Melissa G.
Marketing and Product Development
Profile
Marketing and Sales Professional with extensive experience in delivering new products and innovative programs to market for corporate EdTech, non-profits, and start-up ventures. Brings energy and strong strategic thinking skills to new ideas, as the founder of the first Kid’s Pop-Up Market for Young Entrepreneurs and a new philanthropic society for young professionals. Expertise in market research and product positioning. Uses cross-functional leadership, problem solving skills, and collaborative nature to rally diverse stakeholders and develop successful ideas into tangible products.
Key Skills & Competencies
Collaborative team player · Strategic planning and execution · Marketing & PR · Market research and analysis · Budgeting and financial analysis · Project management· Excellent verbal and written communication skills · Strong ability to problem solve and think critically
Tech skills: Google Workspace, MS Word, MS Excel, MS Power Point, MS Publisher, MS Outlook, MS Access, Photoshop, Canva, Mailchimp, SurveyMonkey and Zoom
Professional Experience
Marketing Consultant, Greater Hartford Nephrology Group | Bloomfield, CT | Current
Advise senior partners on the Medical Group’s rebranding including image, marketing materials and overall positioning.
• Create marketing materials for the practice
Founder and Program Creator, Pop-up Kids Market | West Hartford, CT | 1 year
First Kids Market to Educate and Support Young Entrepreneurs
Co-Founded and created the first young entrepreneur market with over 1500 community attendees and average sales for each young entrepreneur of over $300.
• Conceptualized the overall messaging, positioning and marketing materials
• Provided education and guidance for young entrepreneurs in the area of sales, marketing and product positioning
• Leveraged social media and community awareness to generate excitement and attract sponsorships
• Secured media placement on FOX 61 morning news, CT Business News, Hartford Courant, Patch and WeHa News
Founder and Program Creator, The Pearl Society | Hartford, CT | 2 years
Co-Founded and established a new philanthropic society appealing to younger donors that has gained nationwide attention and rolled out to 6 additional cities: Kansas City, Minneapolis, Albany, Milwaukee, Palm Beach and Phoenix.
• Created a giving program to generate awareness of the efforts of the Jewish Federation of Greater Hartford and opened up an untapped market of younger generation donors
• Instituted an education program designed to increase involvement from other community non-profits
Director of Marketing, Mastery Education (Formerly Peoples Education) | Saddle Brook, NJ | 4 years
E-learning Publisher for the Educational Sector for Grades K-12
Directed $3.6 million marketing budget and team of 5 that managed all marketing efforts for multiple product lines and P&L responsibility. Managed, developed, and guided the initial digital transformation from print learning to e-learning.
• Brought to market the first web-based technology assessment product, Measuring Up e-Path™, & won an AEP award
• Oversaw all marketing campaigns including strategic planning, product positioning, and multi-channel campaigns for several online and print product lines
• Achieved revenue for company from $5 million to $25 million through product development and effective marketing and sales strategies
• Conducted and analyze trend forecasting, competitive landscape, focus group, online and field research; translate into successful strategic and actionable marketing programs
• Developed innovative ways to market, retail, and cross promote product lines
• Led an organizational company rebranding effort, focusing on the development of a new image, corporate logo, and communications standards
Marketing & Product Development Manager | 2 years
Managed all aspects of product development including market research, analysis and strategy planning, development of product definition and market value.
• Developed marketing communications materials and creative pricing strategies such as bundling that increased profit margins
• Created and implemented marketing plans with product positioning, competitive analysis, and tactical action plans
• Created training materials and trained sales force of over 40 sales reps on new print and technology products
Marketing/Public Relations Manager, SafeRent, Solutions Inc. | Denver, CO | 2 years
E-screening for the Residential Real Estate Market
Managed all public relations efforts; developed and implemented PR plans; executed PR and marketing support for product launch and developed key messaging.
• Worked with partner companies to facilitate joint PR efforts; and generated speaking engagements for executives
• Prepared and managed $500,000 marketing events budget
• Executed, planned and budgeted all corporate events; created and distributed pre-event announcements, invitations, meeting content and collateral
Community Experience
Board of Directors Trustee, Congregation Beth Israel | West Hartford, CT | 7 years
Co-Chair Cantor Search Committee | 1 year
Guided strategic planning and support role for the synagogue and its congregants. Worked with staff to implement policies and procedures that enhanced the synagogue experience. Educated and communicated with the congregation.
Board of Directors Member, Board Secretary, JCL (Jewish Association of Community Living) | Hartford, CT | 7 yrs/5 yrs
Worked with professional staff and community members to ensure the mission and core values of JCL were reflected in all activities and future endeavors for the residents, adults with developmental disabilities.
Girl Scout Troop Leader | West Hartford, CT | 4 years
Encouraged girls to develop confidence and leadership skills through lesson plans and community service activities. Created programs for girls that addressed the four pillars of Girl Scouts - STEM, Life Skills, Outdoors and Entrepreneurship
Education
University of Maryland, College Park | Philip Merrill College of Journalism
Bachelor of Arts in Journalism, concentration in Public Relations.
Other Experience/Awards/Publications
SafeRent Ginsu Award for “Outstanding Product Launch”
AEP (Association of Educational Publishers) Distinguished Achievement Award for
e-Path™