Melissa A.

Grindstaff
(415) 786-2578 127 Jersey Stre
et
mg823d24@westpost.net San Francisco, CA 94114
Detail-oriented and accomplished professional with exceptional people skills, ve
rbal and written communication abilities and works effectively with cross-functi
onal teams
Multi-faceted with international experience, consistently projecting a personabl
e and professional image able to interact effectively through diverse teams, cli
ents, and vendors with commitment to delivering top quality projects and assignm
ents within schedule and
budget requirements.
* Public & Media Relations * Marketing & Business Development
* Event Planning & Management * Budget Management
* Account Management * Client & Business Relations
Professional Experience
Hahn & Paraiso Wineries June 2009 January 2010
Seasonal Tasting Room Representative
Soledad, California
* Greeted all visitors and poured wines for tasting while informing and educatin
g customers.
* Conducted sales and outreach of wine and maintained relationships with clients
.
* Assisted with wine events, luncheons and holiday celebrations and other duties
and responsibilities as assigned.
* Updated all social media outlets, (Facebook, Twitter, etc)
Artemia Communications Aug 2008 Feb 2009
Public Relations & Project Manager
San Francisco, CA
* Planned and managed projects ensuring successful completion within the given d
eadline and budget specifications.
* Coordinate with cross-functional teams to manage account services including al
l reports, correspondence and project materials.
* Composed and edited press releases, pitches, save the date, biographies, radio
spots and messaging documents
* Managed all aspects of event planning with focus on every detail of the projec
t to ensure successful execution.
* Maintained relationships with clients and team members; developed new business
es and accounts; and handled all aspects of RFPs (Request for Proposals).

Infinite Public Relations Jul 2008 Sept 2008

Public Relations Contractor
San Francisco, CA
* Provided writing services on a freelance basis to create content for client we
b sites, company newsletters and executive biographies.
* Executed all media outreach and wrote press releases, pitches, save the dates
and radio announcements
* Interfaced with clients and developed and executed messaging sets and talking
points for a range of different assignments/projects.
Sephora.com Sept 2007 Mar 2008
Content & Project Associate Contractor
San Francisco, CA
* Provided support to content/production projects across internal and external t
eams and assisted in overall product development.
* Organized and maintained master calendar of products and Skus while utilizing
Basecamp web-based project management tool to efficiently share files, administe
r workflow and meet project deadlines on time.
Indigo Public Affairs Jan 2004 Aug 2007
Account Executive
London, U.K. & Brussels, Belgium
* Managed clients to develop plans or campaigns and coordinated corporate events
such as trade shows, seminars, and meetings.
* Maintained in contact with clients at all stages of projects/events to provide
weekly progress updates and follow up reports.
* Tracked all media coverage and built relationships with key influencers and jo
urnalists.
* Created copy for fliers and other related marketing materials while writing pr
ess releases, conducting campaign research, and canvassing for clients.
Tickle, Inc. Sept 2002 Jul 2003
Content & Project Manager
San Francisco, CA
*
* Directed planning, coordination and control of production processes to include
product development and completion in adherence to deadlines and budgets.
* Oversaw work processes; managed all new schedules making adjustments as needed
; and supervised a team of 10 people to ensure efficiency and productivity.
* Enhanced work procedures by devising and implementing innovative techniques to
maximize output through motivation and teamwork.
* Improved volume and quality of team output while monitoring product standards
and implemented quality control with content management systems.
Bluedot Software Jan 2001 Jun 2002
Public Relations Manager
San Francisco, CA
* Bridged between the company, media, and other organization while handling full
responsibility in managing day-to-day public relations activities.
* Handled program budgets and project ideas such as costs, timing and resource a
llocation.
* Supported Marketing team with corporate marketing strategy and overall marketi
ng communications plan to include development and production of marketing materi
als such as product releases, product documentation, white papers, and data shee
ts.
* Participated in the Website Development Team to facilitate development, design
, creation, and editing of original contents.
* Interfaced with multiple teams and coordinated quarterly Advisory Committee me
etings while managing company logistics, travel arrangements, and itineraries.
* Drafted quarterly newsletters and informational webinars while ensuring proper
distribution and receipt for information dissemination.
Horn Group May 2000 Jan 2001
Associate Account Executive
San Francisco, CA
* Organized and implemented media outreach activities on behalf of clients and d
eveloped press release materials to include pitching stories to journalists.
* Interfaced and communicated with clients on a daily basis to meet requirements
on assignments/projects.
* Developing speaking opportunities for client executives and tradeshow programs
.
Interactive Public Relations (Division of Porter Novelli) Aug 1999 May 2000
Account Coordinator
San Francisco, CA
* Planned and executed analyst and media relations to include media tours while
developing networks and following media lists and contacts.
* Assisted in all aspects of media production encompassing deadlines, frequency,
circulation, and editors/reporters beats; maintained efficient team workflows;
monitored deadlines; and organized team meetings for successful project completi
on.
EDUCATION & TECHNICAL SKILLS
California State University, Chico
Journalism with option Public Relations & Minor in Sociology, 1995 1998
Hartnell Community College
General Education, 1992 1994
Salinas, CA
Trainings/Seminars
SFSU, Introduction to Online Journalism, 2007
Public Speaking Seminar, 2000
Cunningham Communications
Public Relations Internship, Summer 1999
Palo Alto, CA
Chabot Observatory
Public and Donor Relations Coordinator Intern, Summer 1997 & 1998
Oakland, CA
Software & Services: Microsoft Suite * Mac OS * Google Apps * Photoshop * Web
2.0 * Content Management Systems: Cision * ACT! * Newswire Services * Basecamp
* Fogbugz * Social Communities: Twitter * Facebook * Myspace * Gowalla * Foursqu
are * LinkedIn * Yelp * Digg * YouTube * Blogz * Industries: B2B * B2C * Softwar
e, (SaaS) * Security * Gaming
*Government * Patent * Intellectual Property * Anti-trust
References Gladly Provided Upon Request