Experience

• 

  University of California San Diego

  • United States
  • Higher Education
  • 700 & Above Employee

  • Creative Director, Advancement and Campaign Communications

    • Jan 2017 - Present

  • Associate Creative Director - Health Sciences Advancement

    • Aug 2014 - Jan 2017

    Lead design expert and brand ambassador for Health Sciences Advancement Communications. Plans and implements strategic communications and integrated marketing programs to bolster philanthropic giving to UC San Diego Health Sciences.Collaborates with clients to develop creative briefs and advises colleagues about the most effective content strategy to advance the objectives and messaging goals of Health Sciences Advancement. Manages projects from inception through delivery on a wide assortment of print and digital collateral, including fundraising and donor cultivation events, stewardship communications, gift proposals, and presentations. Supervises a corps of graphic designers and outside vendors, and provides quality assurance on all creative deliverables.

  • Marketing & Communications - Department of Housing | Dining | Hospitality

    • Aug 2008 - Aug 2014

    Responsible for the management, development, and implementation of comprehensive marketing and communications programs for UC San Diego’s division of Housing | Dining | Hospitality, one of the University’s largest departments. Projects include marketing plans, brand identities, print collateral and publications, promotional advertising, electronic communications, and signage. Independently responsible for creative direction, design, writing, editing, and project management including coordination of production schedules, budget oversight, development and implementation of marketing initiatives, procurement of external vendors, monitoring of quality control standards, and other responsibilities relating to general office management. Provide art direction and training to Publications Coordinators and supervise a team of student workers.

• 

  AbramsCreative

  • Encinitas, CA

  • Creative Director / Director of Marketing

    • 2006 - Present
    • Encinitas, CA

    Independently launched and operated AbramsCreative, a marketing and communications sole proprietorship. Developed integrated communications strategies and brand marketing for clients in a variety of industries, from technology and healthcare, to nonprofit and entertainment. Partnered with media and public relations groups to develop effective messaging and reach target audiences. Responsible for the concept and creation of corporate brand identities, collateral materials, Internet communications, advertising campaigns, and social media presence. Wrote and edited copy for corporate brochures, direct mail campaigns, and company websites. Established brand guidelines for in-house communications departments to follow. Coordinated, planned, and contributed at trade shows and special events. Managed all facets of day-to-day operations, including budget oversight, production scheduling, billing, and the commission and monitoring of sub-contractors and vendors.

• 

  Lyon & Associates Creative Services, Inc.

  • La Jolla, CA

  • Senior Art Director

    • 1994 - 2006
    • La Jolla, CA

    Worked with a variety of clients ranging from Fortune 1000 to start-ups, including several in the health sciences and technology fields, to establish strategic and comprehensive branding and marketing plans. Conceptualized and art directed high-impact marketing materials including ad campaigns, corporate brochures, websites, direct mail, e-newsletters, trade show environmental graphics, and corporate identity. Developed brand manuals and style guides to ensure consistent branding and messaging. Partnered with public relations teams and media representatives to develop successful and cost-effective media plans for print, television, and radio. Represented clients at special events and trade shows. Commissioned and supervised freelance photographers, illustrators, film-makers, and web programmers.

• 

  Franklin Stoorza

  • San Diego

  • Senior Art Director

    • 1992 - 1994
    • San Diego

    Senior art director within the Public Relations division of Franklin Stoorza, the largest multi-disciplined advertising and public relations firm in San Diego at the time. Responsible for the concept and design of annual reports, corporate brochures, company newsletters, identity packages, and special event invitations and promotional materials. Art directed production artists, photographers, and illustrators. Budgeted print plans and performed press checks. Managed the Request for Proposal [RFP] process, both from a design and content perspective.

• 

  Janis Brown & Associates

  • Escondido, CA

  • Art Director

    • 1991 - 1993
    • Escondido, CA

    Designed and produced printed materials for the retail/fashion industry. Projects included magazine and newspaper ads, outdoor boards, catalogs, and rack brochures. Analyzed customer requirements, established and ensured adherence to project timelines and budget constraints. Art directed photo shoots and photo editing.

• 

  Benelli Design

  • San Diego, CA

  • Senior Graphic Designer

    • 1988 - 1991
    • San Diego, CA

    Responsible for the design and production of company logos, brochures, and advertising. Gained an understanding of the target audience and business to which the communications should be directed, and implemented strategic thinking accordingly. Art directed freelance photographers and illustrators, and managed print vendors.