MARISCIA THOMPSON 803.271.3322 ● Mariscia@hotmail.com
SUMMARY • • •
Dedicated professional with extensive project management and client service experience Strengths in problem solving, negotiation, team leadership and organization Proven ability to handle diverse projects in a fast paced and time driven environment
EXPERIENCE Senior Strategist, 529 Collective, Columbia, SC, Summer 2009 • Nonprofit design coalition using design for the good of the community • Advising employees on strategy, presentation skills, branding, research techniques, etc • Developing brand identity, website redesign and social media strategies for nonprofit client • Primary client liaison for 529 Collective Marketing Consultant, Michelle’s, Newberry, SC, Summer 2009 • Developing integrated marketing campaign for retail gift store including online, social media, events, advertising, public relations, etc • Advising owner concerning brand development, merchandising and personal image makeover Marketing Consultant, Contemporary Furniture Store, Richmond, VA, Spring 2008 • Developed comprehensive marketing plan for highend contemporary furniture store for graduate thesis project which included 85page report and presentation presented to faculty and client • Completed indepth competitive brand analysis of furniture industry • Formulated two surveys with 90% response rate with over 500 respondents • Created new brand identity across several consumer touch points • Researched and recommended customer relationship management program to increase sales Account Management Intern, Grey Worldwide, New York, NY, Summer 2007 • Selected as one of 150 AAAA Multicultural Advertising Internship Program participants from 325 applicants; Nominated for “2007 Intern of the Year” award based on performance • Assisted VP of Brand Planning with five competitive “brand equity pyramid” research projects, examining natural snack category and presenting findings to account team • Researched competitive advertising, media and marketplace trends for Procter & Gamble Pringles brand, providing reports and perspective during weekly strategy brainstorming sessions • Completed six week, indepth brand analysis, producing 50page presentation of “indulgent snacks brands” presented to account team and client • Monitored creative development and production timetables, media placements, legal clearances and proofread copy/layout of all mechanicals for approval Administrative Positions, Temporary Assignments, Columbia, SC, 2004 2006
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Simultaneously supported three executive vicepresidents as Executive Assistant for Carolina First Bank, managing calendars/meetings/travel, preparing reports, paying bills, planning events and anticipating business needs of top executives Managed accounts payable, accounts receivable and general ledger for property management firm Provided administrative support to Hurricane Katrina housing coordination team, providing temporary housing to 200 families within six weeks of the FEMA housing assistance deadline
Project Controls Administrator, Parsons, Brinckerhoff, Quade & Douglas, Columbia, SC, 2000 2004 • Produced Executive Monthly Report for the client, South Carolina Department of Transportation, reducing production time from one month to one week Created online interoffice communication system, integrating new computer software and increasing productivity by 75% Saved $15,000 annually in printing fees by transferring production inhouse • Initiated computer training program for office staff, coordinating training schedules, fees, and certifications, saving company over $5000 Customer Care Professional, CONXUS Communications, Greenville, SC, 1997 1999 • Awarded CONXUS “Customer Care Professional of the Month” due to numerous customer commendations forwarded to senior management • Verified 300+ accounts for dealer location database maintaining accounts for direct customers • Conducted over 30 market research surveys converting 15 trial participants to retail customers • Efficiently managed credit requests for billing department, reducing time spent by 75% • Developed new tracking system for billing department for more accurate reporting of customer feedback and billing issues Customer Service Supervisor, Teletech Teleservices, Inc., Greenville, SC, 1996 1997 • Streamlined communications between UPS distribution centers, customer assistance call centers and district management departments during UPS consolidation project, monitoring over 250 service calls monthly to satisfy UPS quality standards • Supervised thirty universal customer service representatives and two assistant supervisors for United Parcel Service, providing coaching to six team members who assumed management positions within their first six months of employment • Trained and mentored lowperforming team to win four consecutive “Top Quality Team” awards out of 25 groups within a fourmonth time frame through goal setting and positive coaching Executive Support Supervisor, MCI Telecommunications, Greenville, SC, 1995 1996 • Resolved customer concerns for MCI residential customers, expediting complaints to the National Escalation Center and providing reports of escalations to management for trending purposes • Received 25 customer and management commendations for premier customer service, receiving “Top Quality” and “Top Sales” awards for two consecutive years • Selected by management as a team coach for new hires given leadership skills and high quality scores
EDUCATION Virginia Commonwealth University Brandcenter, Richmond, VA, 2008
Master of Science, Mass Communications – Advertising Concentration, Creative Brand Management Howard University, Washington, DC Bachelor of Arts, Political Science
ACTIVITIES & INTERESTS Creativity Magazine’s “50 Most Influential People,” Roundtable Participant, Spring 2008 Association of Independent Commercial Producers (AICP), Directors’ Scholarship Recipient, 2006 2007 Interests: midcentury modern design, art deco, pop culture, luxury marketing, fashion, literature