Jennifer Johnson
Blaine
Summary
Creative strategy leader with 20+ years of experience connecting audience insights, business objectives, and creative development to build impactful brand experiences. Skilled at connecting customer needs, business priorities, and creative opportunities to shape strategic direction, uncover new opportunities, and develop integrated campaigns that resonate with customers and drive business results.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
Creative Agency Services Manager
MN STAR TRIBUNE
01.2021 - 01.2026
- Partnered with clients and internal stakeholders to translate business goals into strategic marketing and content initiatives, guiding campaign development from discovery through execution.
- Led creative strategy for key accounts with annual investments ranging from $50,000 to $350,000, driving sustained year-over-year growth through audience-focused marketing programs.
- Collaborated with writers, designers, videographers, and creative leaders to develop integrated campaigns rooted in customer insights, brand objectives, and business priorities.
- Facilitated strategic conversations with clients to identify opportunities, define campaign goals, and align creative solutions with organizational objectives.
- Shaped evolution of Foundry North's in-house agency model, expanding digital marketing capabilities and enhancing strategic creative service offerings.
- Guided long-term content marketing partnerships for brands including Compeer Home and Xcel Energy, developing multi-year content strategies that strengthened audience engagement and brand affinity.
- Led the development and launch of MN Rising, a cause marketing initiative that connected community-focused organizations with purpose-driven storytelling opportunities through branded content on startribune.com.
- Collaborated with creative talent and production partners to align campaign execution with strategic goals, audience needs, and brand messaging.
Sales Development Manager
MN STAR TRIBUNE
01.2012 - 01.2021
- Developed integrated marketing strategies for regional and national advertisers, aligning audience insights and business objectives with creative opportunities to create actionable campaign recommendations.
- Partnered with research and GIS teams to analyze consumer behavior, demographic trends, and audience targeting opportunities that informed campaign development and messaging strategies.
- Created strategic campaign concepts and presentations that transformed complex business challenges into compelling marketing solutions, enhancing client engagement.
- Contributed to organization's early integrated content marketing initiative with Mayo Clinic, establishing a model for future branded content programs.
- Served as a strategic advisor to advertising teams, helping identify creative opportunities and align campaign recommendations with client goals and audience needs.
CRM Manager / Business Analyst
MN STAR TRIBUNE
01.2010 - 01.2012
- Managed CRM processes and business analysis initiatives that streamlined sales operations and improved reporting accuracy.
- Analyzed business workflows and recommended process improvements that increased operational efficiency and optimized data utilization.
Associate Project Manager
MN STAR TRIBUNE
01.2007 - 01.2010
- Coordinated advertising and marketing projects, managing timelines, stakeholder communications, and production workflows.
- Supported cross-functional teams in delivering high-volume client campaigns while maintaining quality and deadline requirements.
Advertising Coordinator
MN STAR TRIBUNE
01.2006 - 01.2007
- Coordinated production schedules, client communications, and logistics for print and digital advertising campaigns, ensuring timely delivery and alignment with client objectives.
Inbound Sales Associate
MN STAR TRIBUNE
01.2005 - 01.2006
- Supported customer acquisition and advertising sales efforts through inbound client consultation and account support.
Education
Bachelor of Arts -
University of Minnesota
Twin CitiesSkills
- Integrated campaign development
- Creative strategy development
- Content marketing strategy
- Client relationship management
- Audience targeting
- Campaign development
- Client retention strategies
- Digital marketing platforms expertise
- Marketing initiatives
- Campaign consulting
- Cross-functional leadership
- Marketing initiatives launching
- Creative operations leadership
- Workflow management tools
- Strategic communications
- Organizational communication strategies
- Organizational communication
- Problem solving techniques
- Client retention
- Team development
- Creative project management
Timeline
Creative Agency Services Manager
MN STAR TRIBUNE
01.2021 - 01.2026
Sales Development Manager
MN STAR TRIBUNE
01.2012 - 01.2021
CRM Manager / Business Analyst
MN STAR TRIBUNE
01.2010 - 01.2012
Associate Project Manager
MN STAR TRIBUNE
01.2007 - 01.2010
Advertising Coordinator
MN STAR TRIBUNE
01.2006 - 01.2007
Inbound Sales Associate
MN STAR TRIBUNE
01.2005 - 01.2006
Bachelor of Arts -
University of Minnesota