Deborah Jonsson – Avow
www.avowcares.org

Why are you involved in PRSA Gulf Coast Chapter?

Before moving from New York to Naples in 2003, I had been involved with the local and state level School Public Relations Associations including serving as a board member in both. The professional education and networking available through my membership helped me immensely as a new practitioner. When I arrived in Naples, I immediately looked for a local public relations association chapter to engage with. I’ve been a member of our PRSA Gulf Coast Chapter for a number of years. I enjoy networking with members and gain helpful insight from the monthly education presentations.

What position do you currently hold on the board?

About two years ago I decided it was time for me to give back so I joined the Gulf Coast Chapter Board. Currently, I’m serving as Member Recruitment Chair. My affiliation with the Board has been a very positive experience. I’ve been able to participate in Sunshine District leadership programs and attend annual conferences, which in addition to helping with my professional development, connects me with peers from across the state.

How long have you been working for Avow? What is your favorite aspect about working there?

I’m the Public Relations Manager at Avow and I’ve worked there since 2003. Key services at Avow revolve around end-of-life care and grief support – very difficult subjects that require creative public relations efforts to build awareness. We are also a non-profit so we need to fundraise. My work at Avow has been very rewarding and has offered me a wide variety of experience supporting the re-branding of the organization and multi-million dollar fundraising campaigns.

What is your day-to-day like?

A day in the life for the PR Manager at Avow would make your head spin! Today I met with staff to design a community outreach program, created promotional materials for a fall fundraising event, designed and placed advertising for our marketing department, scheduled our television commercial video shoot, reviewed news releases, preliminary design work on an upcoming fundraising campaign logo, answered 25 questions from staff, wrote a thank you note to volunteer photographer, ordered print materials from commercial printer, made a presentation to a local organization we hope to partner with for a future friend-raising event. And that was just by lunch!

Do you have any hobbies that you enjoy outside of work?

When I’m not working I enjoy time with my husband, children and grandchildren and my dog! I’m a painter, but my creative time is limited. I also enjoy travel; I’m looking forward to a trip to Ireland this fall.

Cyndee Woolley, APR – C2 Communications, LLC
www.c2-com.com

What is your favorite aspect about living and working in Naples, Florida?

I was born and raised in Naples, so seeing the growth through the years has been amazing. As a business owner, I feel fortunate to help shape the future of our community by helping organizations tell their story.

Working in the public relations field, what’s one element that you absolutely love?

The thing that I love the most about PR is being able to tell a story that moves people emotionally. There have been so many times throughout the years where I’ve met someone who touched a life… saved a life… inspired positive change… I look back and like to think that by telling those stories, I helped touch a life and inspired someone to take that next step.

Why are you involved in PRSA

The mission of PRSA is to Advance the Profession and the Professional. Investing my time in PRSA and being an Accredited Public Relations Professional has been such a rewarding and educational experience. It has afforded me the opportunity to hone my business and public relations skills while building a strong network of peers that I can call any time.

What position do you currently hold and how have you served in the past?

Currently I am the chair of the Sunshine District for PRSA and the Assembly Delegate for our Gulf Coast chapter. In my time with PRSA, I’ve held all the positions from membership, programs, secretary, treasurer, assembly delegate, chair elect and chair on both the chapter level and the district level. As you progress through the leadership ranks with PRSA, your knowledge and network just continues to grow. Many of the PR pros in our area serve a much greater geographic area than Collier County. I’ve had the chance to collaborate with PR pros from California to New York and many states in between.

What is your typical day-to-day like?

Part of what I love about PR is that there is no typical day. A day might start out in a business suit with executives and end at a photo shoot on the beach… or a video shoot at a non-profit organization… or in cowboy boots at the Farm City BBQ. The challenge of finding the right way to help a client get their message across can be as fun as you make it.

Do you have any hobbies that you enjoy outside of work?

My main passion in life is my daughter. She is involved in a variety of sports, but our favorite thing is to plan adventures that last from a few hours to a couple of weeks. I love to see the world through her eyes because she can enjoy the amazing simplicity of almost anything. Last December we took a trip to Washington DC. Besides seeing the White House, her second favorite thing was seeing the different colors and shapes of the leaves. I had forgotten that she’d never seen “Fall” like this.

