Jim Leija

September 2010 – June 2011 (10 months)

In September of 2010, I transitioned into this newly created role. In this capacity, I am responsible for managing UMS’s promotional and communications efforts online, including development and oversight of the umslobby.org website, all social media communications, ums.org dynamic content updates, developing UMS html e-mails, and other online engagement opportunities. I implement these key responsibilities through interdepartmental collaboration, supporting the entire organization, with an eye toward attracting audiences to UMS events to ensure that ticket sales and attendance goals are met or exceeded. I am responsible for producing and editing online content that engages audiences, including but not limited to archival research, blog posts, video content, and more. I continue to build community and online networks by getting audiences engaged in conversation and content creation around UMS; I establish measurements and success metrics to benchmark these efforts, and implement improvements based on current analytics.

January 2008 – September 2010 (2 years 9 months)

Collaborate with the Marketing & Communications Director and marketing team to develop and implement overall marketing strategy to meet an annual ticket revenue goal of nearly $3 million. Coordinate social media strategies and online community engagement, including overseeing UMS’s presence on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Flickr, and MySpace; managing UMS’s Google AdWords account; and producing original audio/video/blog content.

Project Manager for the UMS Lobby Project (www.umsLOBBY.org), an "Innovation Lab" grant awarded by EmcArts, with support from the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation.

Increase UMS visibility in the community and build partnerships by attending community events and pertinent meetings with community leaders. Liaise with the Education Director to support audience development and audience engagement events. Independently manage multiple projects, and supervise student staff and interns. Research and write press/news releases and media advisories for 65-70 main stage events and over 100 education events annually; oversee distribution of news releases to various press lists. Arrange media coverage and serve as primary contact with regional press for UMS events, to ensure effective and timely placement of UMS-related stories and previews/reviews.

Educational Institution; 10,001+ employees; Higher Education industry

September 2004 – September 2006 (2 years 1 month)

Planned and conducted four discussion sections for introductory undergraduate Sociology and American Culture courses. Advised undergraduates during regular weekly office hours. Graded assignments and exams.

Nonprofit; 51-200 employees; Museums and Institutions industry

June 2005 – August 2005 (3 months)

Solicited and processed multimedia promotional materials from artists and management for 05/06 season. Compiled volunteer newsletter and volunteer listings for 05/06 season. Liaised between the museum and the artists/management for artist services and production logistics. Contributed to informational/promotional packets for group sales and internal distribution. Provided administrative support to the Director, Associate Director, and Program Coordinator as needed.

Educational Institution; 10,001+ employees; Higher Education industry

August 2002 – June 2004 (1 year 11 months)

Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program (UROP). Provided daily administrative support to the director and two assistant directors. Oversaw database design and management for student and faculty data tracking, grant proposals, and research. Planned and coordinated meetings and special events. Administered ongoing student and faculty support services, including advising, payroll, registration inquiries, and other procedural concerns. Developed and edited office publications, including student and staff handbooks, and educational and promotional materials. Coordinated comprehensive recruitment and admissions mailings for over 5,000 students and 500 faculty members annually.