Emily Brookover, MFA

Experience

• 

  Lawrence Journal World

  Jan 2003 - Jan 2005

  Advertising Sales Coordinator / Account Executive

  Advertising Sales Coordinator: I developed marketing strategies including the advertising and marketing campaigns thereunder to aid in and promote advertising sales. I designed advertising, marketing, and promotional materials and constructed promotional plans, sales literature, media kits and sales contracts. I wrote copy for presentations, literature, and advertising layouts. Most importantly, I liaised between internal departments including Sales, Graphic Design and Upper Management to complete campaigns and strategies achieving client timeframes and objectives. I was also tasked with creating and executing fun and engaging training seminars for sales staff.Prior to becoming the Advertising Sales Coordinator, I served as an Account Executive: I sold multi-media advertising including television commercials, newspaper print ads, and online advertising to businesses in the Lawrence and Topeka, Kansas areas. I established new accounts while strengthening existing relationships. I created and delivered sales presentations to new and existing customers to maintain, protect, and increase advertising spending. I obtained and researched client information, needs, advertising history, and business practices to offer appropriate advertising assistance. I also organized and aided in commercial television production. I attended sales meetings, industry trade shows, and training seminars to further Company objectives. Show less

• 

  Wichita State University

  Jan 2007 - Jan 2011

  Instructor of Record / GTA

  As a Graduate Teaching Assistant and later an Instructor of Record, I instructed various levels and disciplines of Fine Arts including Drawing, Painting, Design and Sculpture to undergraduate-level students that included art and non-art majors. I prepared and presented lecture material and curriculum. I also maintained student records, monitored and recorded student progress, implemented portfolio reviews and participated in meetings and workshops.

• 

  Bluebird Arthouse, LLC

  Jun 2010 - Jun 2014

  Owner

  One of the most rewarding experiences of my life was opening my own business, Bluebird Arthouse. I researched and created a viable business plan, secured financing, and negotiated lease terms. As the single owner and operator, I managed all marketing, communications, branding, PR, and advertising. I also launched and maintained an incredible and successful social media presence. I proudly hired, trained, and led a team of four with zero turnover for 3 years. Collectively, we offered daily consultative services to professional and amateur artists. I oversaw all aspects of retail sales (including locally and regionally sourced consignment,) inventory, human resources, and strategy. Bluebird Arthouse was home to a large retail space, two art galleries as well as a classroom. We were also home to two local non-profit organizations who have since grown into incredible participants and supporters in Wichita. Show less

• 

  Emprise Bank

  Oct 2014 - Apr 2016

  Branch Manager

  At Emprise Bank, a local and community-focused financial institution, I was responsible for the administration and efficient daily operation of a full-service branch. As the Branch Manager, my responsibilities included operations oversight, financial lending, product sales, customer service, and security. Superior customer service was a top priority with the goal of developing new deposit and loan relationships. I provided leadership to a frontline team to ensure outstanding customer experiences. I promoted a positive sales and service culture through coaching, guidance, and training. I was tasked with managing difficult situations with customers in order to provide quick and diplomatic resolution, information or options. I prepared and conducted monthly and yearly performance reviews for team members and had the pleasure of collaborating with leadership in the hiring and training of bank staff. I also lead monthly, quarterly and yearly pre-audits to identify and mitigate risk and to ensure adherence with compliance policies and procedures. Show less

• 

  City of Wichita Kansas

  Apr 2016 - Dec 2018

  Artistic Director - CityArts

  As the Artistic Director at CityArts, my main responsibility was to plan and execute the exhibition calendar for CityArts, Century II, and other city locations for 50+ exhibitions a year. I also set and realized annual gallery and gift shop sales goals and created strategies to increase revenue. I assisted with ongoing marketing efforts and promotion of exhibitions and special events. I took great pleasure in continuing to develop my relationships and working closely with the local arts communities. I prioritized identifying seasoned as well as upcoming artists whose work merited inclusion in gallery exhibitions. I also managed and executed the layout, installation, and maintenance of all exhibitions which included overseeing gallery preparators, assistants, and interns. Oversight and management of the galleries and gift shop included record keeping, trend reporting, artist payments, etc. The planning and execution of special community events was also required which included fundraising events, artist talks, presentations, and demonstrations. I also strived to maintain a close and working relationship with Wichita’s Arts Council that included receiving guidance and oversight as well as the coordination of projects that involved local and regional artists. I also served as the liaison with other individuals, organizations, and non-profits involved in related work to support and coordinate efforts. Show less

• 

  Downtown Wichita (Wichita Downtown Development Corporation)

  Jan 2019 - Jul 2023

  Director of Creative Engagement & Placemaking

  As the Director of Creative Engagement & Placemaking, I developed, managed, and implemented various programming, public art, and placemaking initiatives, served as the liaison to businesses and property owners within the downtown district, and worked with partner organizations and municipalities to further the mission of Downtown Wichita. A primary focus of my position was revitalizing and enhancing Wichita’s urban core to improve perceptions, increase vitality, and support the implementation and support of arts and culture within the district. I also researched and wrote grant proposals for various initiatives, lead the management of numerous budgets and grant reporting, assisted the city with various RFP and RFQ proposals and CIP projects, managed the organization's public art collection, and lead and supported various community engagement processes. Show less

• 

  City of Virginia Beach

  Aug 2023 - Oct 2024

  Public Art & Placemaking Manager

  As the Public Art & Placemaking Manager for the City of Virginia Beach Cultural Affairs Department, I provide leadership in the planning, development, and implementation of public art projects, issue RFQs and RFPs for upcoming projects, manage selection committees, artist contracts, public outreach, and stakeholder communication. I manage complex multi-year public art projects in cooperation and coordination with other city departments, artists, architects, contractors, developers, and multiple community organizations from concept to project execution. I oversee all phases of public art contracts including drafting and administering design, fabrication and installation contracts, budgets, and project compliance. I also oversee the maintenance needs of the city's public art collection which includes annual assessments and contract management.I assist leadership in short- and long-term strategic planning and act as a liaison with other city and community agencies. I also provide the department and city professional expertise in the fields of public art, contemporary visual art, creative placemaking, construction processes and urban design. Show less