Niccole Neebling – Naples Hilton www.hiltonnaples.com

Where is your hometown?

I am originally from Norristown, Pennsylvania and am a true Steelers fan!

Why did you choose to live in Naples, FL?

In 1996 I came to Florida on vacation, while working with American Express Financial Advisors and noticed there was an office in Ft Myers. I asked if I could work at that branch and that’s where it all started. One of my favorite things about living in Naples is that I am never more than a 5 minute drive from our beautiful beaches.  I never take it for granted and still get tremendous joy out of walking along the beach and spotting new shells to add to our home’s decor.

When did you realize PR was your passion?

I was doing sales and marketing for the hospitality/tourism department for the Naples, Marco Island, Everglades CVB but also worked with their public relations department very closely and it amazed me how much PR helped them get more business. I also had a small, photo-organizing business way back when and decided I was going to teach an adult-education class at the local high school. I wrote a rudimentary press release about the class and dropped it off at the Naples Daily News office. The next day, a reporter called me and asked if he could come to my house, see where I worked and do a story on me; he put me on the very first page of the Lifestyle section. Not to mention, I received 64 phone calls to attend my class by 10am the morning the article came out. So that showed me first-hand what a nice press release can do for your business! This is when I got the first taste of PR and instantly found it fascinating how quickly it can grow a business.

Why are you involved with PRSA Gulf Coast Chapter?

I am involved with this chapter for many reasons, especially for the educational aspect. I love hearing what other people are doing, meeting new people and building relationships. I really enjoy the members and I think the chapter has done a fantastic job.

What is your favorite aspect about PR?

Social media, because of what it can do and I love the whole concept of people talking with one another. Face to face meetings is what I sell, and I feel that social media brings us one step closer to building business as well as personal relationships.

What is your typical day like at the Naples Hilton as the Director of Sales, Catering and Marketing?

There is no such thing as a typical day really, but when I come into work I look at what happened at the hotel the day before and what is coming up for the new day as well. I complete the administrative work and look at the numbers and oversee the hotel to make sure we are where we’re supposed to be. The sales aspect is still important, and I work on finding out ways on how to promote the hotel. Recently, we won a Wedding Wire Award so I wrote a press release for that!

Do you have any hobbies outside of work?

I love photography expeditions with my husband and taking pictures of my daughter, Lexie, who is a little over a year old. I took a picture of her everyday for the first year of her life, including Thursday at 8:48pm which is the day and time she was born. It’s a fun hobby to take part in with my family.

Niccole’s Motto: I know I’m lucky because I work hard to be so.

Position Summary:

The Marketing Coordinator for the Community Foundation of Collier County serves as the primary marketing/communication staff.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities:

1)      Develop marketing plan, strategies and budget for the Community Foundation

2)      Maintain updated media list

3)      Write press releases and work with local media

4)      Responsible for publication of quarterly newsletter, and annual report.

5)      Work with development staff to execute annual celebration of philanthropy events, WPN events and advisor events.

6)      Brochure Development and ad development for local magazines

7)      Work with agencies to develop materials for endowment building

8)      Develop quarterly advisor newsletter and maintain advisor mailing list.

9)      Maintain CFCC web-site, Facebook and Twitter

10)  Develop Power Point Presentations.

11)  Network with other community foundations and the Council on Foundations staff.

12)  Provide staff time to WPN as needed.

13)  Coordinate Events

Additional Responsibilities

14)  Attend weekly staff meeting.

15)  Participate in local service clubs and other community events

16)  Take pictures at events and grant sites.

17)  Attend Foundation committee meetings as needed

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:

• Four Year Degree in Advertising, Marketing or similar field
• Comfortable and successful working with diverse groups of people
• Strong organizational skills
• Non-profit Knowledge
• Knowledge of databases, Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint a must, also Adobe PageMaker and Adobe Photoshop.
• Must have Web-site experience

General:

This job description describes the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this position.  “Principal duties and responsibilities” describe those functions considered essential to the performance of the job.  This description does not state or imply that these are the only duties and responsibilities assigned to the job.  Employees may be required to perform other job-related duties as requested by the President.  All requirements are subject to change over time at the discretion of President  and to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with a disability.

