Chris Hunt

Experience

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  Doner

  Apr 2004 - Jul 2005

  Media Planner

  Planned and maintained all approved media plans for multi-markets along the U.S. East Coast (approx. $5 million). Involved in market launches and yearly planning. Day-to-day maintenance included data entry/analysis, research, proofing, discrepant invoice resolution. Media planning experience was concentrated in local broadcast and print.Primary client focus - U.S. Cellular- Individual flexibility and an opportunity to independently think were awarded with an early promotion

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  Owen-Ames-Kimball Co.

  Apr 2006 - Apr 2007

  Marketing Manager

  Created, prepared and distributed all marketing, public relations, and advertising related material. RFP response packets, press releases, company sponsored events, company apparel, newsletters, sales collateral, and media evaluations were individually handled from concept to completion. Designed, printed and distributed all promotional pieces.

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  Doner

  Apr 2007 - Nov 2007

  Senior Media Planner

  Strategically executed and monitored approved media plans. Worked with a team and media partners to develop advertising strategies that align with client-defined campaign objectives and success metrics. Analyzed and interpreted proprietary and syndicated research, including Nielsen, Scarborough and Arbitron, and integrated information in all media plans. Maintained excellent working relations with colleagues, agency partners, clients and the sales representative community to ensure ultimate success of clients.Client focus was on national casual dining chains – Outback Steakhouse and Carrabba’s Italian Grill. Show less

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  Hanon McKendry

  Nov 2007 - Aug 2009

  Media Planner/Buyer

  Strategically developed media plans based on clients’ objectives and goals. Wrote, executed and presented annual and promotion-based media plans. Conducted consumer/market research and competitive analysis with most plans. Ensured recommended tactics effectively reached the target audience within the clients’ budget. Implemented and maintained plans, ensuring accurate media budgets and schedules. Negotiated media costs and added value opportunities with media vendors. Evaluated media alternatives and made budget allocation recommendations. Managed media invoices, post-buy delivery, and resolved discrepancies. Clients included: Knights of Columbus, Alliance Defense Fund, Mosaica Education, Zondervan Publishers, Mel Trotter Ministries and National Heritage Academies. Show less

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  LEAD Marketing Agency

  Aug 2009 - Jun 2012

  Media Planner/Buyer

  Developed marketing and media strategies for clients across multiple industries. Created and managed all media schedules with a collective media budget of $5 million. Systematically tracked the success and ROI of all marketing plans through lead generation. Analyzed, researched, and optimized lead trends to ensure the success of spent media dollars. Strengthened relationships with media vendors in regional broadcast (television, cable and radio), local and national print, local and national online display, regional out-of-home, and events. Heavily negotiated media costs and added value opportunities to benefit clients. Played an integral role in new business pitches – developing agency materials, media plans and presentations. Contributed to overall success of the company by designing website improvements, creating corporate templates and proposals, developing media department processes, etc.Clients included: Steelcase Education Solutions, Brunswick Bowling, Consumers Energy, Arbor Mortgage, Grand Rapids Griffins, Hamilton Energy, Grand Rapids Harley-Davidson, and Brann’s Sizzling Steaks & Sports Grille. Show less

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  Western Michigan University

  Jun 2012 - Nov 2018

  Director of Marketing Communications

  Played a central role in the direction of the University's overall marketing efforts. Managed marketing budget which included media buying. Set goals and objectives for marketing initiatives. Carefully monitored and measured the success of marketing campaigns. Developed plans and tools to meet marketing needs of individual campus units that were leveraged to benefit the institution as a whole. Oversaw marketing research and brand strategy development. Directed the university's Integrated Marketing Committee comprised of nearly 70 marketing professionals campus wide. Managed, directed and created WMU-generated advertising materials including print, video and web-based tactics. Provided overall advising and consultation for institutional marketing initiatives. Collaborated closely with graphics and design, media relations, and electronic communication professionals. Worked cross-functionally with offices of admissions, research, alumni relations and other campus constituencies to achieve marketing goals. Functioned as an internal advocate for the university’s branding initiative. Directed the university's brand ambassador workshop series. Represented the university at national conferences including CASE V and AMA Higher Education Symposium through attendance and presentations. Show less

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  Ascension

  Nov 2018 - now

  Creates and implements tactics that align local market voice to System “key messages” that reflect the organization’s direction and position. Collaborates with Ascension Michigan Marketing/Communications team and national PR, Marketing and Communications leaders/teams on communication planning, policies and practices, placement strategies and development of materials. Acts as primary Marketing/Communications liaison between Ascension Borgess leadership and medical staff and Ascension Michigan Marketing/Communications. Develops various PR/Marketing/Communications materials, such as (but not limited to): press releases; media pitches; talking points; statements; op-eds; etc.; internal newsletter; newsletter stories; online posts; copy for collateral pieces; direct mail; advertisements; fliers; etc. Responsible for ensuring that communications are consistent, accurate and appropriate to support the organization’s identity and further its strategies and Mission. Responsible for developing/implementing Ascension Borgess marketing objectives/tactics as part of a statewide strategy. Provides communications counsel and support to executive leadership, including issues management. Develops and distributes biweekly Ascension Borgess internal newsletter. Supports Marketing and Communications leadership and staff to implement internal and external resources to support the One Ascension journey locally and nationally. Uses appropriate metrics and measurement strategies to enable continuous improvement and ensures effective use of resources. Works with Ascension Michigan team on Ascension Borgess social media strategies/ideas/posts. Supports development of our integrated ministry by developing and implementing communications that foster leadership engagement and gains associates’ support and understanding of the organization’s values and strategic priorities. Show less

  • Director, Communications

    May 2023 - now

  • Marketing Communications Manager

    Nov 2021 - May 2023

  • Senior Marketing Specialist

    Nov 2018 - Nov 2021