Dennis M. Hicks

Experience

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  Savannah College of Art and Design

  Aug 2001 - Jun 2003

  Resident Director
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  University of Nevada Las Vegas

  Jan 2003 - Jan 2008

  Program Coordinator for Student Development

  ◆ Advised National Residence Hall Honorary and The Residence Hall Association◆ Managed multiple budgets totaling over $100,000◆ Supervised paraprofessional staff◆ Planned and initiated large-scale programs for the entire campus community◆ Developed and planned leadership retreats for residential students◆ Developed marketing materials for Campus Life using Adobe Creative Suite◆ Served on the Rebel Connection Committee to provide resources during orientation◆ Served as chair of the UNLV World AIDS Day Observance/Awareness Week◆ Created, developed, and planned a leadership program for first-year students◆ Developed residential life policies and procedures Show less

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  George Mason University

  Apr 2008 - Jul 2016

  Associate Director for Programming

  Executed administerial and financial functions for the department including risk management, policy creation, procurement, new staff orientation, training, and professional development. Served as the administrator and training facilitator for CollegiateLink, facilitated the annual Student Leader Training, and developed student leader program assessments. Headed event functions, created Geek Week and the G-Men Spirit Squad, advised Patriot Activities Council and managed fundraising opportunities and company sponsorships.◆ Provided oversight of multiple departmental and project-related budgets totaling more than $400,000.◆ Committee work included chairing committees for Welcome Week, Homecoming, and Grad Fest, and serving on the LGBTQ Taskforce, Social Media Users Group, University Marketing & Communication, CollegiateLink Strategy, The Preamble – Extended Orientation, and Major Events.◆ Reimagined Welcome Week and implemented a volunteer initiative as a way to build community, created “Ask Me” tents across campus to support new students, and created the “Mason Marketplace” for community partnerships, generating revenue of more than $6,000 each year to support new projects. Show less

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  Dennis Hicks Design Company

  Feb 2014 - now

  Graphic Artist

  Provide freelance design services for consulting firms, small businesses, colleges, and universities. ◆ Conceptualize and created large-scale tradeshow walls and other deliverables for international markets◆ Experienced brand developer for businesses and universities◆ Expertise in print design with pre-press production experience

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  North Shore Community College

  Aug 2016 - Apr 2018

  Director of Student Engagement

  In this role, I developed strategic plans to engage students from diverse populations with varying needs to increase school pride and non-academic community. I designed and executed all marketing materials and initiatives to increase the visibility of new and recurring events and I produced a variety of college-wide events including new student orientation. A few of my key achievements and areas of impact include: ◆ I oversaw budgets totaling $200,000 and five staff members across areas of responsibility.◆ I implemented and managed a highly impactful Mobile Market food insecurity program. ◆ I cultivated a partnership with the Lynn Museum, resulting in an annual showcase of student art and literature. Show less

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  Brandeis University

  Apr 2018 - Nov 2021

  Director Of Student Activities

  I direct the operations of the Department of Student Activities and oversee the management of major annual, institutional-level programs and events.In this capacity, I provide direct leadership to professional and para-professional staff and graduate students, as well as advisory support to Campus Activity Board and Student Union. I also strengthen partnerships throughout the university to define organizational objectives and develop assessment initiatives for programs and services. ◆ I hold full responsibility for administering programming and operational budgets totaling over $500,000 and directing a staff of five.◆ I planned and delivered a new Student Leadership Summit to inspire and support student leaders and created promotional materials to increase awareness of the event.◆ I conceived and executed the “We Wear Blue” campaign including branding and visual elements to increase school pride, engaging several departments and student organizations to support the initiative. Show less

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  Blaq Star Soaps LLC

  Jan 2019 - now

  Business Owner

  In 2018 I made the leap into the world of making handmade soaps. Since then, I’ve grown more confident in the craft and my techniques, and this amazingly fun hobby has become a business. I not only make soaps but also bath bombs, body butter, and sugar scrubs. I sell my products online and in local shops and farmers markets.

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  Union Capital Boston

  Nov 2021 - now

  Director of Leadership