Job Title: Special Events Manager Department: N/A
Reports to: Director of Operations Date: January 2013
Supervises: N/A Revised: January 2013 x Exempt Nonexempt
Position Summary:
This position is responsible for the development and coordination of special events and programs for the Chamber.
Job Specifications: (Minimum knowledge, skills, and abilities required)
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with emphasis in communications or business.
Education/Training (or equivalent)
Technical/Professional Two-Year Degree
License/Certification Four-Year Degree – X
Other Masters Degree
Experience: (Type of work experience, minimum number of years of each).
• College graduate mandatory.
• Minimum three year in event planning, marketing and communications.
• Nonprofit industry experience a plus.
• Committee management knowledge and experience beneficial.
Special Technical Knowledge:
• Knowledge of Adobe Suite, CRM database background, social media and Microsoft Office.
Special Administrative Knowledge:
• Strong organization skills.
• Committee management skills.
Special Skills and Abilities:
• Proven ability to handle detail oriented projects that require critical thinking, organization, creativity and time management.
• Strong writing, editing, proofreading and organizational skills.
• Excellent problem-solving techniques and research abilities.
• Ability to set and meet deadlines.
• Must be able to multi-task.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, executives and members.
• Must possess exemplary time management skills, have a high level of motivation and be a self starter.

Full Job Description, Click Link Below

Sepcial Events Manager – January 2013

General Responsibilities:
Plans and directs the artistic aspects of college information projects including the creation of multiplatform advertisements and program publication templates.
Develops, creates and implements the construction and arrangement of artistic elements of projects including typography, photography, illustrations, color, lettering and paste-up.
Designs and creates multimedia presentation as directed.  Proofs and provides final approval for all college marketing and branding materials prior to production and release.
Assists appropriate administrator in formulating, implementing and monitoring artistic standards for college information projects.
Serves as resource person having technical expertise and/or administrative experience to deal with complex graphics problems.
Serves as liaison within the department for communicating with related vendors and printers regarding graphic elements.
Collaborates with appropriate colleagues regarding photography and video shoots for specialized college publications/productions.
Prepares departmental reports, fiscal reports and budget recommendations for graphics projects as required.
Recommends graphics purchases in the area of equipment and of specialized graphics services including photographs, illustrations, lettering as they are needed by the college and serves as liaison for the supervisor for graphic reproduction purchases.
Collaborates with appropriate staff regarding the review of information related to graphic presentations.
Keeps current on design trends, software and hardware.
Performs related duties as required.
These essential job functions are not to be construed as a complete statement of all duties performed; employees will be required to perform other job related duties as required.  An employee with a disability is encouraged to contact the Human Resources Office to evaluate the job in greater detail in order to determine if she/he can safely perform the essential functions of this job with or without reasonable accommodation.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Minimum Qualifications
A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher education in Graphic Design, Fine Art, Graphic Art or related field with major course work or training in computer assisted graphics.
And
Two (2) years full-time related professional work experience in a field related to the arts or computer graphics.
Appropriate professional work experience may be substituted for the degree on a year for year basis.
Knowledge in state of the art computer graphics equipment, software and systems applications, which may include but is not limited to equipment and software such as Amiga 2000, Macintosh II, Compaq 386 with sketch table, Quark XPress, Illustrator, Front page, Dreamweaver, KurtaBoard, Digitizing camera, waveform monitor, Vectroscope; Professional Paint; Deluxe Photo Lab, Draw 2000. Sculpt 3D, Ultra Paint, SUM Tools, SAM Antivirus Protection and others.
Skilled in creativity, manual layout, computer graphics techniques, production, and design.
Experience using a personal computer, office software such as MS Office and electronic mail.

