Masters of Communication in Digital Media

Bike

Lifestyle

Outdoor

Snow

Triathlon

Health & Fitness

Storytelling

Endurance sports

Ultramarathons

I clearly recall the August afternoon a decade and a half ago when I created and uploaded my first webpage. The moment that file loaded in my browser, I realized how powerful and accessible the Web was for a creator. It was magic! From that day forward I knew online storytelling had to be a major part of my career. How can you beat instant, global access? I've since gone on to work in the non-profit sector, and tech and outdoor industries. The common thread that binds my career has been digital storytelling. From building an engaging website with open-source software, to cultivating a following through social media or driving sales through email marketing, in a sense it's all the same thing. Done right, it's just good stories, shared online: efficient and intimate. How could you not love it!

As the Brand + Digital Marketing Manager I developing end-to-end promotional campaigns that told a deeper story about what life is like working at Expedia, Inc. Some of my accomplishments at Expedia include:

-- Launched global, internal cross-brand social rally team to promote key company announcements and #lifeatexpedia moments while driving employee engagement and positioning Expedia as an employer of choice within the regional talent market
-- Developed and executed global, cross-channel digital marketing campaigns for key Expedia, Inc. company initiatives including Pride Month, Bring Your Child to Work Day, Bike to Work Month and many other internal initiatives
-- Launched MeetExpedia.com informational website promoting relocation of Expedia to Seattle
-- Directed staff and vendors in creative execution for various multimedia products and websites 
-- Developed and launched branding and social marketing training for global recruiting staff

Brand + Digital Marketing Manager

As the Social Media Team Manager for the technology-powered real estate brokerage, I developed and executed the engagement, content and marketing strategy for Redfin's national and local social media channels, and community forums. During my time at Redfin, I identified and developed social reengagement strategies for Redfin.com, launched successful partnerships with Nest Labs and Room & Board, and hosted a social donation program benefitting the non-profits ASPCA, Rebuilding Together and Vittana.

-- Launched promotions that doubled social media following within six months and generated 400% increase in brand mentions online
-- Coordinated successful Redfin conference panel submission for the 2014 SXSW Interactive Festival featuring Redfin CEO Glenn Kelman
-- Optimized user-experience and share functionality for Redfin.com

Social Media Team Manager

As the Digital Marketing Manager, I drove the marketing strategy across all of Brooks' digital vehicles including Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter, YouTube, and www.brooksrunning.com.

-- Spearheaded digital programs for launch of PureProject collection including online and in-person activation events; established product line as fastest growing brand in lightweight shoe category
-- Drove digital consumer strategy for #1 U.S. performance running brand; grew global social following from 20k to 400k in 24 months; efforts featured as best practice by Facebook.com and at Exact Target Connections 2012 marketing conference
-- Successfully led RFP process for new digital event registration platform deployed for marathon expo and retail experience
-- Recruited, hired and managed marketing team, interns and contractors; led weekly meetings, staff trainings and performance evaluations; internship program adopted as company model

Digital Marketing Manager

As the communications manager for a statewide non-profit, I managed the online and offline communication efforts for the organization, authored key messages, developed and maintained website and social media resources, defined marketing strategies and provided 1-on-1 technical assistance to partner organizations.

-- Led email marketing efforts resulting in an 80% growth in publication subscribers; converted seasonal, paper-based newsletter into monthly graphical email publication for a 76% cost-reduction
-- Developed and maintained first-generation website features which contributed to a 30% month-on-month increase in referral traffic to principal domain
-- Conducted marketing and social media workshops and provided over 200 hours of 1-on-1 trainings for regional early education organizations and community coalitions

Communications Manager

Find out detailed information about Joel Ballezza,  in Seattle, WA

Joel Ballezza: in Seattle, WA

Joel Ballezza

Expedia

Redfin Real Estate

Brooks Running Company

Foundation for Early Learning

Purchase College (SUNY)

University of Washington