Christopher Starr, M. Ed. Masters in Educational Media & Instructional Design (Temple University) B.A. Radio / Television / Film (Temple University) 11 Country Lane, Randolph, NJ 07869 chrisstarr81@gmail.com | 410-610-3011 Professional Strengths • Creative writer and professional story teller with a portfolio of communications including: magazine and news articles, press releases, executive communications, web/social media copy, scripts, marketing and fundraising campaigns, strategic plans, project plans, instructional manuals and other business communication. • Keen understanding of the admissions and enrollment management process with success in improving yields at inquiry, application and enrollment stages, as well as, experience with retention strategies. • Positive and constructive problem solver with the ability to embrace change and adapt to new technologies. • Dedicated to lifelong learning with the ability to research problems, analyze needs, and design and produce solutions for websites, social media, print, advertising, education, training, and advancement. • Award winning video producer with over 20 years experience using digital video tools and motion graphics. • Experience authoring interactive content for DVD, web sites, and software. • Strong time management skills and ability to manage/motivate others, monitor budgets, and meet deadlines.
Professional Experience Director of Marketing and Community Outreach (Jul ’15 – Present) The Peck School – premier independent, co-educational day school in the heart of Morristown, NJ. •
Work closely with the Advancement and Admissions Offices, under the direction of the Head of School, to develop and implement promotional strategy and marketing content that align with the school’s Strategic Plan and annual enrollment management goals. Responsible for communicating the distinct value proposition of Peck’s K-8 program and elevating the perception and reputation of the school with external constituents. o Together with the Director of Admissions, provide insight, ideas, brainstorming, and direction to the Ad-Hoc Enrollment and Management Committee of the Board of Directors. o Author, edit, and produce engaging feature stories for school websites and portals, Peck News magazine, social media, in-bound marketing, press release, e-newsletters, and industry publications. o Oversee the content, maintenance and usability of the school’s website. o Develop and produce high quality marketing materials that are consistent with the school’s strategic plan and messaging priorities. o Work with parent “Pride Ambassadors” to enhance word-of-mouth marketing strategies. o Develop and implement strategies to elevate Peck’s reputation among various constituencies including: area publishers, media outlets, educational associations, human resource departments, local communities, real estate, and relocation firms. o Produce video content highlighting signature school experiences and events. o Gather and report on market data research and analysis of marketing initiatives.
Communications and Marketing Specialist / Team Leader (Jun ’12 – Jun ‘15) International School of Luxembourg – IB World School and school of choice for diverse expatriate community. •
Led a team that kept the international community informed about school programs. Managed the school’s website and external communication (news, press release, advertising, magazine articles, and social media.) o Oversaw website user experience through gathering of user requirements, information design, prototype development, usability testing, development, and launch. o Authored content for website, print publications, electronic newsletters, magazine and news articles. o Worked closely with the Board of Governors, Senior Leadership, and Development and Admissions Departments to ensure cohesive and consistent communication. o Responsible for proactive and positive marketing of the school, including branding, web strategy, graphic design and printed material. o Supported the overall ISL Strategic Plan through the development of annual strategic communications plans, marketing strategies, press placement, and development initiatives. o Proposed and administered annual communications and marketing budgets that efficiently utilized school resources to promote ISL’s strategic initiatives, while maximizing the value of free press and media to bring ISL news and success stories to the international community. o Member of the ISL Professional Development Committee, participating in the evaluation of PD applications and distribution of over $400,000 in professional development funds to faculty/staff.
Director of Communications (Jun ‘10 – Jan. ‘13) Virginia Episcopal School - a private co-educational boarding and day school located in Lynchburg, Virginia. •
Oversaw the creation and distribution of all communication flow from the school to its constituents and stakeholders. Monitored, promoted, and protected the school’s brand in the marketplace through strategic communications planning, social media strategy, and high quality external communications. o Served as Editor in Chief of Toward Full Stature Magazine – this full-color print publication was distributed twice a year to approximately 7000 constituents, including education consultants. o Researched, wrote and distributed press releases, a weekly newsletter by email, a monthly news digest, and almost daily announcements to parents, alumni, and prospects. o Produced and edited digital video communications for use on the school website and social media. o Taught Video Production – an elective course in the school’s curriculum. o Served as a liaison between the school, local newspaper and television media. o Updated and maintained the school’s website. o Provided care and guidance to students in the role of dorm parent.
Alumni Coordinator, Development Officer (May ‘05 – Jun ‘10) Woodstock School – a world class International Boarding School in the Western Himalayas named the number one international school in India by Education World magazine. • • • • • •
Coordinated a global communication outreach to former staff, students and parents for the purposes of engaging them in the strategic master plan for Woodstock School - a 156-year-old institution in India. Maintained ties with recent graduates, old students and staff through personal interaction, correspondence, internet and print publications, the alumni web community and social media. Planned the annual induction ceremony for new graduates into the alumni association, as well as, the annual Senior Transition Retreat. Served as an ex-officio member of the WOSA NA Council, attended council meetings and represented Woodstock at the annual North American reunion. Coordinated and spoke at numerous alumni reunions and events, international regional gatherings, school events and coordinated visits to the Woodstock School campus in the foothills of the Himalayas. Assisted in the creation and implementation of the Annual Fund campaign and in strategic planning for major gifts, planned giving and capital campaigns.
Adjunct Professor (Apr ‘02 – May ‘05) University of Redlands, Redlands, CA – then rated as one of the top ten private colleges in the Western US. • •
Designed curriculum, authored syllabi, and lectured in the MSIT and BSIT programs. Taught courses including: Internet Marketing, Web Site Usability, Database Development, and Networking.
Manager of Media Development (Aug ‘97 – May ‘05) Emerald Publications, San Diego, CA – a leading provider of marketing solutions to investment advisers. • •
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Wrote creative and technical documents, scripts, web content, training material and project plans. Produced, directed and edited broadcast quality videos for Emerald marketing and sales divisions including: Electronic Learning Solutions, Seminar Systems, Newsletters, Direct Mail, and Web Site Sales. Managed projects in all phases of professional web development including: research and discovery of requirements, specifications, wireframes and prototypes, content creation, and usability testing.
Recent Bylines in Industry Publications • • • • • • •
“A Deep Approach to Professional Development” – Independent School Magazine (NAIS, Fall 2017) “Learning to Look” – International Schools Magazine (Autumn 2014) “Prime Minister Visits ISL Grads” – The International Educator (October 2014) “What Does Pepe Have to Do With Parenting”- Delano.lu (06/26/14) “Should Schools Teach Spiritual Values” – Delano.lu (10/01/13) “Meeting a Growing Need in Luxembourg” – Connexion (Winter 2013) “ISL Celebrates Golden Anniversary” – Luxembourg Business Journal (Fall 2013)
References, Web Copy Links, and Work Samples Available on Request