ABOUT
Resume & Philosophy
ABOUT
Resume & Philosophy
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Resume & Philosophy
LET'S MEET GOALS TOGETHER!
maryruthko@gmail.com
READ THE ROOM, THEN ADJUST
Since 2008 I've built a career as a public library marketing manager. Having previously excelled in museum education, nonprofit arts administration, and directing community theater, I've developed a diverse skill set that drives my marketing methods. Shifting my thinking to see from the audience's perspective is a key tool I use to craft my vision.
As both a broad-focused and a detail-oriented thinker, I have a keen awareness of how audience engagement is tied to an organization's perceived value. I am always looking for new and innovative ways to positively shape that perception.
WORK EXPERIENCE
WORK EXPERIENCE
MARKETING MANAGER (2008 – 2022)
Bay County Library System, Bay City, MI
Design graphics and content for all system-wide marketing including multi-format newsletters, press releases, advertising copy, and print/ digital communications.
New: Leading the integration process with Savannah software by OrangeBoy. It is slated to replace the Constant Contact messaging platform I currently use and provide robust visualized analytics to help me hone our long-range marketing plan.
Managed a rebranding process and two major website redesign projects including staff training.
Create content, manage analytics, and provide staff user guidelines for a website, intranet, and 6 social media accounts.
Assist staff with editing copy/ design work and provide templates as requested.
Build strategic cross-marketing partnerships through membership in What's Next Bay City resulting in an 80% increase in patron reach.
INTERIM EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR (2015 – 2016)
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR (2008 – 2010)
Thumb Area Center for the Art, Caro, MI
Built audience and donor growth through financial management, volunteer cultivation, and fundraising events. Directed 4-6 community events yearly with up to 100 volunteers per event. Recruited as interim to reorganize operations, rebuild funds, and train a new director.
Leveraged public speaking opportunities to increase donations by 62% and program attendance by 60%.
Created a new fundraising event to Increase cash funds by 900% in under 12 months.
Improved internal operations with a best practices board model and a new financial tracking system.
Led a new logo and rebranding process; created a social media presence, a website, and email marketing.
EDUCATION
EDUCATION
M.L.S. - PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION (2019)
Fort Hays State University, Hays, KS
Honors: Ranked Top 10 Percent of Graduate Students, May 2018
SECONDARY TEACHER CERTIFICATION (2007)
Saginaw Valley State University, University Center, MI
Certifications: English, Theater, Public Speaking, Psychology
B.A. - COMMUNICATION (2000)
Michigan State University, E. Lansing, MI
Activities: Mass Media Study Abroad Program in Great Britain
MARKETING ACTIVITIES
MARKETING ACTIVITIES
BOARD MEMBER (2009 – Present)
What's Next Bay City
A cross-marketing collaborative of nine nonprofit organizations in Bay County. In addition to staffing collective fundraising events, I design the quarterly newsletter and manage the website. Currently, we are preparing to file for 501(c)3 status as "Bay Arts and Culture Commission". I contributed heavily to crafting our Bylaws.
CO-CHAIR (2018 – 2021)
Michigan PR Group
Coordinated the first unconference for Michigan library marketers in September 2019 and led the "Marketing on a Zero Budget" break-out session. Presented an "Intro to Canva" learning session via Zoom in March 2021.
BAY COUNTY REPRESENTATIVE (2015 – 2016)
Great Lakes Bay Regional Alliance Arts & Entertainment Planning Committee
Worked with regional leaders across four counties to launch the "ArtWave" cross-marketing initiative.
MARKETING COMMITTEE MEMBER (2009 – 2016)
Downtown Bay City
Represented Wirt Library on behalf of BCLS to stay abreast of downtown public event participation opportunities.
EXPERT SKILLS
EXPERT SKILLS
Graphic Design • Project & Event Management • Research & Copywriting • Analytics Tracking •
Group Facilitation & Training • Marketing Plans • Direct & Social Media Marketing • Software Implementation • Outreach Presentations
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