Metta Smith
Springdale
Summary
Dynamic communications professional with a proven track record at Communities Unlimited, enhancing brand visibility through innovative marketing strategies. Expert in content development and project management, achieving a remarkable 300% increase in social media followers. Adept at fostering community engagement and delivering exceptional customer service, driving impactful results in diverse environments.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Financial Aid Counselor
University of Arkansas
Fayetteville
05.2024 - Current
- Assisted students in navigating the financial aid process, providing information on eligibility requirements and application procedures
- Evaluated student eligibility for various types of financial aid programs, including grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study opportunities
- Conducted individual counseling sessions with students
- Provided ongoing support to students by addressing changes in their financial circumstances or additional funding needs
- Stayed up-to-date on federal regulations related to student financial assistance programs
Communications Manager
Communities Unlimited
Fayetteville
01.2023 - 03.2024
- Managed marketing strategy to promote programs and services for 5 program areas, engaging colleagues and executive team
- Improved growth and website rankings by 81% through effective SEO strategies
- Increased social media followers by 300% and implemented editorial calendar to attract target audiences
- Grew email marketing delivery rates by 96% and open rates by 22% with quarterly newsletters
- Managed multiple projects with competing deadlines, completing unexpected projects quickly
- Led development of marketing plans with creative written communications, videography, and photography within budget
- Developed communication, content, and marketing programs consistent with non-profit brand and mission
- Presented analytics of digital media metrics using Excel and dashboard reports for executive team and board
- Managed web administration and development for corporate website using WordPress CMS
- Coordinated outreach for workshops, training events, and community meetings leveraging partnerships and digital channels
- Collaborated with external partners to coordinate partner marketing and communications
- Delegated tasks and organized a team of three to meet executive expectations and deadlines
- Assessed digital and printed materials for compliance with grants, contracts, and accessibility
- Oversaw production of marketing collateral, including brochures, flyers, and promotional materials
- Developed and executed comprehensive marketing and communication strategies to increase brand awareness
- Provided leadership and mentorship to team members, fostering professional development
Communications Coordinator / Storyteller
Communities Unlimited
Fayetteville
11.2015 - 12.2023
- Coordinated and developed communications to attract target audience for services
- Developed new channels to keep internal teams updated and communicate with vendors, customers, and media
- Updated website and social media pages with well-coordinated communications to convey information and generate interest
- Assisted with planning, production, and execution of email blasts, digital signage, event flyers, and social media campaigns
- Leveraged analytics to optimize communications strategies and achieve desired engagement
- Collaborated with senior leaders to offer recommendations and creative communications solutions
- Wrote and edited content for operations, marketing, and media relations, including press releases
- Maintained message consistency across channels to support communication goals
Facility Administrator
Manpower
Bentonville
08.2014 - 10.2015
- Controlled coordination of daily administration of facility operations and served as key point of contact for visitors
- Fulfilled shipment processes
- Organized inventory of supplies
- Generated ad-hoc reports as assigned by senior stakeholders
Administrative Assistant
Arkansas Department of Transportation
Bentonville
07.2013 - 07.2014
- Streamlined and managed workflows to ensure administrative support was delivered at optimum level
- Engaged with taxpayers, community members, and contractors to provide exemplary customer service
- Generated daily reports for executives and drafted correspondence on behalf of the department
Education
Bachelor of Arts - English Literature
University of Arkansas-Fayetteville
Fayetteville, AR05.2009
Associate of Science - Business Administration and Management, General
NorthWest Arkansas Community College
Bentonville, AR05.2006
Skills
- Mobile applications and website management
- Slack and Microsoft Teams
- Social media strategy and outreach
- Training and development
- Recruiting and talent acquisition
- Canva and Adobe Illustrator
- Community engagement and customer relations
- Report writing and documentation review
- Event planning and management
- CSS and web analytics
- Public speaking and presentation creation
- Multitasking and task prioritization
- Technical proficiency in software tools
- Time management and organizational skills
- Project coordination and implementation
- Content development and marketing strategy
- Research and data analysis skills
- Microsoft Office Suite proficiency
- Customer support and service excellence
- Project management methodologies
- Creative writing and copywriting skills
- Database management and email list building
- Baking as a personal skill
Websites
Certification
• Certified Scrum Master, 01/01/25, 01/01/28, SCRUMstudy - Accreditation Body for Scrum and Agile, 1041517
• Certified Notary Public
• Certified Notary Public
Timeline
Financial Aid Counselor
University of Arkansas
05.2024 - Current
Communications Manager
Communities Unlimited
01.2023 - 03.2024
Communications Coordinator / Storyteller
Communities Unlimited
11.2015 - 12.2023
Facility Administrator
Manpower
08.2014 - 10.2015
Administrative Assistant
Arkansas Department of Transportation
07.2013 - 07.2014
Bachelor of Arts - English Literature
University of Arkansas-Fayetteville
Associate of Science - Business Administration and Management, General
NorthWest Arkansas Community College