hi. i'm derek.

professional
experience

Graphic Designer & Social Media Coordinator | HistoryIT | Remote – August 2021 – Now

(Company which specializes in digital preservation and collections management software)

  • Utilize Adobe Creative Suite to create engaging advertisements, social media posts, presentation decks and print collateral
  • Plan and execute monthly social media content across two internal brands via platforms like Hootsuite leading to a growth in engagement and follows
  • Assist other departments by creating documents or product mockups for client-facing project proposals and documents
  • Use Figma to create digital banner and social media ad creative
  • Create and manage email marketing campaigns using Mailchimp
  • Work with all levels of management to effectively complete tasks and provide client deliverables
  • Deliver projects with creativity, efficiency and accuracy utilizing exception layout and design skills
  • Work with other team members on projects to boost company culture and morale

Campaign Coordinator | Slippery Rock University | Slippery Rock, PA – January 2021 – May 2021

  • Collaborated on and developed a multi-media public relations campaign to mitigate the spread of COVID-19
  • Conducted research to gain student and administration perspectives to build key campaign messaging
  • Used Adobe Creative Cloud software to develop graphical and written content for print and social media use
  • Developed and presented campaign proposals to university administration

Barista | Starbucks | Pittsburgh, PA – January 2021 – August 2021

  • Worked with a team of other baristas to efficiently produce beverages and food
  • Completed back of house and bar maintenance work to keep services moving smoothly
  • Used customer service skills to professionally and effectively engage with customers to meet needs

Freelance Graphic Designer | Morgantown, WV – August 2018 – Present

  • Use Adobe Creative Cloud to create logos, menus, social media graphics and promotional posters for clients
  • Use communication skills to concept, develop, and deliver pieces that accomplish client’s goals

Director of Media Relations | Slippery Rock University Program Board | Slippery Rock, PA
August 2020 – May 2021
(Student-run organization focused on planning and executing events for students)

  • Lead a team of content creators to promote university events
  • Responsible for creating content for print and digital marketing campaigns
  • Train members of the team to use Adobe Creative Cloud software
  • Coordinate with other directors to develop messaging and content style direction

Director of Concerts | Slippery Rock University Program Board | Slippery Rock, PA
August 2019 – May 2020

  • Managed a budget of $170,000
  • Coordinated three large-scale live performances including concerts and stand-up comedy performances
  • Lead a team of student volunteers to promote, set up, and work events to ensure event success
  • Examined industry trends to make informed booking decisions to ensure financially successful events
  • Collaborated with Director of Media to create social media marketing campaigns to promote events

Editor-in-Chief | Slippery Rock University Gender Studies Program | Slippery Rock, PA
October 2018 – June 2019

  • Evaluated submissions with an esteemed editorial board to assess publication viability
  • Developed standardized editing practices for future editors and editions
  • Revised and copy edited all accepted works to ensure quality of the publication
  • Used Adobe InDesign to design the layout for both digital and potential print publication

Server | Breakaway Bar & Grill | Pittsburgh, PA – May 2017 – May 2021

  • Used customer service and communication skills to give guests the best experience possible
  • Communicated with other servers, kitchen and bar staff to quickly and effectively serve customers food and drinks
  • Managed customer and company funds when conducting payments and finalizing end of shift payment slips
education

Slippery Rock University | Slippery Rock, PA – Graduated 2021

  • Major – Strategic Communication And Media: Advertising
  • Minors – Political Science and Gender & Diversity Studies
  • Graduated Summa Cum Laude
skills
  • Adobe Illustrator
  • Adobe Photoshop
  • Adobe InDesign
  • Adobe Premiere Pro
  • Adobe After Effects
  • Copywriting
  • Content Planning
  • Email Marketing
  • Mailchimp
  • Hootsuite
  • Social Media Management
  • Product/Packaging Design
  • Brand Design
  • Logo Design
  • Figma
  • Digital Creative Design
  • Print & Collateral Design
  • Building Relationships
  • Social Media Content Creation
  • Project Management
  • Brand Identity Management
  • Production Standards
  • Email Marketing & Design
  • Idea Generation
  • Attention to Detail
  • Eager to Learn
  • Collaboration
awards & certificates
  • Slippery Rock University | President’s Commission on Women – Ally of the Year 2019
  • The Safe Zone Project | Foundational Safe Space Training Certificate
Download a copy of my resume!