SARA KIES
MARKETING // COMMUNICATIONS // BRANDING // DESIGN
Getting marketing and communications on the same page can be a bit of a puzzle in any organization. You've got to really grasp what your audience wants to see, hear, and feel – and hit them with it at just the right moments, on their terms. It's all about thinking creatively, breaking the mold, and being gutsy enough to try new things, even if change feels tough. Or, it's about sticking to your guns with confidence and patience, giving a smart strategy the time it needs to pay off.
I'm a marketing pro with a solid 20 years of experience, and yeah, I've got some awards under my belt too! I've worked with all kinds of clients in higher education, finance, and food service, and let me tell you, it's been a wild ride. From crafting killer brands to strategizing like a boss, I've done it all. Market research, strategic planning, goal creation, KPI analysis, analytics, design, budget stuff - no problemo! Plus, I'm all about building strong teams 'cause it takes a village, right?
So, if you're looking for someone who's been there, done that, and knows their stuff, I'm your go-to person. Let's rock your marcomms game together!
MARKETING PLANS & STRATEGY
SOME OF MY WORK. SEE MORE >
75%
campaigns & design
70%
95%
SOME OF MY WORK. SEE MORE >
85%
80%
85%
80%
Experience
2016-2021
2021-PRESENT
UNIVERSITY OF NORTHERN IOWA
Asst. Director of Marketing & Brand Strategy
Strategic development, implementation, and management of marketing and branding activities that serve to advance awareness of the university brand and recruit prospective students into the recruitment funnel.
UNIVERSITY OF NORTHERN IOWA COLLEGE OF BUSINESS
Marketing and Communications Manager
Directed all digital and traditional marketing, advertising, and communications initiatives for the College of Business at the University of Northern Iowa.
2015-2016
GIRAFFE REVOLUTION
Partner
Develop and execute traditional and digital marketing strategies for various local and national contractual clients including, Martin Bros. Distributing, Rich Gross Solutions Higher Education consultants.
2013-2015
MARTIN BROS. DISTRIBUTING
Marketing & Communications Manager
Managed marketing strategy, team, budget and creative initiatives for the Midwest-based food service distribution company.
2012-2013
SPINUTECH
Digital Marketing Strategist/Web Designer
Designed websites and developed online web strategies for a variety of clients and industries.
2001-2012
PFGBEST/WASENDORF GROUP OF COMPANIES
Director of Marketing and Creative
Managed marketing, communications and creative initiatives for the Wasendorf family of companies, including PFGBest, W&A Publishing, SFO magazine, Traders Press, and MyVerona Ristorante Italiano.
EDUCATION
12/1999
BACHELOR OF ARTS (BA)
Communications: Electronic Media
University of Northern Iowa
Cedar Falls, IA
12/2020
MASTER OF SCIENCE (MS)
MIS: Digital Marketing
Temple University
Philadelphia, PA