Michael Schmidt
Anchorage,AK
Summary
Dynamic and results-driven leader with a robust background in strategic management and organizational growth. Proven expertise in developing and executing effective business strategies, optimizing processes, and enhancing team performance to achieve measurable outcomes. Recognized for adaptability and effective collaboration in fast-paced environments while maintaining a strong focus on communication and problem-solving skills. Committed to fostering a productive and positive team culture that drives success and innovation.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Director, Business Marketing
GCI (General Communications, Inc.)
Anchorage, AK
01.2025 - Current
- Own and drive the integrated marketing strategy for B2B segments, aligning Route-to-Market (RTM) plans with enterprise GTM priorities and growth objectives.
- Serve as a primary point of contact for Sales, GTM, and cross-functional leaders, ensuring alignment on strategic priorities, messaging, and campaign execution.
- Monitor market trends and competitive insights to identify new segment opportunities and inform strategic planning.
- Partner with executive leadership and Product teams to translate complex offerings into clear, persona-based value propositions that resonate across buying committees.
- Lead the creation of actionable campaign briefs for internal and external teams (Content, Paid Media, Events), ensuring consistent and high-quality execution.
- Establish and maintain a closed-loop feedback system between Sales and Marketing, improving lead quality over 20%, campaign performance, and pipeline acceleration.
- Analyze and optimize performance across the funnel, track MQA, pipeline contribution, and improved conversion rates +10% to drive continuous improvement.
- Strengthen and evolve brand positioning by ensuring consistent, insight-driven messaging across all channels and touchpoints.
- Manage and allocate marketing budgets to maximize ROI and support high-impact demand generation initiatives.
- Develop integrated marketing plans across digital platforms, traditional media, and events.
- Foster cross-functional collaboration and a data-driven marketing culture focused on accountability, transparency, and measurable outcomes.
- Lead cross-functional teams to implement strategic initiatives, enhancing operational efficiency and service delivery.
- Develop and execute long-term business plans to drive growth and market expansion.
- Manage budget management and resource allocation, ensuring alignment with organizational goals.
- Spearhead change management efforts, guiding teams through transitions while maintaining performance standards.
Director, Retail Marketing
GCI (General Communications, Inc.)
Anchorage, AK
07.2021 - 01.2025
- Engineered and expanded messaging frameworks and campaign briefs to enhance product launch effectiveness.
- Directed integrated retail marketing strategy across 28 locations, ensuring alignment of in-store sales execution with overarching go-to-market priorities, improving close rates by over 20%.
- Facilitated partnerships with retail sales and cross-functional teams to strengthen execution consistency and frontline effectiveness.
- Transformed business priorities into actionable communications and marketing programs, empowering frontline teams to provide consistent, high-quality customer experiences.
- Spearheaded large-scale retail transformation initiatives, articulating vision, milestones, and impact to enhance team collaboration.
- Led communications and marketing initiatives for 13 store remodels, ensuring cross-departmental alignment and customer engagement during transitions.
- Established and executed scalable communication systems and enablement tools to enhance team readiness and execution quality.
- Oversaw and expanded wireless accessory business, driving revenue and margin growth exceeding 150% through strategic merchandising and promotional initiatives.
- Analyzed customer feedback and performance metrics to enhance messaging and improve retail funnel effectiveness.
- Developed performance metrics to assess team effectiveness and enhance continuous improvement initiatives.
Senior Marketing Manager
GCI (General Communications, Inc.)
Anchorage, AK
06.2018 - 06.2021
- Designed and launched a comprehensive brand and messaging strategy aimed at reinforcing value-driven positioning throughout various teams and customer engagements.
- Developed and implemented comprehensive sales enablement strategies to empower frontline teams with essential resources and insights. Resulted in improving close rates by 80%.
- Facilitated cross-team communication and optimized processes to enhance execution efficiency.
- Managed budget oversight and executed strategic initiatives to support transformation efforts and enhance operational effectiveness.
- Spearheaded integrated campaign execution in collaboration with PR media and agency teams to ensure alignment and consistency across earned, owned, and paid media platforms.
- Oversaw the strategic launch of product campaigns, ensuring alignment across functions to maximize market impact.
- Developed and implemented mentorship programs for junior marketing staff to enhance professional capabilities and strengthen team dynamics.
- Engaged with sales teams to ensure marketing efforts effectively supported business objectives and optimized lead conversion.
- Executed data-driven decision-making processes by leveraging analytics tools to monitor campaign performance.
- Optimized internal communication processes within department to enhance efficiency and expedite project completion.
