Stephanie Sievers
Springfield
Summary
Accomplished Senior Director of Marketing with expertise in developing impactful marketing and communications strategies that result in enhanced brand visibility and stronger member relationships across digital platforms.
Overview
31
31
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Director of Marketing and Communications
Illinois REALTORS®
Springfield
10.2020 - Current
- Craft marketing and communications strategies to engage the association's nearly 50,000 members statewide.
- Oversee digital marketing, social media, video, website and media relations efforts aimed at enhancing the association's brand with its members and the public.
- Coordinate large-scale member events to build engagement.
- Collaborate with other departments for results-driven, brand-building initiatives.
Associate & Senior Editor
Illinois REALTORS®
Springfield
06.2008 - 10.2020
- Coordinated association's magazine, wrote and developed content, managed freelance writers and worked with print vendors.
- Managed member e-newsletter, prepared news releases/association materials and updated website and digital channels.
- Managed the association's blog and Twitter account.
Staff Writer
Small Newspaper Group
Springfield
08.2001 - 06.2008
- Covered all aspects of state government, including the Illinois General Assembly, state agencies, and the Illinois Supreme Court for daily newspapers in Rock Island, Moline, Ottawa, and Kankakee.
- Reported on statewide issues including in-depth stories on school funding, medical malpractice reform, health care and the environment.
Staff Writer
The News-Gazette
Champaign-Urbana
01.2000 - 08.2001
- Covered Vermilion County Board and surrounding villages and cities from Danville bureau, delivering timely and relevant news to local audiences.
Staff Writer
Commercial-News
Danville
09.1998 - 01.2000
- Covered state and federal courts, general assignment stories and in-depth projects on the homeless and struggling farms.
Staff Writer
Daily Herald
Arlington Heights
07.1997 - 09.1998
- Reported on two communities and their school districts, providing insights into local education issues. Crafted daily news stories, features, and analytical pieces for publication.
Staff Writer
Northwest Herald
Crystal Lake
06.1996 - 07.1997
- Covered diverse stories, including school features, municipal meetings, and a high-profile murder investigation.
Staff Writer
The State Journal-Register
01.1996 - 06.1996
- Covered 1996 Illinois General Assembly legislative session gavel-to-gavel as part of University of Illinois at Springfield Public Affairs Reporting masters degree internship.
Education
Master of Arts - Public Affairs Reporting
University of Illinois At Springfield
Springfield, IL05-1996
Master of Arts - Legal Studies
University of Illinois At Springfield
Springfield, IL12-1995
Bachelor of Arts - Journalism
Western Illinois University
Macomb, IL05-1991
Skills
- Marketing strategy
- Brand management
- Social media strategy
- Media relations
- Communications expertise
- Team leadership
AWARDS
- 2007 Media Award, Illinois Academy of Family Physicians, October 2007
- Second place, Association of Capitol Reporters and Editors, in-depth reporting, August 2005
- First place, Northern Illinois Newspaper Association, business/financial/consumer story, October 2004
Timeline
Senior Director of Marketing and Communications
Illinois REALTORS®
10.2020 - Current
Associate & Senior Editor
Illinois REALTORS®
06.2008 - 10.2020
Staff Writer
Small Newspaper Group
08.2001 - 06.2008
Staff Writer
The News-Gazette
01.2000 - 08.2001
Staff Writer
Commercial-News
09.1998 - 01.2000
Staff Writer
Daily Herald
07.1997 - 09.1998
Staff Writer
Northwest Herald
06.1996 - 07.1997
Staff Writer
The State Journal-Register
01.1996 - 06.1996
Master of Arts - Public Affairs Reporting
University of Illinois At Springfield
Master of Arts - Legal Studies
University of Illinois At Springfield
Bachelor of Arts - Journalism
Western Illinois University