Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Affiliations
Accomplishments
Certification
Websites
References
Timeline
Generic

Nicole Gillespie

Saint Cloud

Summary

Dynamic communications and marketing leader with extensive experience at USDA Rural Development, excelling in digital asset management, and SEO optimization. Proven track record in driving brand development and stakeholder engagement, while leading cross-functional teams to achieve campaign success. Recognized for innovative strategies that enhance online visibility and foster collaborative environments.

Overview

15
15
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Sr. National Public Affairs and Marketing Director

USDA Rural Development
Saint Augusta
10.2021 - Current
  • Direct the development of digital assets, such as websites, e-commerce platforms, blogs, and email campaigns.
  • Present the monthly results of all outreach efforts at executive team meetings.
  • Organize promotional campaigns, including social media, print materials, press releases, and website content.
  • Develop strategies for online visibility through SEO, and SEM optimization techniques.
  • Establish new metrics to track ROI on all marketing programs under each presidential administration.
  • Collaborate with internal stakeholders to ensure that products meet customer expectations.
  • Developed and implemented a comprehensive marketing strategy to increase brand awareness, both externally and internally.
  • Provide guidance on creative direction for branding efforts across multiple channels.
  • Identify opportunities for new business partnerships, or other growth initiatives.
  • Create customer-focused messaging that resonates with target audiences.
  • Generate reports outlining the performance of various campaigns against the goals set forth in the strategic plan.
  • Direct cross-functional teams in the execution of marketing campaigns, ensuring alignment with overall business objectives.
  • Coordinate internal communications to ensure all staff are informed of marketing initiatives and their roles in their success.
  • Mentor and develop Midwest public affairs team members, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and innovation.
  • Expand personnel skill sets by mentoring the public affairs team, both individually and in groups.
  • Collaborate with other departments to coordinate strategic marketing activities.
  • I interviewed, hired, trained, and mentored 20 talented individuals over my tenure to add value to the public affairs team.
  • Plan and facilitate meetings to share marketing plans, and explain future business goals.
  • Deliver marketing strategy updates to upper-level management, both at the state and national levels.

Minnesota Public Affairs Specialist

USDA Rural Development
Saint Paul
10.2012 - 10.2021
  • Coordinated logistics associated with visits by dignitaries or high-level guests at organization facilities.
  • Collaborated with program team members on developing promotional materials aimed at increasing the visibility of the Rural Development work.
  • Researched current topics relevant to the organization's mission, and drafted reports on findings for internal use.
  • Monitored news coverage of relevant issues impacting the organization's mission, and developed targeted communications strategies and generic talking points for state leadership.
  • Created and maintained relationships with key stakeholders including elected officials, community leaders, media representatives, and industry partners.
  • Assisted in coordinating campaigns involving volunteers around specific advocacy initiatives.
  • Organized special events to highlight the organization's activities, use of funding, and impact on local communities.
  • Coordinated media monitoring efforts to track coverage of issues related to the organization's mission.
  • Responded to inquiries from the public via email or phone regarding organizational policies or procedures.
  • Facilitated communication between internal departments and outside stakeholders.
  • Developed and implemented public relations plans to promote awareness of organizational programs, services, and initiatives.
  • Reviewed performance data to evaluate success of particular messages, social media posts and public information campaigns.
  • Prepared talking points for executive staff members in advance of appearances before government agencies or other organizations.
  • Managed the development of informational materials including brochures, fact sheets, newsletters, web content, and other communications tools.
  • Worked closely with executive staff members on identifying opportunities for collaboration with partner organizations.
  • Conducted media outreach activities such as press conferences and interviews with print, broadcast, and online outlets.
  • Compiled data from various sources for analysis by senior management team members.
  • Put together and disseminated videos and other media content.
  • Authored speeches and announcements for senior staff as well as media responses, press releases and FOIA statements.
  • Maintained professionality and efficiency while working closely with leadership.
  • Posted and updated content on company's website and social media outlets.
  • Purchased advertising space or time to promote client's product or agenda.
  • Developed and maintained close working relationships with members of press.

Minnesota Public Affairs and Marketing Intern

USDA Rural Development
Saint Paul
11.2010 - 10.2012
  • Prepared presentations summarizing research findings.
  • Monitored online conversations related to brand and product mentions.
  • Developed content and promotional materials for various campaigns.
  • Conducted market research to identify target markets and develop effective campaigns.
  • Analyzed market trends to identify potential opportunities.
  • Organized promotional events such as webinars, conferences, and trade shows.
  • Conducted customer surveys to gather feedback about products and services.
  • Created and executed social media strategies to increase customer engagement.
  • Attended meetings and worked collaboratively with cross-functional teams to brainstorm new ideas.
  • Provided administrative support to the senior leadership team, including scheduling meetings and managing correspondence.

Education

Master of Science - Mass Communications

St. Cloud State University
St. Cloud, MN
10-2012

Master of Arts - English Studies

St. Cloud State University
St. Cloud, MN
10-2012

Bachelor of Science - Mass Communications

St. Cloud State University
St. Cloud, MN
05-2009

Bachelor of Arts - Women's Studies

St. Cloud State University
St. Cloud, MN
05-2009

Skills

  • Digital asset management
  • SEO optimization
  • E-commerce strategy
  • Campaign performance analysis
  • Brand development
  • Content creation
  • Stakeholder engagement
  • Team leadership
  • Cross-functional collaboration
  • Analytics and SEO

Affiliations

  • International traveler
  • Special Olympics activities volunteer
  • Avid hockey fan (mites through NHL) - attend 50+ games annually
  • Walt Disney theme parks expert (Mouse ear collector)

Accomplishments

  • Excellence in Leadership award for team overseeing national internal strategic communications efforts to engage state staff, Public Affairs Specialists and executive leadership in campaign to drive more local "people-focused" messaging
  • Excellence in Leadership award for team that developed the internal strategic communications plan and oversaw efforts to engage state staff, Public Affairs Specialists, and executive leadership with implementing new Agency brand.
  • Excellence in Leadership award for overseeing the planning, preparation, engagement and implementation of 350+ attended event to have the President of the United States announce $1.3 billion of Agency funding in Wisconsin.
  • 10 performance awards for "willingness to think outside the box" and "always go beyond what's expected"
  • 9 performance awards for assisting states with driving local communications strategies while vacant of a Public Affairs Specialist

Certification

  • Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) - In progress, Public Relations Society of America
  • Professional Certified Marketer in Marketing Management - In progress, American Marketing Association

References

References available upon request.

Timeline

Sr. National Public Affairs and Marketing Director

USDA Rural Development
10.2021 - Current

Minnesota Public Affairs Specialist

USDA Rural Development
10.2012 - 10.2021

Minnesota Public Affairs and Marketing Intern

USDA Rural Development
11.2010 - 10.2012

Master of Science - Mass Communications

St. Cloud State University

Master of Arts - English Studies

St. Cloud State University

Bachelor of Science - Mass Communications

St. Cloud State University

Bachelor of Arts - Women's Studies

St. Cloud State University

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Nicole Gillespie