Karen Fontes
Marana
Summary
Experienced professional with a proven track record in directing and managing successful development, programming, communication, marketing, and promotion across various industries. Specializes in blood collection and strategic calendar building, fully committed to the Red Cross Mission. Expertise lies in driving strategic initiatives and achieving measurable results. Strong skill set in building strong partnerships and fostering collaborative relationships to maximize organizational growth and impact.
Overview
41
41
years of professional experience
Work History
Area Booking/Strategic Business Planning Manager
American Red Cross - Donor Services Recruitment
05.2021 - Current
- Own strategy development for optimizing resources and booking blood programs, ensuring transactions are managed efficiently in the Biomedical Salesforce (BSF) system.
- Lead the optimization of the calendar to align with market demands and support strategic initiatives including Sickle Cell, Fixed Sites, and Power Reds.
- Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with external partners, influencing the activation of blood sponsors and programs.
- Collaborate closely with Account Managers (AMs) to implement business planning activities, such as Leads Management, Calendar Build, and Booking Gap Confirmation.
- Educate sponsors and local communities on the importance of blood donations, fostering engagement and support.
- Utilize reporting tools to track district performance and make data-driven decisions to improve outcomes.
- Build an internal network of support for new business opportunities, working with Chapter Executive Directors and Regional Philanthropy Officers.
- Ensure data integrity within the BSF system, maintaining accuracy in reporting and planning.
- Provide coverage for peer SBPMs as needed, supporting team continuity and performance.
- Perform additional tasks as assigned by District Manager (DM) or Regional Director, Strategic Engagement (RDSE).
Account Manager
American Red Cross - Donor Services Recruitment
11.2019 - 05.2021
- Plan and implement effective strategies to recruit, retain and manage sponsor organizations and relationships to achieve established blood collection goals
- Develop potential Sponsor leads
- Educate Sponsor chairpersons and recruitment committees in organizational requirements
- Provide ongoing support to Sponsors and implement appropriate special donor recruitment programs
Account Specialist
American Red Cross - Donor Services Recruitment
04.2018 - 11.2019
- Handle all inside sales support for assigned Recruitment District team
- Create and forward publicity and marketing materials for Arizona blood drives
- Responsible for obtaining and forwarding Operational Records for Arizona blood drives
- Assist in donor pre-sign up process as needed
- Responsible for DRMS Audit Report, Publicity Approval Report and Cost Analysis of Marketing Report for review with Reps for accuracy
- Maintain promotion calendar
- Assist team in Hemisphere data integrity
- Assist in orientation for new Account Specialists and/or new Account Managers
- Manage inventory and distribution of donor premiums/giveaway items
Music Teacher
Stanley Nursery School/St. Andrew's Preschool
09.2005 - 01.2018
- Creatively develop music curriculum in accordance the New Jersey Core Curriculum Standards for Music
- Teach music for preschool children
Program Manager
VH1/MTV Networks/Viacom Inc.
09.1992 - 08.1997
- Evaluate and schedule daily and weekly long form programming
- Liaise between Programming, Production and Technical Departments to coordinate and disseminate programming information
- Supervise and support the Promotion Scheduling Coordinator
- Responsible for implementing on-air sponsorship opportunities with Advertising, Sales and Marketing Departments
- Assist in the development of marketing plans and their implementation
- Coordinate with the Advertising Sales and Marketing Departments to engage on-air promotion sponsorship opportunities
- Serve as the point person for the Programming Department during live broadcasts
Promotion Scheduling Coordinator
VH1/MTV Networks/Viacom Inc.
10.1990 - 09.1992
- Manage database of all on-air promotion for VH1
- Develop and implement plan for on-air promotion
- Implement and provide training for a new promotion scheduling software with the IT department
Traffic Coordinator
VH1/MTV Networks/Viacom Inc.
10.1989 - 10.1990
- Liaise with Ad Sales Department to manage commercial contracts for air
- Input commercial contracts into traffic scheduling system
- Maintain database, coordinate and schedule commercials for air
- Create cross channel promotion plans within MTV Networks
Promotion and Public Service Coordinator
KVOA-TV/NBC Affiliate
07.1984 - 08.1989
- Develop, produce, schedule and talent on-air promotion for "Eyewitness News", station image, and public service announcements
- Maintain database for station promos and public service announcements
- Produce and host early morning "community calendar"
- Voice-Over commercials, promos and interstitials
- Production operations: graphics, camera operations, videotape operations and floor manager for live newscasts and recorded programming
Education
MBA - Media and Communications Management
Fordham University
New York, NYB.S - Telecommunications (Radio/Television)
Northern Arizona University
Flagstaff, AZSkills
- MBA in Media and Communication Management
- Mission Driven
- Creative in looking for new opportunities and more efficient workstreams
- Strong collaboration with internal and external partnerships to achieve shared objectives
- Skilled in Biomedical Salesforce and Power BI
- Effective relationship management
- Strong organizational skills
- Effective presentation abilities
- Effective problem solving skills
- Thrives in challenging environments
Accomplishments
- Consultant with the New Donor Recruitment Model
- Organizer of the Red Cross Southern Arizona High School Pep Rally
- Red Cross High School Advisory Council
- Red Cross Latino Engagement Advisory Council
- Red Cross Culture Ambassador
- Red Cross National Partner Relations Advocate
- Red Cross Board Member - Arizona BioMed Committee
Timeline
Area Booking/Strategic Business Planning Manager
American Red Cross - Donor Services Recruitment
05.2021 - Current
Account Manager
American Red Cross - Donor Services Recruitment
11.2019 - 05.2021
Account Specialist
American Red Cross - Donor Services Recruitment
04.2018 - 11.2019
Music Teacher
Stanley Nursery School/St. Andrew's Preschool
09.2005 - 01.2018
Program Manager
VH1/MTV Networks/Viacom Inc.
09.1992 - 08.1997
Promotion Scheduling Coordinator
VH1/MTV Networks/Viacom Inc.
10.1990 - 09.1992
Traffic Coordinator
VH1/MTV Networks/Viacom Inc.
10.1989 - 10.1990
Promotion and Public Service Coordinator
KVOA-TV/NBC Affiliate
07.1984 - 08.1989
B.S - Telecommunications (Radio/Television)
Northern Arizona University
MBA - Media and Communications Management
Fordham University
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