EXPERIENCE | joanscovic

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

CAREER OBJECTIVE

I am a marketing and communications professional using my skill set and experience to develop strategies, campaigns, and organizational branding in an innovative and fiscally responsible manner.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Northbrook Park District, Northbrook, Illinois

A local park district whose mission is to enhance our community by providing outstanding services, parks and facilities through environmental, social and financial stewardship.

Director of Marketing & Communications | September 2019 to present

Provide strategic leadership of all marketing and communications initiatives for an autonomous park district serving a community of over 34,000 residents.
Serve as a member of the District’s Senior Leadership Team, working with the Executive Director and other Division Directors to strategically meet the needs of the District, community, Board, and staff.
Responsible for management of an internal division of four staff.
Contribute as an innovative team member on District-wide initiatives including Public Relations Strategy, Comprehensive Master Plan Update, Golf Course Construction Project Team Co-Lead, Techny Prairie Activity Center branding, Heritage Oaks Golf Course rebrand, board policy manual review team, employee intranet project team, Leisure Center facility renovation team, Meadowhill Aquatic Center renovation project team, and new website development team.
Develop narrative for numerous successful grant proposals and award applications to generate revenue and raise awareness.
Provide crisis communications and develop communications training for staff.
Develop and maintain an annual division budget of $700,000.
Perform communication management and preemptive planning for the District as it relates to developing and implementing communications to the Board, staff, and community.
Oversee the creation and implementation of hundreds of marketing campaigns annually along with strategic communication planning.
Manage the District’s sponsorship and advertising programs.
Collaborate with businesses and community organizations.

Palatine Park District, Palatine, Illinois

A separate municipal governing agency established for the purpose of providing parks, facilities, and recreation programs for a community of over 83,000 residents.

Communications & Marketing Manager | August 2016 August 2019

Responsible for management of an internal division of five staff members, reporting to the Superintendent of Recreation.
Develop and maintain annual division budget in excess of $575,000.
Oversee creation and implementation of several hundred project requests annually for facilities, programs, and events.
Identify district marketing needs and solutions through collaboration with recreation and facility staff.
Serve as the communications officer for special events and crisis task forces as needed.
Act as District liaison to community groups including the Palatine Area Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Palatine Business Association, and Rotary Club of Palatine.

Marketing Manager | November 2014 to August 2016

Established and implemented editorial content calendar across over 40 platforms serving five District departments.
Provided direct supervision of the full-time Sponsorship Coordinator.
Created over 30 video presentations for lobby screens and District events.
Developed and disseminated over 120 press releases while establishing rapport with media contacts.
Designed print collateral including flyers, posters, web graphics and the 44-page Sounds of Summer program book.

Marketing Coordinator | July 2013 to November 2014

Created marketing time lines for dozens of special events and hundreds of designated programs.
Coordinated with IT division to implement the creation of multiple video presentations in facilities.
Designed and implemented community awareness campaign for Strategic Master Plan initiative.
Promoted and scheduled new Sammy the Squirrel mascot program.
Increased media presence in Daily Herald, Palatine Patch, and Chicago Tribune TribLocal.

Marketing & Sponsorship Coordinator | April 2012 to July 2013

Developed an enhanced sponsorship program resulting in a 44% increase in revenue.
Coordinated content management across social platforms.
Created and distributed press releases and public notices.
Assisted with graphic design projects as assigned.
Contributed to an extensive photograph database of events, facilities, and parks.
Created general and targeted newsletters for a variety of audiences.

South Barrington Park District, South Barrington, Illinois

The South Barrington Park District enriches the community through parks, programs, and facilities.

Communications & Marketing Coordinator | August 2003 to April 2012

Directed all aspects in a one person creative department serving the marketing needs of all park district staff.
Created marketing plans for events and programs across 35 identified marketing outlets.
Developed new email database, growing opt-ins to almost 5,000 addresses.
Created an online and social environment for district marketing including a Facebook presence.
Designed print media projects included three seasonal 52-page full color program guides, flyers, posters, banners, advertisements, direct mail pieces, and newsletters.
Assisted with original layout and design of park district website in 2004, with continual upgrades developed as needs were identified through marketing and district trends.
Wrote extensive public relations pieces including press releases and monthly magazine articles for South Barrington Life.
Executed a variety of special events from planning to promotion to execution.
Managed an annual General Recreation budget in excess of $300,000.

Accounts Receivable Coordinator | August 2000 to August 2003

Directed accounts receivable activities for the park district including reconciliation of daily cash receipts.
Coordinated billing and payments for membership dues in excess of $1,000,000 annually.
Created various club publications and print collateral.

Front Desk Supervisor, South Barrington Club Facility | February 1999 to August 2000

Coordinated all front line activities for the reception desk of a private tennis and fitness facility.
Trained, scheduled, and managed a staff of 15 customer service team members.
Created an environment of exceptional customer service for recreation patrons, club members, and guests.

Click here to view my complete resume.