ABOUT
Resume & Philosophy

LET'S MEET GOALS TOGETHER!
maryruthko@gmail.com

READ THE ROOM, THEN ADJUST

Since 2008 I've built a career as a public library marketing manager. Having previously excelled in museum education, nonprofit arts administration, and directing community theater, I've developed a diverse skill set that drives my marketing methods. Shifting my thinking to see from the audience's perspective is a key tool I use to craft my vision.

As both a broad-focused and a detail-oriented thinker, I have a keen awareness of how audience engagement is tied to an organization's perceived value. I am always looking for new and innovative ways to positively shape that perception.

WORK EXPERIENCE


MARKETING MANAGER (2008 – 2022)
Bay County Library System, Bay City, MI


Design graphics and content for all system-wide marketing including multi-format newsletters, press releases, advertising copy, and print/ digital communications.

  • New: Leading the integration process with Savannah software by OrangeBoy. It is slated to replace the Constant Contact messaging platform I currently use and provide robust visualized analytics to help me hone our long-range marketing plan.

  • Managed a rebranding process and two major website redesign projects including staff training.

  • Create content, manage analytics, and provide staff user guidelines for a website, intranet, and 6 social media accounts.

  • Assist staff with editing copy/ design work and provide templates as requested.

  • Build strategic cross-marketing partnerships through membership in What's Next Bay City resulting in an 80% increase in patron reach.



INTERIM EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR (2015 – 2016)

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR (2008 – 2010)

Thumb Area Center for the Art, Caro, MI


Built audience and donor growth through financial management, volunteer cultivation, and fundraising events. Directed 4-6 community events yearly with up to 100 volunteers per event. Recruited as interim to reorganize operations, rebuild funds, and train a new director.

  • Leveraged public speaking opportunities to increase donations by 62% and program attendance by 60%.

  • Created a new fundraising event to Increase cash funds by 900% in under 12 months.

  • Improved internal operations with a best practices board model and a new financial tracking system.

  • Led a new logo and rebranding process; created a social media presence, a website, and email marketing.


EDUCATION


M.L.S. - PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION (2019)
Fort Hays State University, Hays, KS

Honors: Ranked Top 10 Percent of Graduate Students, May 2018


SECONDARY TEACHER CERTIFICATION (2007)
Saginaw Valley State University, University Center, MI

Certifications: English, Theater, Public Speaking, Psychology


B.A. - COMMUNICATION (2000)

Michigan State University, E. Lansing, MI

Activities: Mass Media Study Abroad Program in Great Britain

MARKETING ACTIVITIES


BOARD MEMBER (2009 – Present)
What's Next Bay City
A cross-marketing collaborative of nine nonprofit organizations in Bay County. In addition to staffing collective fundraising events, I design the quarterly newsletter and manage the website. Currently, we are preparing to file for 501(c)3 status as "Bay Arts and Culture Commission". I contributed heavily to crafting our Bylaws.

CO-CHAIR (2018 – 2021)

Michigan PR Group

Coordinated the first unconference for Michigan library marketers in September 2019 and led the "Marketing on a Zero Budget" break-out session. Presented an "Intro to Canva" learning session via Zoom in March 2021.

BAY COUNTY REPRESENTATIVE (2015 – 2016)

Great Lakes Bay Regional Alliance Arts & Entertainment Planning Committee

Worked with regional leaders across four counties to launch the "ArtWave" cross-marketing initiative.


MARKETING COMMITTEE MEMBER (2009 – 2016)

Downtown Bay City
Represented Wirt Library on behalf of BCLS to stay abreast of downtown public event participation opportunities.

EXPERT SKILLS


Graphic Design • Project & Event Management • Research & Copywriting • Analytics Tracking •

Group Facilitation & Training • Marketing Plans • Direct & Social Media Marketing • Software Implementation • Outreach Presentations