MARK EL-RAYES
MBA
Senior Communications Strategist | Design & Development
Professional Summary
Veteran Technical Creative Director with over 15 years of data-driven marketing and creative solutions. Confident in ability to lead teams in outreach campaigns, interactive digital tools, and brand identity. Track record of increased engagement, inspired team development, and knowledge on new technologies. Committed to social equity, life-long learning, & contributing to collective success.
Areas of Expertise
Strategic Communications Planning / Media Relations / Digital Communications & Development / Content Development and Writing / Public Relations and Branding / Leadership and Management / Stakeholder Engagement / Research and Analytics / Crisis Communications / Cultural Competency and Inclusivity
Work History
Freelance Creative Director | 2022 - Present| El-Rayes Design Co
Maintained long-term relationships with multiple clients by consistently providing marketing, branding, and technical expertise, earning their loyalty and trust over many years.
Coordinated and executed events hosting over 1,000 attendees, supervising logistics, promotions, and on-site operations to ensure seamless delivery.
Collaborated closely with employees and C-Suite stakeholders to lead cross-functional teams and manage projects from smaller initiatives to multi-million-dollar ventures.
Collaborated closely with employees and C-Suite stakeholders, including CEOs and CTOs, to lead cross-functional teams and manage projects ranging from smaller initiatives to multi-million dollar ventures, delivering high-impact results.
Digital Design & Development Director | 2019 - 2022 | ConnectCRE, (Remote)
Recruited to manage creative teams and take ownership of new client projects. Managed the execution and development of a new brand identity that led to a 40% increase in viewership.
During COVID, increased digital revenue by over 60% by leading a digital brand overhaul.
Ownership of over 30 marketing campaigns working directly with C-Suite stakeholders.
Implemented technologies increasing marketing capabilities working directly with CEO & CTO.
Marketing Director | 2018 - 2019 | Goldn Bloom, San Diego, CA
Recruited to lead a brand repositioning. Led projects in storefront layout, social media strategy, product display, data tracking, and public outreach campaigns.
Spearheaded a company rebranding which included logo, style guides, website, brand voice, and more. Led to increased brand awareness and first-page SEO results for target key phrases.
Worked directly with owners and team members to execute on-site farmers market event including local vendors, artists, and musicians with over 2,000 people attending.
Creative Director | 2017 - 2019 | Fast Grass (Eaze), San Diego, CA
Worked with founders to position the company for a future company acquisition, increased revenue by over 210% and sold to M7 Holdings and then Eaze.
Mass Communication Specialist | 2012 - 2017 | US Navy, International
Leading Petty Officer producing photography, videos, graphics, public affairs, and news stories in support of the United States military mission. Led teams of Sailors and instructed courses in design, and photography courses at Navy Support Element - West.
Technical Skillsets
Content Development and Writing
Copywriting and Editing (AP Style) / Search Engine Optimization (SEO) (Ahrefs, SEMrush, Google Keywords Planner) / Multimedia Content Creation (Adobe Creative Suite, Procreate, FL Studio, Blender, SketchUp, Microsoft Office Suite) / Studio, Documentary, and Product Photography / Technical Writing and Report Preparation / Traditional and Digital Illustration
Digital Communications & Development
Social Media Platforms Management (Later, Hootsuite, Buffer) / Content Management Systems (WordPress, Drupal, etc.) / Email Marketing Platforms (Mailchimp, Constant Contact, HubSpot) / Digital Analytics (Google Analytics, HubSpot, Hotjar, Adobe Analytics, SEO Analytics)
Public Relations and Branding & Leadership Management
Brand Management and Development / Public Relations Management / Event Planning and Execution / Team Leadership and Personnel Management / Project Management Tools (Asana, Trello) / Performance Metrics and KPI Tracking
Strategic Communications Planning & Media Relations
SWOT Analysis, Audience Segmentation Analysis, Campaign Development and Management / Press Release Writing and Distribution / Media List Creation and Management / Press Kit Development
Other Skills
Web Dev: PHP / C# / HTML / CSS / JavaScript / Jquery / MySQL / Server Administration
Personal: Guitar / Bass / Piano / Dressing Sharp / Open Mics / Poetry / Journaling / Silly Walking
Languages: English / Arabic
Personal: Guitar / Bass / Piano / Dressing Sharp / Open Mics / Poetry / Journaling / Silly Walking
Languages: English / Arabic
Education
Executive Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Georgetown University (2024)
B.S. in Graphic Design
Art Institute of Philadelphia (2009)
A.S. in Computer Information
California College of San Diego (2018)