Objective
To take your mission or vision and share it with others. Plain and simple. To do that, I draw on a wide variety of skills and experience in writing, editing, public relations, event planning, promotion, website management, content creation, photography, strategic planning, social media, and more.
Work
This section is in progress! Thanks for your patience as we re-skin and update the site!
Experience
Public Relations and Communications Specialist
Houghton College
Writer, web, and public relations extraordinaire. My role encompasses everything from press releases, magazine articles, print pieces, serving as unofficial assistant web coordinator, and more.
Research/write/disseminate all official features and event stories to external audiences.
Website copywriting and editing across site, to fit within brand.
Copywriting for print pieces, official college magazine, and for key external sources.
Create and send official college e-newsletter to 10,000+ subscribers.
Create and send external emails for multiple departments and areas.
Create content for academic and departmental flyers and websites.
Write and implement official Houghton College public relations plan.
Support cross-campus event marketing, both large- and small-scale events
Write website metadata information for SEO purposes
Actively seek out news and stories through coordination with key individuals
Manage student interns, including story assignment, creative direction, and editing
Marketing and Communications Consultant
M.A. Hillman Consulting Services
I maintain this marketing communications business, with clients of multiple sizes, scopes, and industries, including Alfred State College (Alfred, NY). Prior to 2014, I freelanced under my own name.
Multi-channel copywriting, editing, and marcomm services.
Website and e-newsletter creation and maintenance.
Print, website, and social media integration, with some graphic design.
Strategic planning collaboration.
Administrative Operations Coordinator and Assistant to the Dean and Director
Houghton College
In a position that “does it all,” I managed most of the marketing efforts for the Greatbatch School of Music, including the official social media channels and website, in addition to running the daily logistics.
Provided advertising, design, and marketing messaging feedback/collaborated on materials.
Maintained GSOM website, including overhaul and restructuring (traffic analysis & strategy).
Led major Artist Series event communication strategy, including print and digital efforts.
Supervised 3-6 graduate students.
Managed operations for office serving 120 students and 20-30 faculty members.
Communications Specialist (Interim)
Alfred State College
Requested by the senior director of marketing and communications for this pivotal role, I focused on marketing communications for the entire college, developing positive relationships with key individuals across two campuses.
Primary authorship and revision of material for digital and print media
Provided marketing messaging, graphic design, and advertising feedback
Strategized with director on official marketing communications plan
Collaborated with website/social media manager to ensure consistent messaging
Led development and authorship/editing of key college pieces, including brochure for the inaugural sustainability conference, press releases, and other projects
Office Coordinator for Alumni Relations, Marketing and Communications
Houghton College
Began as assistant to the executive director of alumni relations and was promoted to working with the marketing and communications department as well. Performed both jobs simultaneously.
Managed multiple marketing communications responsibilities, including editing/proofreading, authorship of print and digital content, and feedback on messaging, graphic design, and advertising
Public relations functions including strategic planning, and authorship/dissemination of general news, achievement, and special interest stories
Coordinated communication for second-largest financial gift in college history
Supervised student workers
Education
St. Bonaventure University
Master of Arts
Integrated Marketing Communications
Houghton College
Bachelor of Arts
English
Awards
The Laurie A. Branch Award for Outstanding Achievement in Integrated Marketing Communications
(Honorable Mention/Second Place)
Testimonials
“Shelly provided freelance writing and social media support for the Cattaraugus Region Community Foundation for approximately six months. While she worked remotely, it seemed as if she was just down the hall. She was available on many occasions for quickly needed fixes and always was able to juggle her schedule to complete the work needed on time or earlier than needed. She was an excellent writer and keen-eyed editor on all copy she produced or edited - regardless of the media format. She quickly jumped in and managed our social media, learning quickly when needed to accomplish the project at hand. Shelly was dependable, pleasant to work with and proactive in recommending solutions or offering suggestions to improve projects when needed or appropriate. I highly recommend Shelly as marketing and communications consultant.”
“Michelle is an amazing writer and editor. One of her many roles at Houghton College included proofreading materials. Anytime I worked on a piece that was going out to our constituencies, I counted on Michelle’s skill and talent to “get it right.” You could trust that the finished product would be sound. Michelle is also a talented organizer, having put together many events and programs for the Office of Alumni Relations. She is deeply passionate about her life and her work. She injects that enthusiasm and commitment into all she does.”
“Shelly is a detail-oriented and conscientious employee. In her role at Houghton, she reviewed copy for the marketing and communication with meticulous eyes. She was enthusiastic about taking on more responsibility and proved a reliable member of our team. Shelly will offer careful evaluation and a hardworking attitude to any opportunity.”
“Michelle’s skill set includes excellent multitasking abilities, organization, efficiency and extreme attention to detail. With a strong English background and understanding of AP style, Michelle became a master proofer/editor/press release writer during her tenure at Houghton. In additional to all of these skills, Michelle is one of the most loyal, dedicated people I’ve ever worked with. She would definitely be an asset to any team.”
“Shelly is an extremely bright and talented person. She is reliable, inquisitive, shows initiative, pay strict attention to detail and is a great learner. Shelly is very loyal to those she works with and is a strong team player. I enjoyed working with Shelly and highly recommend her.”
Contact Me
I'm always on the lookout for new opportunities to meet your marketing communications needs. Send me a message and let's get started!