Demonstrated ability to:
* Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
* Establish and maintain effective working relationships with faculty, staff, students and the public.
* Work in a fast-paced, demanding environment.
* Gather and analyze data, reason logically and draw valid conclusions.
* Interpret and apply laws, rules, standards and procedures pertinent to the professional operations.
* Multi-task, set and meet work flow deadlines, and provide assistance to a variety of constituencies.
* Maintain confidentiality.
Critical Skills/Expertise
All employees are expected to:
* Promote a common purpose consistent with stated College goals and demonstrate a commitment to students and the learning environment.
* Possess the knowledge of general written standards and procedures utilized, and have the ability to read, interpret, and follow procedural and policy manual related to the job tasks.
* Demonstrate the ability to respond to supervision, guidance and direction in a positive, receptive manner and in accordance with stated policies.
* Provide quality customer service by creating a welcoming and supportive environment.
* Present a professional image in word, action and attire.
* Demonstrate professionalism in dealing with a diverse population while understanding and respecting each other’s view of the world, personalities and working styles.
* Conduct oneself in a manner consistent with the College’s standards of ethical conduct.
* Apply effective techniques to create working relationships with others to achieve common goals; successfully communicates and collaborates with others to achieve goals.
* Demonstrate skills necessary to look at situations and processes critically to make recommendations for improvement.
Work Conditions/Physical Demands/Special Conditions

Physical: Routinely requires the ability to see, hear, and speak. Routinely requires sitting, bending, stooping, walking. On occasion, incumbents may be required to lift 20 or more pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
Environmental:  Normal general office
Mental:  Routinely requires the ability to interpret, analyze and perform critical thinking skills.

General Responsibilities:
Takes an active role in the initiation, design, writing and editing of copy for feature articles, news releases and announcements and their subsequent dissemination and /or publication.
Provides marketing and public relations services for all campuses, centers, departments, entities and personnel of the college.
Oversees the production of schedule guides as college marketing tools from concept to delivery.   Writes, edits and coordinates the customized distribution of college news releases.
Handles ensuing media inquiries and requests to arrange interviews. Monitors, distributes, and reconciles press clips.
Prepares speeches, introductions and miscellaneous narrative for college publications, remarks for the College speakers as requested.
Creates print and broadcast advertising concepts, copy and design and coordinates the placement with responsibility for maintaining exposure throughout the year within a specified budget.
Provides creative writing, editorial, and proof reading and helps facilitate production of college publications such as catalogs, magazines, fliers, brochures, programs, handbooks, forms and certificates using appropriate style guidelines.
Provides strategic planning, creative writing, editorial and proof reading for the College’s social media outlets

Maintains college image through public speaking engagements.
Supports and coordinates with student affairs and alumni regarding the college’s social networking sites to ensure responsible promotion of college messages.
Assists college staff with planning of special events and attends as directed.
Collaborates with appropriate departments on the management and oversight of the college website usability, functionality, navigation and design.
Assists in the preparation of specifications, including bids, for college publications and communication venues.
Coordinates with internal and external media and community partners to promote college-wide programs, services, and events.
Assists in the implementation of strategies for communicating relevant information with prospective students and other audiences.  Researches and reports strategic sponsorship opportunities.
Performs other similar and related duties as assigned.
These essential job functions are not to be construed as a complete statement of all duties performed; employees will be required to perform other job related duties as required.  An employee with a disability is encouraged to contact the Human Resources Office to evaluate the job in greater detail in order to determine if she/he can safely perform the essential functions of this job with or without reasonable accommodation.
________________________________________
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Minimum Qualifications
A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher education in a related field of study such as Journalism, Marketing or Public Relations;
And
Three (3) years full-time related professional work experience.
Skilled and versatile in creating and producing a variety of print, broadcast, news releases, brochures, publications, advertisements, speeches and other forms of communication.
Strong proofreading skills and knowledge of Associated Press (AP) style guidelines.
Knowledge of social media, mass media practices, and advertising markets.
Ability to travel within the College’s five-county service district.
Experience using a personal computer, office software such as MS Office and electronic mail. Basic knowledge of Adobe PhotoShop and other graphic software.
Demonstrated ability to:
* Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
* Establish and maintain effective working relationships with faculty, staff, students and the public.
* Work in a fast-paced, demanding environment.
* Gather and analyze data, reason logically and draw valid conclusions.
* Interpret and apply laws, rules, standards and procedures pertinent to the professional operations.
* Multi-task, set and meet work flow deadlines, and provide assistance to a variety of constituencies.
* Maintain confidentiality.
Critical Skills/Expertise
All employees are expected to:
* Promote a common purpose consistent with stated College goals and demonstrate a commitment to students and the learning environment.
* Possess the knowledge of general written standards and procedures utilized, and have the ability to read, interpret, and follow procedural and policy manual related to the job tasks.
* Demonstrate the ability to respond to supervision, guidance and direction in a positive, receptive manner and in accordance with stated policies.
* Provide quality customer service by creating a welcoming and supportive environment.
* Present a professional image in word, action and attire.
* Demonstrate professionalism in dealing with a diverse population while understanding and respecting each other’s view of the world, personalities and working styles.
* Conduct oneself in a manner consistent with the College’s standards of ethical conduct.
* Apply effective techniques to create working relationships with others to achieve common goals; successfully communicates and collaborates with others to achieve goals.
* Demonstrate skills necessary to look at situations and processes critically to make recommendations for improvement.
Work Conditions/Physical Demands/Special Conditions
Physical: Routinely requires the ability to see, hear, and speak. Routinely requires sitting, bending, stooping, walking. On occasion, incumbents may be required to lift 20 or more pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
Environmental:  Normal general office
Mental:  Routinely requires the ability to interpret, analyze and perform critical thinking skills.

