My Resume

Chris Little

807 Mark Twain Trail —• Batavia, IL  60510 ——• Phone: 224-430-0780 —• E-Mail: chris.little1563@gmail.com

Summary of experience

Over thirty years in marketing and business communication roles, primarily for Fortune 500 clients, including 10+ years as Creative Director and Senior Copywriter at a full-service marketing and promotions agency. Experience includes developing strategic marketing communication plans, creating effective messaging to support business strategy, and providing effective internal and training communications programs.

Key skills

Creating effective, targeted promotional communication strategies for consumer and B2B audiences

Analyzing customer data and aligning messaging with consumer attitudes, experiences and needs

Translating complex and technical topics into understandable, benefit-driven copy

Defining key messages and rendering them in written, online/interactive, point-of-sale and presentation/event formats

Writing brochures, print ads, signing, informational articles and associate training materials

Leading a team of creative professionals through every step of the development process, from inception through delivery

Editing existing content for clarity, style and concision

Managing multiple assignments simultaneously, while maintaining a consistent focus on client objectives, deadlines and budgets

Professional experience

Freelance Copywriter and Creative Consultant
(present role)

Currently working with creative and account-service teams to brainstorm, develop, execute and finalize successful marketing communications for B2B and consumer audiences in a variety of industries.

• Supported new-product launch efforts with impactful video scripts, product packaging web page copy, email blasts, newsletter articles, brochures and instructional materials
• Meeting regularly with client teams to present content, assimilate feedback and direction, and ensure on-deadline and on-budget completion.
• Contributed dozens of pages of mission-critical, on-brand narrative copy for corporate catalog media targeting manufacturers, independent dealers and integrators
• Current client accounts include the world’s foremost manufacturer of window-shading automation systems, a leading residential ice-machine brand, and the leading supplier of premium-quality bathroom fixtures to the hospitality industry

Gorski Advertising, Hillside, Illinois

Creative Director, Copywriter and Marketing Consultant

Worked closely with corporate clients, internal client support staff and creative teams through all phases of project development

Took the lead in creative development and writing of ads, brochures, flyers, mailers and other promotional materials

Wrote dozens of articles, training materials and facilitation guides exploring new product releases and assortment updates

Developed point-of-sale signing, banners and display programs for a wide variety of consumer goods

Completed the application process for a national award program on behalf of a major corporate client, winning top honors in five consecutive years

Provided video and radio scripts, speech text, news releases, instructional writing and executive profiles/summaries

Generated web site copy, banner ads and email text for business-to-business and consumer-focused online marketing programs

Organized and assimilated information and content from various sources into concise, effective presentations

Sears, Chicago Headquarters

Asst. Strategic Marketing Director

Controlled a marketing budget of over $10 million, directing daily operations of a variety of test-market initiatives and customer-relationship programs

Oversaw the successful implementation of a groundbreaking frequent-shopping incentive program, from pilot markets through nationwide rollout

Provided field support, training booklets and customer promotion of a “Best Customer” loyalty/rewards program

Designed, implemented and analyzed results of a successful nationwide credit account reactivation mailing test

Retail Copywriter

Wrote headlines and copy for hundreds of pages of advertising for a leading nationwide retail chain

Worked closely with buying teams in Home Improvement, Hardware and Home Appliances departments to translate corporate strategies and product attributes into compelling consumer-benefit messaging

Education

Northwestern University
Master of Science, Advertising/Integrated Marketing Communication

University of Georgia
Bachelor of Arts, Journalism and Mass Communications

• National Merit Scholarship

• Thomas J. Watson Scholarship (IBM)

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Let’s create something together.

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