UCLA

Harvard University

 -  Content Marketer  -  Content Strategy  -  Journalist  - 

Google

Marketing Communications Program Manager

Skills: Localizaton · Leadership · Product Marketing

Twitter

Global Content Manager

Skills: Communication · Editing · Content Strategy · Program Management

Apple

Senior Worldwide Content Program Manager

Skills: Thought Leadership · Editing · Event Planning · Content Strategy · Public Speaking · Copy Editing · Program Management

Senior Worldwide Community Manager

I played a key role in the launch of Ziptopia, the company's first online magazine. Together with an in-house team, I led the development of content that resonated with our targeted audiences and contributed to the growth of the Zipcar user base. When our content needs grew, I built out and managed a team of 40+ freelance writers, photographers, and videographers from all over the country, produced over 45 stories per quarter, and developed custom reports with quantitative analysis to refine our content strategy. I also wrote articles and produced videos along with our videographers. To streamline our workflow, I developed a PR and social outreach plan while overseeing content production and managing our budget. These efforts helped elevate Zipcar's brand in the car-sharing industry with engaging and informative content.

Zipcar

Content Marketing Manager

I developed digital marketing content strategies that aligned with the client's business objectives across a variety of verticals, including travel, finance, pharmaceutical, and retail. I led a dynamic content team of executives, 15 specialists, 3 leaders, and trainees to develop articles, blogs, infographics, and case studies that drove iProspect's goal of thought leadership. 

I played a critical role in advancing iProspect's marketing and media relations activities through content, including the corporate blog, outreach to leading industry publications, and finding new writers, graphic designers, executive interview sources, and video subjects. I wrote and edited 65% of the website content, blog posts, articles, and case studies, including seven award-winning submissions for iProspect.

Through my efforts, I successfully developed and advanced iProspect's lead generation, thought leadership, and content strategy, resulting in increased visibility and success for the company.

iProspect

Content Editor

As a Community Manager, I fostered connections between local entrepreneurs and the technology community by creating monthly tech events that provided education and networking opportunities for attendees. My responsibilities included:

• Hosting successful monthly events that brought together up to 300 entrepreneurs, students, and tech venture capitalists.

• Implementing effective social and content strategies to increase attendance at monthly events for entrepreneurs and venture capitalists.

• Recruiting 6 prominent CFOs and CEOs of major companies as speakers for a new tech-focused speaker series.

• Strengthening the tech-based community through outreach efforts, such as networking mixers, educational cocktail receptions, and conferences. These efforts led to a 30% increase in event attendance.

• Managing venue coordination and reservations for monthly speaker series that aimed at community building for entrepreneurs, angel investors, and start-up companies, ensuring seamless execution of each event.

Tech.Co (formerly Tech Cocktail)

Community Manager 

I was responsible for the online marketing efforts for both the Harvard Graduate School of Education and the Harvard Law School Program on Negotiation. I wrote and edited 30% of the website content, e-newsletters, and blog posts and utilized HTML to input content for weekly emails, e-newsletters, and the website. With a focus on SEO, I utilized keywords to write and format blog posts, CMS, and e-newsletters, resulting in a 25% increase in readership. I leveraged analytics to inform data-driven decision-making and worked closely with the marketing manager to ensure the smooth functioning of all parts of the website and resolve problems. Additionally, I reported, blogged, photographed, and ran a social media campaign for PON film series events, successfully driving engagement and increasing attendance.

Online Content Coordinator

I was a valued member of a twelve-person call center team responsible for fulfilling book orders for author events, weekly orders, and publicity. I consistently responded to an average of 40-60 inquiries per day and leveraged my expertise in logistics to enhance shipping operations and ensure timely delivery for time-sensitive author appearances. My efforts resulted in improved customer satisfaction and increased efficiency for the call center.

Hachette Book Group

Customer Service Representative

I optimized website organic search results by skillfully integrating the best keywords into site content. I also successfully created, wrote, and managed various Internet marketing campaigns, and conducted thorough evaluations and testing of existing site infrastructure. Additionally, I leveraged my skills to help local businesses gain a competitive edge through effective blog marketing, website copywriting, and promoting links with service link directories.

Search Circus

SEO Writer

As a travel writer, I created compelling short and long-form copy that showcased the diverse destinations and attractions of the southeastern United States. This content was featured in their USA guidebook and online publication. Additionally, I played a vital role in ensuring the accuracy of the guidebook's regional coverage by conducting thorough fact-checking and updating information for the latest edition.

Let's Go Publications

Travel Writer

I had the privilege of editing and copywriting for the book "Ordinary Martyrs," an anthology that highlights the experiences of urban school teachers. Working closely with Professor Greg Harris of the Harvard Kennedy School of Government, I wrote and edited sections of the book to ensure its overall cohesiveness and readability. In addition, I leveraged my strong writing skills to develop compelling book proposals and successfully pitched agents with publishing queries.

Harvard Research Assistant

I was responsible for fact-checking, researching, and writing sidebars that provided further insights into articles on green living.

Whole Living (Body + Soul) magazine

Magazine Writer

I was part of a dynamic three-person team where I consistently delivered exceptional support for computer repairs and responded to an average of 35-50 in-house inquiries. Additionally, I leveraged my extensive knowledge of IBM and Apple computers and software to sell these products to Harvard University staff, students, and faculty.

Harvard Technology Services

Computer Sales Specialist

Drove sales growth and delivered exceptional customer service with my friendly demeanor and in-depth understanding of products.

Apple Store Stanford, CA

Apple Specialists

As a writer, I pitched, researched, and conducted interviews for new album reviews, concert previews, and stories about bands. Additionally, I maintained events listings and verified the accuracy of information presented in articles.

Melissa Pocek