Position Filled – No longer available

Department: Communications
Job Title: Vice President, Communications
General Summary: The Vice President, Communications helps plan, develop and manage internal
and external communications activities for the Chamber and is responsible for the implementation of all communications necessary to support all Chamber activities.
Reports to: President & CEO
Persons Supervised: None
Interrelationships: Works closely with entire senior management team, but does interact with all staff regularly, dependent upon project specifications.
Essential Job Duties:
 Serves as editor for monthly Business Currents. Finds, writes and develops meaningful content and is responsible for coordinating and formatting all materials for each issue.
 Works with editorial board to set yearly topic schedule and brainstorm content.
 Initiates, develops and maintains local media contacts for disseminating information; researches and writes Chamber press releases.
 Ensures that Chamber communications reflect consistent positions and messages and that all Chamber materials are properly branded.
 Develops effective and appropriate communications strategies, tactics and responses as necessary.
 Serves as the media point person for the Chamber.
 Serves as a spokesperson for the Chamber.
 Manages Chamber photography needs.
 Researches and prepares speeches, commentary and position papers on selected topics for senior management.
 Coordinates press conferences and certain ceremonies.
 Creates collateral materials as necessary using Adobe products.
 Produces the Chamber Connect on a weekly basis.
 Produces the eWeekly Member Spotlight on a weekly basis.
 Manages all Chamber social media activity.
 Represents the Chamber at all assigned meetings, functions and events.
 Stays aware of all events, meeting dates and functions of The Chamber.

 Responsible for upkeep of the Chamber website, excluding the database.
 Undertakes other special projects and duties assigned by the President/CEO.
 Participates in Board meetings and executive meetings when requested.
Other Duties:
 Maintains and abides by the standards, mission and focus of The Greater Naples Chamber of Commerce.
 Communications effectively with all staff, especially senior management
 Attends all required staff meetings.
Job Description and Competency Assessment Statement
Educational Requirements:
Minimum four-year college degree. BA in communications, marketing, public relations, management, business, political science/public policy or like fields of studies.
Experience Requirements:
Minimum of four years of experience in communications, publishing and/or marketing. Work experience in a non-profit organization a plus.
Special Knowledge Required:
 Excellent writing and editing skills
 Skillful and resourceful researcher and creative thinker. Ability to absorb and articulate verbally and/or in written form original content and/or another person’s thoughts, concepts and observations.
 Good project management and workflow coordination and follow up skills
 Attention to detail and deadlines
 Awareness of current events and topics related to the business community
 Excellent media relations skills
 High computer competency, including Adobe Creative Suite and Microsoft Office Suite
 Basic HTML knowledge a plus
Americans with Disabilities Act Statement:
External and internal applicants, as well as position incumbents who become disabled, must be able to perform the essential job duties specifically stated within this job description either unaided or with the assistance of a reasonable accommodation to be determined by the organization on a case-by-case basis.
The Greater Naples Chamber of Commerce is a drug and smoke free workplace.

