Tara Ray

Directing the marketing and communications initiatives within the School of Engineering and Technology, I serve as one-woman internal agency for all 200+ faculty and staff. I lead and execute marketing and communications efforts which includes the strategy and design of pieces, creation of design and content for social media and implementation and communication efforts with various media outlets. I look for the most efficient and cost effective way to brand the School, and help all of the individual departments with their needs. A big part of my day is balancing between annual event planning, marketing/design efforts, and projects that pop up on the daily. When not executing and coordinating projects, I plan the marketing budget for the fiscal year, create requisitions for purchase orders, work with vendors and submit internal requests for overarching marketing approvals.

As a contributor of the Development team for the School of Engineering and Technology, I support alumni, donor and student events from a design, marketing, and communications standpoint.

Contracted to lead and redesign branding efforts at hhgregg to improve sales from a visual standpoint. Manage other designers. Design layout, artwork and web graphics as needed. Serve as production coordinator in addition to senior design responsibilities.

Contract designer to create product sales training book, postcards, take home sheets, packaging and e-newsletter on a as-needed basis.

Creative Manager, design lead, layout artist, production coordinator for Woodwind and Brasswind division. Responsible for re-branding music123 across print and web. Train design team on incorporating new look and feel for all brands. Coordinate research with marketing team for audience targeting. Design work includes direct mail pieces, multi-page layout, web graphics, point-of-purchase displays, tradeshow banners and outside advertising. Instrumental in transitioning out of state team and close creative operations in South Bend.

Agency designer with prominent work for healthcare, insurance, and other various local businesses. Design included brochures, direct mail, outside advertising, logos, branding suites, websites and newsletter templates. Served as onsite photographer for all clients.

*Company has dissolved after owner retired.