Kathleen Onyejekwe

Results-driven marketing leader with 11+ years driving brand engagement, multi-channel campaigns, and cross-functional team performance. Proven track record delivering measurable growth through strategic planning, process improvement, and data-informed execution.

Director of Brand Engagement - University of Illinois, Gies College of Business - Champaign, IL

(2023-06)

Leadership &

• Team Management: Lead a team of brand event managers and merchandise coordinator, providing training, mentorship, and performance management to ensure the successful execution of marketing strategies. Project &

• Campaign Leadership: Oversee the development and execution of integrated marketing projects aligned with the brand and strategic priorities. Collaborate with cross-functional departments to ensure campaign success. Event &

• Program Management: Spearhead brand engagement events, managing promotional strategies, creative production, and marketing deliverables for maximum visibility and brand consistency. Merchandise &

• Licensing Oversight: Lead merchandise strategy by managing licensed product lines to ensure brand alignment and quality standards. Oversee a team responsible for day-to-day operations, including vendor communications, retail tracking, product approvals, and sample management. Provide strategic guidance on contract administration, licensing negotiations, fiscal planning, and product commercialization, while maintaining key documentation and reporting for executive leadership.

Performance Evaluation: Monitor marketing plans' effectiveness, recommending

• Led multi-channel marketing campaigns increasing brand engagement and visibility by 40%
• Implemented project management framework that boosted team efficiency and cross-functional collaboration by 30%
• Mentored and trained staff, streamlining workflows and elevating overall team performance

Brand Manager - University of Illinois, Gies College of Business - Champaign, IL

(2021-06 - 2023-06)

Brand Management: Oversee and manage the execution of integrated branding projects. Lead and manage licensing strategy for branded merchandise, ensuring alignment with institutional identity, consumer expectations, and quality standards. Product Development: Oversee product development and vendor coordination for a wide range of licensed merchandise, ensuring brand consistency and timely delivery.

• Managed brand strategy and positioning for Gies College of Business across all marketing channels
• Oversaw campaign execution and stakeholder communications, ensuring alignment with institutional goals
• Coordinated cross-functional teams to deliver consistent brand messaging and audience engagement

Marketing Communications Specialist/Account Executive - University of Illinois, Gies College of Business - Champaign, IL

(2018-08 - 2021-06)

Cross-Department Collaboration: Partnered with internal teams and leadership to develop and execute marketing plans. Built rapport and managed relationships with clients and key stakeholders. Created and implemented marketing strategies that expanded program visibility and engagement, aligned with overarching brand priorities.

Marketing Strategy Development: Managed marketing campaigns from concept to completion, aligning messaging with brand pillars and ensuring targeted communication across departments. Data-Driven Optimization: Evaluated marketing initiatives using performance data, recommending adjustments to improve campaign outcomes.

• Drove 35% increase in application submissions via centralized, data-driven communication strategies
• Executed marketing plans that generated 20% growth in event attendance and social media engagement
• Managed client accounts and served as primary liaison between internal teams and program stakeholders

Account Executive - Health Alliance - Champaign, IL

(2014-08 - 2018-08)

Project Management: Managed project timelines, campaign approvals, and compliance with healthcare marketing regulations. Client Collaboration: Partnered with advertising agencies to execute customer acquisition campaigns and brand communications. Budget & Compliance Management: Ensured compliance with federal regulations and managed project scope to meet budget constraints.

• Grew customer adoption 25% and managed $500K marketing budget across targeted communication campaigns

Marketing Project Assistant - Lamar Advertising - Baton Rouge, LA

(2012-10 - 2014-07)

Research & Content Creation: Assisted with market research and developed press releases, ensuring communication materials aligned with business goals. Event Coordination: Co-managed monthly sales training events by overseeing logistical planning, presentations, and content development. Intern Leadership: Supervised and mentored Marketing Department interns, guiding them in project execution and professional development.

• Delivered 15% uplift in market insights for sales teams by leading media research projects and improving intern program structure

Business Analyst - Randstad Technologies - Bloomington, IL

(2010-06 - 2012-08)

Training Development: Led the development of training materials for State Farm leadership, following the ADDIE model, to ensure effective project delivery and content understanding. Team Mentorship: Mentored and trained Organizational Support Specialists on project execution and client interaction best practices.

• Supported business analysis and technology implementation initiatives across client engagements at Randstad Technologies

Master of Mass Communication - Louisiana State University

Bachelor of Science - Marketing - Illinois State University