Lori Peppers is a creative and analytical professional journalist with 25 years of experience in Marketing Communication...
LORI N. PEPPERS Phone: 904.217.3424 Email:
[email protected]
Saint Augustine, FL 32084
PROPOSAL MANAGER I MARKETING COMMUNICATIONS An expert in business writing and graphics/formatting, for publications and proposal development
A creative and analytical professional journalist with 25 years of experience in Marketing Communications, specializing in Publications – developing and editing captivating documents – for corporate marketing, internal communications, and business development. Invigorates public, private, and non-profit organizations’ marketing efforts by developing innovative marketing strategies and executing them using engaging content, compelling graphic design, and effective layouts. Cumulative 12 years experience developing, editing and producing compliant bid/proposals in the competitive Architect/Engineering/Construction industry in response to RFQ, RFP, ITB, and other Solicitations by Federal Government and private sector. Possesses a unique ability to collaborate across internal and external Subject Matter Experts to gather technical requirements and generate responsive proposals and meet critical deadlines while achieving consistent hit rates.
AREAS OF EXPERTISE
Proposal Management Marketing & Sales Support Corporate Communications Photography & E-Publications Market Research
Newsletters & Other Publications Direct Mail Campaigns Publishing Schedule Development Media Relations/Public Information Event Planning
Cross-Departmental Collaboration Presentation Design & Execution Expert: Adobe Creative Cloud (InDesign, Photoshop and Adobe Pro), and Microsoft Suite
KEY SKILLS ASSESSMENT PROPOSAL WRITING & LARGE DOCUMENT DEVELOPMENT – Ensures that deadlines are met and all projects are completed to the highest level of quality by coordinating seamlessly among stakeholders to glean key information and catalyze collaboration. Oversees all aspects of writing and design projects, independently ensuring their on-time completion. High proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud InDesign, Photoshop, Adobe Pro, PowerPoint, and Word. WRITING – Pinpoints audience needs and designs effective, well-written, and eloquent content in a variety of tones and genres that compels audiences to take action. Genres include articles, press releases, advertising, newsletters, marketing pieces, training and promotional materials, proposals, business documents, and digital content. COPY EDITING & PROOFREADING – Demonstrates strong attention-to-detail and grasp of English grammar, language use, consistency of voice, sentence structure, paragraph development, and cohesion. Fastidiously edits, proofreads, and revises documents to increase their effectiveness, ensure their accuracy, and improve their readability. Master in application of AP style standards. GRAPHIC DESIGN/DESKTOP PUBLISHING – Enhances the effectiveness and aesthetics of a wide range of documents and presentations by creating layouts, document designs, and infographics that support and improve the message of written content.
PROFESSIONAL E XPERIENCE MIDNIGHT OIL & INK, ST. AUGUSTINE, FL
2005-PRESENT
Leveraged 12 cumulative years as Proposal Manager and Technical Writer in the competitive A/E/C industry to consult in business writing and program development for design and build firms on Florida’s East Coast.
Consultant – Business Writer – Proposal and Large Document Development & Production
Content Development Consistently secures new accounts and expands customer base by writing sophisticated, detailed, and end-user targeted proposals for government (federal, state, & local), corporate, and academic projects. Boosts corporate branding efforts by creating and managing various content for print and digital formats, including presentations and collateral materials (staff resumes, project sheets, and brochures). Guarantees compliance with ITB, RFP, and RFQ guidelines by preparing strong, detailed proposals. Created and implemented effective compliance matrix and formal "go/no go" questionnaire for internal use. Engages audiences by integrating text, data, graphics, and infographics into aesthetically compelling proposals. Oversees final proposal production, including desktop publishing, editing, proofreading, printing, and binding. Project Management Provide quality control for each stage of the proposal process to ensure a fully compliant submission. Ensures contract accuracy by coordinating and interviewing Subject Matter Experts and technical teams, obtaining and accurately translating technical details. Catalyzes on-time and quality proposal completion by prioritizing and overseeing the entire proposal development process from establishing the Win Theme through final production. Streamlines/standardizes proposal development by organizing/maintaining accessible components database. Key Accomplishments Secured five (5) Federal construction contracts totaling $129M within a single bid season for Large Firm. Supported four regional VPs with bids/technical proposals/presentations in business development. Proposals developed for clients consistently singled out and cited for both responsiveness and aesthetics. STOTTLER STAGG & ASSOCIATES AEP, INC., CITY OF CAPE CANAVERAL, FL 2005 – 2011 Mid-sized architectural/civil engineering/surveying firm with approximately 30 local government & private accounts
Marketing Communications/Proposal Manager
Blended technical skills with creative ability to produce Qualifications-based and Design/Build proposals, as well as a wide range of print material. Directed proposal planning and production process; coordinated input by Subject Matter Experts; guided rehearsal of shortlist presentation speakers. Designed effective and memorable PowerPoint presentations while accommodating a wide range of client needs through creation of targeted illustrations, graphic images, and slide formats/layouts. Key Accomplishments Achieved proposal shortlist “Hit Rate” of 85% for 3-year period spanning 2007-2010. Directed Internal Communications program, including regular E-Blasts, a monthly E-Newsletter Planned and executed ongoing “lunch and learn” and other special events to improve relations with employees and build relations with clients. Created vigorous year-round internal fund campaign to support United Way and other community projects. PATRICK AIR FORCE 45TH SPACE WING – SERVICES DIVISION, SATELLITE BEACH, FL 2003 – 2005 Air Force department consisting of 17 leisure programs/clubs targeted to base constituents/surrounding communities.
Editor/Publicist
Directed an energetic Publicity program covering the dynamic (MWR) clubs and leisure activities and outlets on Patrick Air Force Base. Engaged base soldiers, their families, and other base workers/residents in Air Force’s ongoing events by writing two feature articles per week for base newspaper/USAF global website as well as editing a monthly 24-page magazine. Divided attention appropriately between the print and online digital products. Created role as the "voice" of the Services Division through feature and human interest articles and columns. Highly-visible presence on base, within surrounding community, and globally on USAF Web venues.
E ARLY CAREER HIGHLIGHTS Editor & Writer, “Specials” Monthly Employee Magazine for Abraham & Straus Department Stores, Brooklyn, NY Assistant Editor/Writer, The SUn Alumni Newsmagazine, Seattle University Publications Office, Seattle, WA Publicity Promotions & Special Events Coordinator, Polynesian Cultural Center, Northshore, Oahu, HI Publicity & Public Relations Manager, Moanalua Gardens Foundation, Honolulu, HI Executive Administrative Asst (CEO & Marketing), R.W. Allen & Associates, Inc. (General Contractor), August, GA Account Executive/Advertising Copywriter, The Ad Agency, Honolulu, HI Freelance Copywriter, McCann/Erickson Advertising, New York, NY Freelance Graphic Designer, Springer-Verlag Publishing Company, New York, NY
Lori N. Peppers
Resume, Page 3
E DUCATION Bachelor of Arts, Journalism, Specialization - Publications, Seattle University, Seattle, WA Postgraduate studies in Public Relations, University of Oregon
PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS Society of Marketing Professional Services (SMPS), 2006 – Present Association of Proposal Management Professional (APMP), 2009 – 2013 Business and Cultural Development Advisory Board Member – City of Cape Canaveral, FL, 2005-2011 Envisioning Committee Member – City of Cape Canaveral, FL, 2009-2011
