Simone Marie George
Smyrna,DE
Summary
Seasoned higher education administrator with more than 15 years of experience in government relations, lobbying and communications. Proven ability to present a positive organizational image while serving as liaison for internal and external stakeholders. Successfully forged coalitions with fellow lobbyists, legislators, education partners and community leaders. Multifunctional and highly proficient in executive presentation development; research and analysis; and verbal and written communications. Applies a strong sense of urgency while proactively anticipating needs. Accustomed to working with sensitive and confidential materials.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
DIRECTOR OF GOVERNMENT RELATIONS
Wilmington University
01.2011 - 10.2020
- Advised university administration on public policy matters
- Provided legislative updates to University Executive Team and University Coordinating Council; clearly communicated impact of proposed legislation
- Prepared reports, presentations, reports and speaking points for Executive Team
- Attended legislative hearings, community events/meetings and spoke on behalf of the president
- Monitored legislation at the state and federal level that affected the University and/or higher education in general
- Met with legislation authors and allies to discuss impact of targeted legislation
- Gave presentations to special interest groups, community organizations, and local chambers of commerce, ensured messaging was consistent with the mission and vision of the institution; identified speaking opportunities for administration and/or expert faculty
- Established and maintained rapport with local, state and federal elected officials; Created content and advocacy materials
- Event planning: University Speaker Speaker Series and Annual Legislative Reception
ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT
Wilmington University, Dr. Jack P. Varsalona
01.2007 - 01.2011
- Ghostwriter; drafted letters, speeches, talking points, presentations, grants, proposals, editorials and position papers, created dynamic PowerPoints
- Trained office staff in writing basics
- Handled government and community relations
- Worked interdepartmentally with media relations and marketing/advertising to ensure the president's messages were clearly and consistently communicated
- Collaborated with contract lobbyist, attorneys, university executives, and allies on legislative matters
- Spoke at functions in the absence of the president
- Met with special interest groups, local businesses and elected officials to tactfully and compassionately voice the president’s position on certain issues
- Attended a number of board and committee meetings (of which the president was a member) giving presentations and/or input
- Established and maintained strong working relationships with local community and business leaders as well as local, state and federal legislators
- Appointed Executive Secretary for the Delaware Association of Independent Colleges and Universities
- Conducted research and analysis on issues in order to make sound recommendations
- Gathered, interpreted and summarized data from a variety of sources
- Briefed president on legislative issues, current events, and market trends in education, advising when necessary
- Prepared president with pertinent information
COLLEGE RELATIONS ASSOCIATE (PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER)
Wilmington University
01.2004 - 01.2007
- Handled all media relations, designated university spokesperson
- Arranged interviews for reporters with expert faculty/staff and provided coaching
- Editor in Chief of University Alumni Magazine, WILM U
- Copywriter and editor for print advertisements, radio and television commercials, program brochures, direct marketing materials and college website content
- Created, edited and designed content for various ad campaigns; starred in and assisted with commercial production
- Created and implemented strategic communication plans
- Recorded voiceovers for commercials
- Assisted in student recruitment
Education
Master of Science - Organizational Leadership
Wilmington University
2007
Bachelor of Arts - Journalism
Long Island University
2003
Skills
- Lobbying and Advocacy
- Stakeholder Communications
- Government Relations
- Legislation Tracking
- Local and Federal Government
- Public and Media Relations
- Writing and Editing
- Media Coaching
- Organizational Skills
- Self-Motivated
Accomplishments
- Awarded Delaware American Council on Education (ACE) Rising Star Award, 2009
- Guest lecturer: Sahrdaya University and SCMS in Kerala, India; St. Alyosios College in Mangalore, India; Stawa University and Nkumba University in Kampala, Uganda
- Spearheaded efforts to create Wilmington University’s STAR scholarship program (awarding over $1million in scholarship money to over 100 students)
- Successfully applied for TD Bank grant to provide financial assistance to low- income students
- Created and implemented the Wilmington University Speaker Series
- Created and coordinated the Annual Legislative Reception for the Delaware Association of Independent Colleges & Universities
- Executive Secretary, Delaware Association of Independent Colleges and Universities
Affiliations
Delaware Association of Independent Colleges and Universities- Former Executive Secretary, Central Delaware Chamber of Commerce, State Affairs Committee Member, New Castle County Chamber of Commerce State Affairs Committee Member -Southern New Jersey Chamber of Commerce, State Affairs Committee Member, United Way of Delaware, Young Impact Professionals-Goodwill of Delaware and Delaware County’s Inspiration Awards Luncheon Committee Participant, Goodwill of Delaware and Delaware County’s Annual Runway Show
Timeline
DIRECTOR OF GOVERNMENT RELATIONS
Wilmington University
01.2011 - 10.2020
ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT
Wilmington University, Dr. Jack P. Varsalona
01.2007 - 01.2011
COLLEGE RELATIONS ASSOCIATE (PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER)
Wilmington University
01.2004 - 01.2007
Master of Science - Organizational Leadership
Wilmington University
Bachelor of Arts - Journalism
Long Island University
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