Marketing Communications Manager

• May 2022 - Present

Brand and Marketing Advisor

• Dec 2021 - May 2022

General Manager

• Oct 2018 - Aug 2021

• Oversaw budgeting, forecasting, labor and cost controls for the $2.5 million restaurant; • Designed and executed successful, revenue-building marketing campaigns, returning the restaurant to profitability in the first year of tenure; • Grew the subscriber database by 30% over the course of tenure; • Established a special events department, resulting in an additional $200,000 in revenue; executed 78 events in the first year alone, including 11 full buyouts: • Overhauled the existing reservation system to grow monthly guest volume by 17%; • Maintained the operation at 80% employment throughout the pandemic by adjusting business and staffing models; • Activated new revenue streams and client services: lunch, in-house delivery, off-site catering; • Developed media strategies, resulting in monthly press coverage in digital and print outlets; • Directed social media and graphic design teams, doubling the digital footprint on Instagram and Facebook; • Created original content for promotional copy and loyalty programs; • Project-managed renovations and amendments to the physical space; • Supervised the work of general contractors and specialists; • Recruited, managed, and developed a staff of 50 employees. Show less

Assistant General Manager

• Oct 2017 - Aug 2018

• Oversaw business financials, to ensure 16% LBW costs and 26% labor costs; • Project-managed the migration of all reporting modules to a single, unified platform to facilitate the company's rapid growth spurt; trained the management team on the new system and ensured employee compliance; • Oversaw the restaurant’s special events department and partnered with the area’s convention center and local tourism agencies in executing site visits and large-scale functions; • Led the restaurant’s recruiting efforts for all non-culinary positions; conducted initial orientations and on-boarding of new hires; built out development plans and maintained accuracy of training materials. • Served as the operation’s primary in-house trainer for all products and services, ensuring consistent growth of check averages and inventory utilization; • Organized and lead daily services with an average of 40 employees per shift, averaging 400 to 800 guests daily. Show less

Assistant General Manager

• Nov 2016 - May 2017

• Responsible for comprehensive daily financials and reporting, controlling labor costs, ensuring payroll accuracy, and meeting budget and revenue goals. • Supported the culinary team in inventory and quality control, menu planning and changes, and quick pivots based on reporting data. • Oversaw repair, maintenance, and renovation projects for the entire operation, managing multiple general and sub-contractors concurrently. • Charged with hiring, training, and developing employees according to company policy; administered semi-annual reviews and performance-improvement plans. • Executed dinner service in a fast-paced environment that welcomed 300 to 700 guests on a nightly basis. Show less

General Manager

• May 2014 - Aug 2016

• Developed and executed a successful marketing campaign to establish the restaurant as a DC dining destination: resulting in 2 stars from The Washington Post Dining Guide and monthly highlights in competitive local and national publications. • Oversaw all PR and marketing efforts; set monthly and annual coverage goals; hosted journalists and social media influencers; • Oversaw all aspects of the restaurant’s daily operations: financial reporting, LBW procurement, payroll; training modules, the POS and the reservation systems, as well as hiring, scheduling, and retention of staff. Show less

Wine Director

• Feb 2012 - Apr 2014

• Developed strong collaborations and successful cross-functional practices with multiple hotel departments: Marketing and Special Events, Guest Services, Culinary, Purchasing, and Engineering. • Supported the General Manager in daily departmental tasks of a busy 3-star-rated restaurant: payroll, scheduling, HR, and educational development. • Created an award-winning wine list; maintained relationships with vendors and distributors; partnered with producers to host audience-building dinners and tastings; spearheaded off-site events with local charities and fundraising organizations. • The restaurant earned its first Wine Spectator Award and two RAMMYs (local restaurant awards) in Best Service and Casual Fine Dining categories during my tenure. Show less

Beverage Director

• Oct 2009 - Jan 2012

• Developed a descriptive, award-winning wine list of 150 bottles and an artisanal, cost-effective beverage program. • Responsible for inventory, invoicing, ordering, and cellar management. • Partnered with the Assistant General Manager on front-of-the-house responsibilities: reservations, guest satisfaction, special events planning, accounting, staffing and supplies. • Developed a descriptive, award-winning wine list of 150 bottles and an artisanal, cost-effective beverage program. • Responsible for inventory, invoicing, ordering, and cellar management. • Partnered with the Assistant General Manager on front-of-the-house responsibilities: reservations, guest satisfaction, special events planning, accounting, staffing and supplies.

Field Organizer

• Nov 2006 - Mar 2008

• Led multiple concurrent and successful state-wide campaigns: to impose an execution moratorium; to amend sentencing guidelines; to compel commutations; and to achieve a comprehensive legislative repeal (passed by Maryland legislature in 2013). • Strengthened and grew an existing network of social justice, civil rights, religious and pacifist organizations contributing organizational and financial resources. • Led lobbying efforts engaging Maryland State Assembly members. • Conducted outreach to families and relatives of incarcerated campaign members, victims’ families, defense attorneys and state-appointed public defenders. • Coached new members in public speaking, campaign’s methodology, as well as volunteer, recruitment, and fundraising practices. Show less

Communications Associate

• Apr 2006 - Mar 2007

• Conducted outreach to affiliate and member organizations of the AFL-CIO and other labor publications. • Designed and moderated panels for the group’s annual national conferences and quarterly DC meetings. • Wrote original copy for the monthly newsletter, recruited writers and outside contributors on urgent topics and evolving policy matters. • Conducted outreach to affiliate and member organizations of the AFL-CIO and other labor publications. • Designed and moderated panels for the group’s annual national conferences and quarterly DC meetings. • Wrote original copy for the monthly newsletter, recruited writers and outside contributors on urgent topics and evolving policy matters.

Editor In Chief

• Jun 2005 - Feb 2006

• Responsible for the production of the weekly newspaper: generating copy, art direction and layout, printing and distribution. • Oversaw advertising revenue and placements; expanded the network and long-term commitments from local businesses. • Provided focus and direction to the paper’s coverage of emerging news stories, and commissioned pieces for all sections of the publication: news, features, leisure, and business. • Spearheaded news coverage of the county’s legislative bills; cultivated sources and contributors in technical fields to deliver explicable, comprehensive updates to the general public. Show less

Associate Editor

• Aug 2004 - May 2005

• Commissioned and developed long-form feature stories, assisted writers throughout the revision process to achieve strong narrative arcs and a clear presentation style. • Fostered relationships with local organizations and community leaders to support on-background reporting. • Collaborated with the editorial team on themed issues and on generating long-lead story ideas; recruited and cultivated new freelance writers; edited web and print articles. • Contributed restaurant, theater, and book reviews. Show less