Christian Racoma
(773) 931-5954
c_racoma@yahoo.com
christianracoma.squarespace.com
Core competencies and skills:
Creative leadership | Conceptual skills | Advertising | Digital | Direct mail | Social | Video | AI fluency | Presentation skills | Scriptwriting | Financial services | Credit cards | Banking | B2B | B2C
Summary:
Seasoned creative leader, strategist and copywriter looking for a fresh and challenging opportunity. Possess deep experience hiring, managing and inspiring copywriter, designer and video teams in credit cards, banking, financial services and nonprofit work. Comfortable presenting and communicating from the C-suite to Gen Z. Well versed in B2B and B2C for digital, direct mail, social, video and corporate communications.
Experience:
Senior Manager, Copywriting, American Medical Association, 2017-current
● Develop and deliver compelling messaging from concept to draft to final including research, copyediting, proofreading, extensive interaction with internal and external subject matter experts and brainstorming: Social, digital, video and print
● Demonstrate versatility, proficiency and speed in crafting audience-appropriate content/copy tailored to different media platforms
● Maintain knowledge of shifting language, viewpoints, business priorities, advocacy or policy developments, etc., across the AMA, as well as messaging tone and in-house style guidelines to ensure consistent and appropriate messaging
● Work collaboratively with program producers, video and audio producers, account planners and department members to understand content needs/requirements
● Hired, managed and mentored full-time and freelance copywriters
● Manage day-to-day activities associated with the development and delivery of finished work products
● Help train others on the Creative team to develop, maintain and update AMA’s campaigns as they evolve (including assisting in monitoring/updating various sub-campaigns and messaging efforts)
● Promote a continually improving creative environment and actively contribute to a culture of excellence and innovation by proactively examining campaigns in market to assess success as measured by metrics
Baird & Warner, Director of Communications, 2016-17
● Developed and implemented effective public relations strategies to promote the mission and vision of the organization
● Acquired, managed and mentored a staff of writers and a farm of freelance resources
● Collaborated cross-functionally to create, develop and achieve effective strategies to communicate with various stakeholders, including current and potential customers, employees, government entities and the general public
● Created and maintained a positive public image for the organization
● Managed media relations activities and coordinated press inquiries
● Built and maintained relationships with key influencers and media outlets
● Wrote and edited press releases, media advisories and other essential materials
● Developed and executed an internal communications strategy to ensure employees are informed on organizational news, events and objectives
● Monitored and analyzed communication metrics to ensure effectiveness of strategies
● Oversaw the corporate website and social channels
Associate Creative Director (Contractor)
Jacobs & Clevenger, February 2016-August 2016
SapientNitro Digital Agency, June 2015-January 2016
● Brainstormed and concepted with Art Director teams
● Wrote direct mail and digital assets (websites, landing pages and banners) for agency clients
● Presented throughout the creative process to Creative Directors, Account team and external clients
● Guided, reviewed and proofed work of agency digital and direct mail writers
Senior Associate, Copywriter, Capital One, 2012-2015
● Wrote direct marketing communications (print and digital) and in-store promotions for brands such as Saks Fifth Avenue, Sears/Kmart, Best Buy, Guitar Center, Kawasaki and more
● Developed strategic copy, and ensured communications met objectives and aligned with best practices
● Led, trained, motivated and mentored internal/external writers
● Provided communication consultation and account management for internal clients
Senior Copywriter/Project Lead, HSBC North America, 2007-2012
● Managed day-to-day operations of Creative Services: led as project manager/writer, assigned projects to team members, developed copy and acquired production quotes
● Acquired, directed and mentored internal/external writers and graphic designers
● Provided strategic communication consultation and account management for internal clients
● Created concepts and wrote direct marketing communications (mail and digital) for credit cards, retail store cards, and banking (deposit and investment accounts) and insurance products
Marketing Communications Specialist, Banking Administration Institute (BAI), 2003-2007
● Managed all aspects of project execution from researching and writing to design, approvals and production
● Developed communications and messaging strategy; wrote B2B direct marketing copy (mail and Web) to support lines of business
● Acquired, trained and managed freelance writers
● Collaborated with designers and external vendors to ensure projects were delivered on time and within budget
Associate Copywriter, Discover Financial Services, Inc., 1999-2003
● Wrote direct response and promotional copy to support business units: credit cards, mortgages, bank products and business services
● Developed copy for corporate and internal communications: newsletters, video scripts, intranet site, and senior management speeches and letters
● Provided proofreading, editing, interviewing and researching for company-wide business units
Education:
Roosevelt University, B.A. in English, minor in Marketing
Copywriting coursework:
Northwestern University portfolio sequence, Portfolio School of Chicago
e: c_racoma@yahoo.com