JANET M.

WILHELMS
Program Event Manager | Non-Profit Experience
Cell: 312-961-7982 Email: janet3327@gmail.com http://www.linkedin.com/in/janetwilhelms

I know how to take charge of an event/program from start to finish and the importance of being detail-oriented, which means I focus on the "smaller" points that need to be integrated while never loosing site of the big picture! Because of my strong marketing background, I am skilled to look at each event as having a strategy and execution that must support its objective. I have a strong work ethic and am very organized but enjoy it when the days I plan are not necessarily the days I have! I simply roll up my sleeves and prepare myself for what could lie around the corner!

FUNDRAISING and EVENT EXPERIENCE

Currently manage shared revenue program for organization. Responsible for pursuing partners and supplying collateral and monitoring progress of their fundraising goal. Managed project plans and ensured consistent communication for an organizations most important fundraising event held on the Pritzker Stage at Chicagos Millennium Park (honored Bill Kurtis and Donna LaPietra) last November. Pre-gala planning, on-site execution and post event wrap-up included: Venue relations, invitation design and mailing, volunteers/staffing management, silent auction execution, sponsorships, press, social media, board/benefit committee and vendor communication, website content, targeted emails, etc. Hired less than two months prior to this event and secured in-kind sponsorships resulting in excess of $4,000 in savings. Effectively streamlined three separate events into one weekend held at a convention center. Increased income and built camaraderie. Managed entire event. Worked with instructors to develop events curriculum. Researched and negotiated venue which included meeting and hotel rooms, catering and event sponsorships. Managed creation of all marketing and registration collateral, artists and entertainers, staff and volunteers, etc. Over 1,000 participants were involved in two separate activities during the day, ending in the venues grand ballroom with dinner, a silent/live auction and entertainment. Weekend event revenue increased 30%. Recruited and cultivated dedicated volunteers among students, parents and program supporters. Managed effective communication between all event managers/volunteers to ensure consistent service and smooth program/event activities. Consulted with staff/volunteers to reinforce the positives and to begin to improve upon the weaknesses at the conclusion of program/event. Managed tickets/box office details, front of house, silent auction details, merchandise, volunteers and visiting artists requirements for weekend performances at Chicagos Harris Theater. Responsible for all marketing efforts included: direct mail, website updates, Constant Contact, radio, print, social, promotional, grassroots as well as online discount suppliers. Initiated, branded, marketed, executed and managed an organizations first online, ebay type silent auction that annually raised 100% of the necessary funds to cover appropriated costs. Worked in tandem with Chicagos Festival Associate to formulate and execute all details for a float and 150+ student dancing unit in the McDonalds Thanksgiving Parade. Secured participants, day of event guidelines, as well as negotiation (a $1,200 savings) and design of the float. Chaired a Lakeviews schools largest fundraiser for two consecutive years. Increased net income by 50%. Pursued and secured financial institution sponsorship
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COMMUNICATION EXPERIENCE
Currently developing and executing social media strategy for organization. Meeting with staff to develop content calendar prior to releasing this marketing effort. Developed and executed the marketing plan to enhance participation within each program (10+) and externally (recruit/enroll) to increase enrollment. Enrollment numbers increased 45% through public performances, public relations, social, digital, promotions, print advertising, grassroots and targeted booths and educational outreach programs. Developed and managed relationships with 30+ pre-school child care organizations to increase recruitment. Developed and wrote all marketing collateral. Created organizations first Outreach Day that instilled importance of giving back to the community. Developed and wrote all internal and external marketing collateral. Developed / launched an unprecedented new concept to support the entire schools curriculum. Benefit: Recruit new dancers and build loyalty/increase retention among existing ones. Oversaw creation of all collateral press releases, letters, etc. Developed and executed media plans. Developed and maintained solid relationships with radio, television, print, out-of-home and grassroots representatives. Identified and executed promotional tie-ins and sponsorships with clients/media. Coordinated all aspects of sponsorship packages and ensured fulfillment. Demonstrated flexibility, avoided potential problems and adapted to changing procedures, methods, or processes when necessary. Great problem solver. Able to define strategy, be proactive and creatively bring solutions to events/programs to reach their goals.

FINANCIAL AND GENERAL MANAGEMENT EXPERIENCE

Strong negotiator which resulted in effective financial management - included budget creation through revenue/expense collection. Researched/negotiated with an external service to manage tuition collection, providing options previously unavailable to families while reducing a labor cost by 50%. Responsible for registering and monitoring program enrollment and event attendance. Tracking progress while, when appropriate, modifying marketing strategies to achieve designated goals. Effectively negotiated and managed delicate matters with customers, sponsors and vendors. Analyzed and developed operational systems. Ensured critical deadlines and budgetary guidelines were met. Developed and maintained solid relationships. Interacted with complete business savvy on sensitive and highly confidential issues. Reported to a nine member board of directors. Able to effectively negotiate delicate board matters. Extremely trustworthy.

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JANET M. WILHELMS
Program Event Manager | Non-Profit Experience
Cell: 312-961-7982 Email: janet3327@gmail.com http://www.linkedin.com/in/janetwilhelms

POSITIONS OVERVIEW:
Interim Manager (nonprofit): Chicago Human Rhythm Project, Chicago, IL 2011 to present Originally hired to manage events/programs through 2011 for the Chicago Human Rhythm Project, one of leading nonprofit presenters of percussive dance. Responsibilities: Overseeing main fundraiser, participation in downtown Thanksgiving Day parade and performances at Chicagos Harris Theater. Contributed to success by proactively identifying challenges and increasing efficiency of all tasks. Continuing in 2012 to manage upcoming programs and events. Manager (for profit): Trinity Irish Dance - Chicago, IL and Madison/Milwaukee, WI 2008 to 2011 Originally hired to oversee the nonprofit and later returned to manage the for profit division for Trinity Irish Dance, one of the worlds largest childrens Irish Dance Academies. With a paid office staff of five, planned and managed 10+ programs and events for this 1,500 childrens organization with 12+ locations in Illinois/Wisconsin. Collaborated with paid and contracted teaching staff to develop programs and insure objectives were reached. Sabbatical : Parental and Volunteer growth, Chicago, IL Manager (nonprofit): Trinity Irish Dance - Chicago, IL Madison/Milwaukee, WI See above description for Trinity Irish Dance School Board and Community Leader / Volunteer Manager: Chicago, IL A volunteer and board member for a private Lakeview grade school. 2006 to 2008 2002 to 2006

1999 to 2002

Advertising/Marketing/Promotions: Margie Korshak Inc., Chicago, IL 1989 to 1999 Managed three departments at Margie Korshak, Inc., a highly recognized and respected Chicago public relations / marketing/ advertising agency. Clients: consumer products, food/restaurants, hotels, nonprofit, real estate and entertainment. Reported directly to president/owner, Margie Korshak.

EDUCATION: University of Wisconsin/Oshkosh, WI. Bachelor of Science Major: Journalism-Advertising Minor: Business Administration-Marketing Computer Skills: Word, Excel, Constant Contact, eTapestry, Facebook and Twitter