Ben Risinger Resume
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ben@bwrisinger.com
OBJECTIVE
To obtain employment permitting myself to utilize my public relations, marketing, communications and management skills, obtained through both my academic and professional experiences while allowing me to further advance my abilities for the future.
EDUCATION
Anderson University; Anderson, Indiana
Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communications (specialization in Public Relations)
Minor, Political Science
WORK EXPERIENCE
October 2010 — Present
FOUNDER AND ON-AIR HOST, DOITINDY - Weekly Top 5 Urban Events Show
• Creator, Producer, On-Air host for weekly segment on Saturday morning (9:15am) on FOX59 WXIN Indianapolis.
• Oversee all social media campaigns on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Foursquare. Monitor and respond to questions and
comments from followers on platforms. Build promotional campaign around each week’s Top 5 List.
• Research content for each Top 5 list and initiate all media relations efforts. Utilize social media, television and internet to
ensure the show has covered all angles of Indianapolis within the 465 Loop.
• Run sponsorship asks and campaigns for partnerships. In charge of soliciting all sponsorship and creating a package that is
beneficial to both the customer and DoItIndy.
May 2007 — Present
PRESIDENT AND TACTICIAN, BWR MARKETING & PUBLIC RELATIONS
• Execute all Public Relations campaigns for clients. Fabricate and initiate campaigns as needed and requested by clients.
In charge of public relations process including creative brainstorming, implementation and final evaluation of all projects.
• Creative designer behind all print & web campaigns. Develop and implement ad campaigns for print, email and social media.
• Execute all social media campaigns for clients via Facebook, Twitter, Foursquare, YouTube. Follow and interact with clients’
constituents via social media. “Ghost” Facebook and Tweet as needed as well as train clients on how to best use
social media for their needs.
• Produce all viral video shoots for clients, DoItIndy weekly shows and special videos. Use small hand held cameras and
desktop software to create videos of all ranges for clients.
• Write all press releases and execute media relations campaigns.
October 2007 — April 2010
COMMUNITY REPRESENTATIVE, AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY
Responsible for the implementation of different ACS programs in the local Indianapolis community. Fostered, recruited and built relationships with key volunteers who helped run the Relay For Life events and other activities. Was the lead contact for numerous different fundraising events and was pivotal in meeting fundraising goals by both sponsor and individual solicitation. Started Coaches vs. Cancer program and annual gala in the Indianapolis area. The Online Champion for 32 Relay For Life websites - responsible for all volunteer training and technical support. Other duties included relationship building with local business partners, volunteer and peer training, appearing at local health fairs/trade shows, various different committee involvement and host duties at special American Cancer Society events.
October 2005 — February 2007
MARKETING COORDINATOR, ALL STAR VACATION HOMES
Performed all aspects of PR/Marketing, working hand-in-hand with the CEO and Vice President of Marketing. Performed day-to-day marketing and reporting duties, including report generation and analysis. Participated in brainstorming sessions and developed creative processes for the business. Responsible for corporate web/Internet presence, to include the creation and maintenance of website content, engaging graphics, branding, links, verbiage and landing pages. Creatively produced marketing materials for both the rental and real estate companies. Performed sales duties including responding to leads from partner businesses, conventions and visitor bureau leads. Wrote/designed monthly e-newsletters and e-mail communications, including monthly owner’s statements and public relations materials.
June 2003 — October 2005
SPORTS INFORMATION DIRECTOR, BLUFFTON UNIVERSITY
In charge of all aspects of running a cost efficient collegiate sports information office. Managed a staff of nine assistants in addition to a PR office, as well as being the main media contact for all sports information. Liaison for media relations, publications, website design, to include gameday and event management. Coordinated all aspects of media guide production, photos, statistical/historical research and event promotions. Coordinated with the public relations staff to develop the integrated marketing/branding plan for Bluffton College’s name change to Bluffton University. Assisted with design of new logos, website, new publications and brand standards/style guide manual for the athletics department and institution. Wrote numerous press releases and feature stories for Bluffton University athletics and in the institutional side for the public relations department.
February 2001 — August 2002
GENERAL MANAGER, MOONSTRUCK CHOCOLATE CAFE
Responsible for the daily operations of store and cafe. Motivated and developed skills of a staff of five to meet daily and monthly sales goals. Designed all publicity, advertising and public relations efforts for the business. Performed accounting and payroll duties, including the ordering of goods and supplies in a timely and efficient manner. Interviewed, hired, trained and terminated all employees of business.
August 2000 — January 2001
SPORTS INFORMATION INTERN, BUTLER UNIVERSITY
Primary media contact for the soccer and swimming teams. Wrote all press releases for soccer and swimming teams as well as other assigned stories. Assisted with the management of operations during soccer and football games. Coordinated interviews and press time for football team. Oversaw all aspects of production of women’s soccer media guide.
August 1999 — June 2001
SPORTS/NEWS WRITER & AGATE/PAGE DESIGNER, ANDERSON HERALD BULLETIN
Covered and wrote stories for variety of sporting/recreation/news events from all levels of amateur, high school, collegiate and professional competition. Compiled statistical information, updated Web site, trained new staff, ran nightly desk and established contacts throughout the community. Fostered new and ongoing relationships with coaches, players and other media outlets. Paginated special sections pages and completed agate page on a nightly basis.