United Way of Collier County

Marketing and Communications

Request for Proposal

 The United Way of Collier County is entertaining proposals to advance its Marketing and Communication efforts. Specifically the contracted entity (s) will be accountable to the President and CEO and collaborate with board leaders and partner agencies as directed by the president.

Specific Focus areas to include:

• Media engagement, placement, follow-up and tracking for and on behalf of the United Way and its partner agencies. (Print, advertising, radio, television, billboards, social, electronic, etc.)
  • Brand management utilizing and building on the already existent United Way worldwide brand materials
  • Material design utilizing and localizing national brand templates. Materials may be inclusive of but are not limited to agency brochure, campaign case statement, campaign training materials, posters, fact sheets, invitations, stationary, annual report, leadership / Tocqueville brochure, endowment brochure, business cards, thank you cards, invitations, campaign tool-kits, newsletters, etc.
    • Recommend and implement enhancements as agreed by the president to web and social media sites belonging to the United Way.
    • Support media, advertising and communication efforts for United Way public events; WALK, Golf Outing, Campaign Kick-off and other special events as approved by the president
    • Design and placement of advertising if approved

Specific responsibilities and expectations to include:

• Writing, preparing and placing press releases once approved by the President and CEO.
• Identify strategic appearances and speaking engagements where the CEO, board leaders, and partner agencies should be presenting the United Way story.
• Manage overall content development to keep the United Way web page and social media sites relevant and loaded with fresh material. Proactively seek story ideas.
• Write scripts, mange online video’s, create / support video as/if needed.
• Obtain pro-bono services / in-kind donations and/or negotiate best possible pricing.
• Be immediately available to the President and CEO in response to media needs or opportunities
• Ability to quickly and accurately turn-around time sensitive projects or requests
• Submission of bi-weekly progress reports of work performed and media placements achieved
• Ability to research and develop campaign and community data providing a case for support from member partners and United Way leadership

Must demonstrate a track record of success and non-profit media experience desired.

Proposals and letters of interest may be submitted electronically to: steve.sanderson@uwcollier.org

Media Relations Specialist

Got friends …in the media? …on Facebook/Twitter? Love to write? Design?

Need a cause worthy of your talents? Join the Avow public relations team and put your skills to the test.

Use your media connections, creative writing and design talents, and social media savvy to build awareness, educate, motivate and engage the community.

Description:

Under the direction of the Public Relations Manager, the Media Relations Specialist will:

• promote organization services in the media, through social media, email and web communications
• develop and write press releases, story content, blog entries and social media posts
• develop collateral, event and advertising materials

Requirements:

The ideal candidate will:

• be mission driven, team-oriented and enjoy a fast-paced working environment.
• possess excellent written communication skills
• have experience using graphic design software (Creative Suite ideal)
• be comfortable networking
• have one to two years related experience; BA preferred

Benefits:

This is only a summary of our employee benefits; it is subject to change. Please call our Human Resources department at (239) 261-4404 if you have questions.

• Medical insurance (PPO) with prescription drug co-pay or HDHP w/HSA
• Dental insurance
• Life and accidental death/dismemberment insurance
• Long term care insurance
• Retirement savings plan (TSA/403(b) matching program)
• Short and long term disability insurance
• Bereavement leave for family and pets
• Direct deposit
• Credit union availability
• Employee Assistance Program
• Paid time off
• Mileage reimbursement
• In-house continuing education opportunities
• Discounted memberships at local area Fitness Centers
• Tuition reimbursement
• Other employer-sponsored activities

EOE,ADA, Tobacco and Drug-free Workplace. Pre-Employment Drug Screening is required

For The Complete Listing, Click Here