Tom Ballentine5320 N. Sheridan Road, #711

Chicago, IL 60640

[c]: 312.560.3449•[h]:773.856.0123

Multifaceted administrative professional looking to utilize my interpersonal, project management and technical skills in a fast paced, creative environment. Proven ability to multi-task and seamlessly handle multiple deadlines.

Professional Experience

2007 – Present The Laramar Group, LLC

Marketing, Training & Design Department Coordinator
  • Responsible for project-management of national marketing website re-design, including content control and creation of operational systems.
  • Negotiated and managed all vendor contracts of online sales for national company.
  • Managed inventory control, purchasing and invoicing of nation-wide marketing collateral store.
  • Revised online inventory to 40% all recyclable, “green” products increasing annual sales 15% within 8 months.
  • Coordinated design process for over 50 multi-unit apartment homes nationally.
  • Created accounts receivable process to streamline inventory control, purchase ordering and invoicing, resulting in 10% cost reduction within 8 months.
  • Managed shipping/receiving process, creating cost-effective and time saving procedures,
  • Responsible for managing all vendor contracts and client relations.
  • Produced national marketing and training trade-show convention in Phoenix, AZ
  • Oversaw all travel arrangements, hotel & entertainment for over 300 convention attendees.
  • Managed all vendor relations and design aspects for 75 member vendor tradeshow.
  • Coordinated and produced all training presentations and marketing collateral.
  • Managed all expenses and scheduling arrangements for Senior Vice President.

2003 – 2007 Theatre Building Chicago

Director, Marketing and Communications

  • Responsible for project-management of roll-out and design of new website, content control and creation of systems within the office.
  • Produce successful marketing campaigns, expanding company profile locally and nationally. Created copy for press releases, brochures & advertising, specifically managing strategic local/national advertising and media coverage. Produced numerous successful direct-mail and e-mail campaigns for theatre clients, typically coordinating 3-4 independent campaigns simultaneously.
  • Negotiate and manage all vendor contracts for department.
  • Develop and maintain theatre audiences through strategic web-based & traditional marketing initiatives. Expanded and focused database from existing 2,300 (general) online members to over 25,000 (targeted) members within a 2-year period.
  • Raise Theatre Building Chicago brand identity through print, electronic media and internet communications, media relations and public events. Created & produced multiple special events; including several benefits, opening nights & recruiting campaigns for award-winning writers workshop.
  • Collaborate with board of directors on development, long-range planning and budgets.
  • Lead multiple initiatives improving patron experience, such as popular value-added flexible scheduling, exclusive post-show “talk-backs” with artists, and subscriber benefit discounts.
  • Active member of The Chicago Association of Direct Marketing (CADM) and several Chambers of Commerce throughout the Chicagoland area.
  • Serve on several marketing committees as a member of The Chicago Association of Direct Marketing (CADM) and the League of Chicago Theatres, further developing arts within the city.

Tom Ballentine

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2001- 2003 Roosevelt University, Chicago College of Performing Arts

Performance Activities Manager

  • Created Office of Performance Activities.
  • Developed and implemented guidelines and processes to manage all performance schedules.
  • Project manager for Conservatory intranet from inception to rollout; facilitating better communication between Music and Theatre Conservatory faculty, staff and students.
  • Interviewed, supervised and managed staff of 15 + employees
  • Managed Master Class Series and negotiated appearances of world-renowned guest artists.
  • Negotiated and coordinated travel and tour arrangements for 70+-member symphony orchestra.
  • Managed partnerships with external performance venues and presenting organizations.
  • Designed and launched advertising and publicity campaigns.
  • Established new system of budget accountability regarding performance activities.
  • Established and enforced contracts and policies regarding performance activities.
  • Created partnerships with vendors, including international publishing houses, coordinating music rentals and purchases for symphony, chamber orchestra, opera, etc.
  • Coordinated with Dean, Director, and department chairs, the creation of yearly ensemble performance calendar (number of performances more than doubled during my tenure).
  • Established and enforce policies for submission of concert and recital programs
  • Managed all off-campus performances by University ensembles

1998 – 2001World Resources Institute, Washington, DC

Intranet Manager-Administration

  • Created and managed institute-wide intranet.
  • Responsible for maintenance of office equipment and communications with employees on all facilities issues.
  • Administration of conference calls, multiple calendars and meeting coordination.
  • Assisted in coordination of major external office relocation.
  • Coordinated with the Web Master & Graphic Design Manager; designed & implemented several intranet sites, streamlining communication within our headquarters and partner organizations.

1989 - 2001The Washington Opera at The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts

Professional Opera Singer
  • Performed 50+ productions including three productions televised on PBS with Placido Domingo. Private concert at the Vatican for Pope John Paul II.
Education

Ohio State University

Business/Marketing 1983 - 1985

The Catholic University of America 1987 - 1992

BA/BM; double major in Vocal Performance & Business/Marketing

Professional Affiliations

African American Arts Alliance of Chicago, A.R.T. League, Inc., the Central Lake View Merchants Association (CLMA), The Chicago Association of Direct Marketing (CADM), the Illinois Arts Alliance, the Lakeview Chamber of Commerce, the Lakeview Citizens Council, the League of Chicago Theatres, and the National Alliance for Musical Theatre.

Computer Experience

Windows 2000 & MAC OSX / MS Office 2000 / Concur (expense reporting program)
MS Excel / Adobe Acrobat 8.0 / Adobe InDesign 2.0
Powerpoint / Filemaker pro 8.2 / Contribute 3.0 (web-design)