VALERIE LUCAS
Bowie,MD
Summary
Results-driven and analytical strategist with a diverse background in program management, events, communications, and graphic design for marketing and campaign development. Skilled in managing projects from concept to execution, delivering high-quality visuals for print and digital platforms. Adept at developing innovative ideas, concepts, and designs that drive organizational growth and success. A strategic relationship builder with strong interpersonal skills and a proven ability to establish trust and collaborate effectively with stakeholders at all levels.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Program Manager/Sr. Communications Specialist
UNITED STATES AGENCY FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT (USAID)
12.2022 - 02.2025
- Managed a team of four professionals, enhancing team performance and project delivery
- Coordinated and executed internal and external events to promote agency initiatives and connect stakeholders
- Directed the creative development of promotional materials, website content, press releases, agency messaging, and other marketing-related projects
- Strengthened and promoted the agency's brand and voice through strategic website management, social media engagement, email marketing campaigns, and event coordination
- Drafted talking points for Director and Deputy Directory ensuring clarity and alignment with agency objectives
- Monitored and update the Agency’s OSDBU internal and external website
- Managed website content to ensure alignment with the Agency’s branding and ensure consistency in messaging
- Partnered closely with Marketing Committee to identify new opportunities
- Identified and collaborated with small business specialists on avenues to improve and increase visibility
- Developed comprehensive marketing plans, aligned with business development strategies and goals
- Coached the Director and staff on best practices in business development, fostering a culture of continuous improvement
- Assisted agency’s communications liaise on issues to establish and maintain effective working relationships with partners, and communications representatives
Business Development and Marketing Manager
CST GROUP, CPA’S
01.2022 - 04.2022
- Lead corporate marketing initiatives
- Directed the creative development of promotional materials, website content, press releases, advertisements, and other marketing-related projects
- Elevated and promoted the company's brand and voice through strategic website management, social media initiatives, email marketing campaigns, and event coordination
- Community involvement in Chambers of Commerce and other organizations to promote CST
- Responsible for both internal and external communications
- Partnered closely with Marketing Committee to identify new opportunities
- Interacted positively and professionally with potential clients via email, phone and virtual meetings
- Maintained tracking and reporting through HubSpot and present data to Management
- Developed detailed marketing plans for marketing and business development strategy and goals
- Coached staff on business development best practices
- Temporary assignment
Freelance Graphic Designer
01.2020 - 01.2021
Development Program Manager/Graphic Designer
RECYCLING MATERIALS ASSOCIATION (REMA)/ SCRAP MAGAZINE
06.2016 - 12.2020
- Project manager for marketing and advertising sales campaigns
- Led the planning, design, and maintenance of creative print and digital advertisements across multiple platforms, including Scrap magazine, the ReMA membership directory, 12 e-newsletters, and the ReMA and Scrap websites
- Developed and structured page layouts for Scrap magazine, ensuring timely delivery while efficiently managing multiple projects and adhering to strict deadlines
- Handled the gathering, preparation, and reporting of website analytics and marketing
- Reconciled revenue for annual advertising sales valued at more than $1M
- Conducted the development, management, and balancing of comprehensive financial reports
- Contracted and communicated with third-party vendors to negotiate contracts
- Demonstrated technical skills in resolving systems issues in coordination with IT staff and outside vendor
- Provided direct oversight to database upgrades and data inventory annually
- Worked directly with Sales Director on managing advertising sales campaigns
- Served as circulation manager responsible for overseeing Scrap magazines over 7,000 subscribers, which involved overall international and domestic circulation, including: Administration of bi-annual BPA circulation statements and audit; Management and monitoring of subscription requests, renewals, and deletions; and Marketing campaigns to generate new subscribers
- Functioned as registration manager for onsite exhibitor during annual ReMA conventions
- Project manager for onsite booth and marketing events
- Managed membership subscription and advertising database
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Graphic Design
University of Maryland Global Campus
College Park, MDBachelor of Arts - Digital Media and Web Technology (Candidate)
University of Maryland Global Campus
College Park, MDAssociate of Arts and Science - Visual Communications
Prince George’s Community College
Largo, MDSkills
- Creative Direction
- Social Media and Website Content Management
- Event Management
- Report Preparation and Presentation
- Project Management and Database Management
- Operations/Administration Management
- Digital and Print Marketing Management
- Customer Service and Public Relations
- Graphic Design and Desktop Publishing
Certification
- Web Page Design, Prince George’s Community College, Largo, MD
- Wedding & Event Design, The Institute of Wedding & Event Design, Deerfield Beach, FL
Technical Acumen
- Adobe Programs (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator)
- Microsoft Office Applications
- Google Suite
- WordPress
- Imis Software
- QuarkXPress
- Drupal 9 Software
- Checkpoint Marketing Manager
- HubSpot
Awards
- First Place in Computer Art
- Best in Photoshop Category
Qualifications Summary
Results-driven and analytical strategist with a diverse background in program management, events, communications, and graphic design for marketing and campaign development. Skilled in managing projects from concept to execution, delivering high-quality visuals for print and digital platforms. Adept at developing innovative ideas, concepts, and designs that drive organizational growth and success. A strategic relationship builder with strong interpersonal skills and a proven ability to establish trust and collaborate effectively with stakeholders at all levels.
Timeline
Program Manager/Sr. Communications Specialist
UNITED STATES AGENCY FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT (USAID)
12.2022 - 02.2025
Business Development and Marketing Manager
CST GROUP, CPA’S
01.2022 - 04.2022
Freelance Graphic Designer
01.2020 - 01.2021
Development Program Manager/Graphic Designer
RECYCLING MATERIALS ASSOCIATION (REMA)/ SCRAP MAGAZINE
06.2016 - 12.2020
Bachelor of Arts - Digital Media and Web Technology (Candidate)
University of Maryland Global Campus
Associate of Arts and Science - Visual Communications
Prince George’s Community College
Bachelor of Arts - Graphic Design
University of Maryland Global Campus
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