketing campaigns
- Brand development
- Project management
- Marketing analytics
- Social media platforms
- Advertising management
- KPI tracking
- SEO optimization
- Public and media relations
- Vendor relations
- Influencer marketing
- SEO
- Data analytics
- Marketing strategy development
- Relationship building
- Market trends analysis
- Promotional events
- Budgeting and allocation
- Google analytics
- Calendar management
Languages
Spanish
Limited Working
Timeline
Marketing Manager
Maven Marketing & Co.
07.2025 - Current
Freelance Photography
McKayla Cothran Photography
07.2025 - Current
Social Media Intern
Maven Marketing & Co.
01.2025 - 06.2025
Business Owner
Rep Jesus Clothing Co
01.2024 - 04.2025
D1 Student Athlete - Softball
Samford University Athletics
08.2021 - 05.2025
Bachelor of Science - Journalism And Mass Communication
Samford University