Zac Walker

A veteran freelancer, I have extensive experience in design, layout, web, video, audio, prepress, project management and much more. 

Freelancer

2021-2022 

Communications Coordinator

Robert J. Dole Institute of Politics - 2019-2021 

• Led Institute pivot to from in-person evens to online at the start of the COVID pandemic
• Wrote content for communications/marketing, including newsletters, website, brochures, and press releases
• Monitored analytics and created reports detailing the successes and failures of campaigns and strategies
• Responded to media inquiries and maintained relationships with journalists and members of the press
• Coordinated support staff, vendors and more to support events
• Performed outreach to press outlets, magazines, and built strategic partnerships to grow brand recognition
• Designed marketing materials for the organization
• Recruited and hired support staff for the department
• Distributed print and online marketing materials
• Ran organization’s social media and online presence
• Assisted in redesigning organization website
• Prepared employees and guests for media appearances and interviews
• Researched ways to reach a wider audience base, either online or in print
• Ensured that all promotional materials aligned with brand identity

Communications Coordinator

University of Kansas Honors Program - 2017-2019 

Lecturer

University of Kansas - 2011-2018 

• Prepared and delivered lectures, tutorials, workshops, and seminars
• Developed curricula and course material to be used across many platforms
• Designed new courses and metrics
• Collaborated with other academics to improve teaching methods and expand knowledge base
• Set and graded assignments, tests, and exams
• Attended meetings, conferences, and other events in and outside of the institution
• Provided support to students and other colleagues

Freelancer

2009-2011

Creative Director 

Blu Pixel Media - 2005-2009

• Planned and oversaw the development of advertising
• Led brand campaigns, including submitting ideas for projects and overseeing the development of all creative content
• Supervised all work completed by the creative department
• Worked with executives and other creative leaders to set project deadlines and content goals
• Presented project information, including deadlines and budgets, to executives and clients
• Recruited and trained team leads and managers
• Oversaw the agency budget
• Conceived and implemented concepts, guidelines and strategies in various creative projects and oversee them to completion
• Collaborated with account executives to obtain knowledge of the clients’ requirements
• Led brainstorming/creative sessions to generate ideas
• Revised content and presentations, approved or rejected ideas, provide feedback to the team
• Monitored results of team efforts and propose actions for the future
• Worked with the brand team to produce new ideas for company branding, promotional campaigns, and marketing communications.
• Evaluated trends, assessed new data, and kept up to date with the latest marketing techniques.
• Assisted clients in resolving issues by responding to questions in a timely and professional manner.
• Created and implemented tailored marketing plans based on individual client requirements.
• Directed brainstorming meetings and creative sessions.
• Shaped brand standards and created procedures to ensure all products were brand appropriate.
• Supervised daily workflow, assigning project workloads, and monitoring deadlines and budgets.
• Developed exceptional and well-crafted copy that meet clients’ requirements.

Pre-press Graphic Designer 

Bullseye Printing - 2002-2005

• Communicated to discern client needs and to discuss realistic options for production
• Analyzed files provided by clients or in-house design teams and assess suitability for printing
• Troubleshot and fixed file issues, including alignment, color, exposure, clarity, grain and other image and typography problems, as well as manipulating for bleed and binding
• Created proofs for client review, making needed adjustments in response to feedback
• Double-checked proofs for quality, including clarity and alignment, before beginning a print run
• Converted approved image files for use with digital printing equipment or physical plate preparation
• Performed light maintenance of equipment, including software updates and replacement of consumable supplies as needed

Ph.D. ABD

Communication

University of Kansas

Master’s 

Communication

University of Kansas

Bachelor’s

Communication & Digital Filmmaking

University of Central Arkansas