Executive Aide to the Senior VP GM
GCI (General Communications, Inc.)
Anchorage, AK
09.2016 - 06.2018
- Acted as strategic partner to Senior VP & GM, overseeing executive communications and translating organizational priorities into actionable messages.
- Crafted and launched comprehensive communication strategies for employee engagement and incentives, fostering clarity and boosting overall performance among 650+ staff.
- Redesigned internal communication workflows to improve transparency and ensure cohesive collaboration among departments.
- Managed planning and implementation of major events, including fundraising initiatives that secured $1.2 million for Covenant House Alaska.
- Coordinated efforts with internal teams and external stakeholders to ensure successful launch of the Special Olympics Alaska Jim Balamaci Endowment Fund, fostering stakeholder understanding through effective communication.
- Directed special projects and organizational initiatives, including onboarding programs, employee engagement campaigns, and company-wide events, ensuring timely and coordinated execution.
Marketing Manager
GCI (General Communications, Inc.)
Anchorage, AK
02.2014 - 09.2016
- Crafted and executed targeted communication and marketing plans for significant product launches to enhance understanding of technical concepts among employees and customers.
- Orchestrated internal communications initiatives for internet and wireless product enhancements to ensure teams effectively promoted adoption and improved customer satisfaction.
- Facilitated collaboration among retail, call center, product, and operations teams to maintain consistent messaging and operational efficiency.
- Spearheaded design and launch of a high-performing referral program with a 60% close rate, ensuring effective training enablement and clear messaging.
- Established nonprofit recognition program to align internal culture with corporate values.
Marketing Specialist
GCI (General Communications, Inc.)
Anchorage, AK
10.2013 - 02.2014
- Executed comprehensive marketing email campaigns, ensuring effective communication with a target audience of over 15 million recipients annually.
- Revamped retention and segmentation strategies to significantly increase email database, thereby strengthening customer and team communications.
- Crafted and refined messaging for radio, digital, TV, and in-store campaigns, maintaining clarity and alignment with overarching organizational goals.
- Analyzed customer behavior and operational performance data to inform and optimize communication and marketing strategies.
Special Events Coordinator
BP Exploration
Anchorage, AK
06.2012 - 10.2013
- Developed and implemented communication plans for large-scale initiatives, fostering employee engagement and promoting community visibility.
- Oversaw vendor and partner relationships to ensure alignment, clarity, and seamless execution of events.
- Facilitated fundraising initiatives for United Way, which resulted in raising over $50,000, reinforcing organizational values and culture through impactful philanthropic events.
- Enhanced cross-functional collaboration by aligning event strategies with corporate objectives and messaging.
Marketing Coordinator
Nuvision Federal Credit Union
Anchorage, AK
04.2009 - 06.2012
- Crafted comprehensive presentations and communications to ensure informed decision-making and foster alignment among stakeholders.
- Collaborated with teams to maintain consistent marketing and communication efforts across 22 statewide retail locations, reinforcing alignment with strategic objectives.
- Analyzed data trends to refine audience segmentation and improve engagement strategies.
- Orchestrated community and member-focused events to enhance brand trust and promote internal alignment.
- Facilitated collaboration among teams to ensure synchronized execution of marketing initiatives.
Education
Master of Arts - Communication in Leadership
Gonzaga University
Spokane, WA05-2025
BBA - Business Marketing, Business Management
University of Alaska Anchorage
Anchorage, AK05-2012
Skills
- Comprehensive marketing strategy
- Sales resource development
- Route-to-market strategy formulation
- Collaborative leadership
- Market strategy alignment
- Sales and marketing strategy execution
- Strategic campaign development
- Data-driven communication strategies
- Verbal and written communication
Timeline
Director, Business Marketing
GCI (General Communications, Inc.)
01.2025 - Current
Director, Retail Marketing
GCI (General Communications, Inc.)
07.2021 - 01.2025
Senior Marketing Manager
GCI (General Communications, Inc.)
06.2018 - 06.2021
Executive Aide to the Senior VP GM
GCI (General Communications, Inc.)
09.2016 - 06.2018
Marketing Manager
GCI (General Communications, Inc.)
02.2014 - 09.2016
Marketing Specialist
GCI (General Communications, Inc.)
10.2013 - 02.2014
Special Events Coordinator
BP Exploration
06.2012 - 10.2013
Marketing Coordinator
Nuvision Federal Credit Union
04.2009 - 06.2012
Master of Arts - Communication in Leadership
Gonzaga University
BBA - Business Marketing, Business Management
University of Alaska Anchorage