Rusty Govitz.

HERE’S WHAT I’VE DONE
(SO FAR).

PDF Résumé

COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR | SINCE 2022

BEAVERTON SCHOOLS

• Advertising campaigns drove summer student enrollment increases of 25 percent over previous three-year average in ‘23; 125 percent in ‘24; and 160 percent in ‘25

• Created and implemented, from the ground up, a complete communications initiative, including branding, identity and a three-year plan designed to improve student enrollment, stakeholder trust and staff retention

• Provide a transformative boost to the district’s copywriting, photography and videography, propelled by new branding and an ambitious rollout of a first-of-its-kind house style

• Make student recognition and accomplishment a priority, demonstrating the district’s commitment to celebrating kids from preschool through graduation and assuring stakeholders that when students walk at graduation, they’re ready for what comes next

• Implemented a dramatic increase in teacher recognition to encourage existing staff to stay and prospective staff to join us

• Played key role in look and feel of bond-powered public-facing aspects of campus renovation, including bleachers and scoreboard, paying tribute to district’s roots

• As the social media voice of the district, use technology and creativity to improve student and stakeholder morale through innovative posts, videos and positive media relations

• Provide tone-appropriate messaging for circumstances ranging from unforeseen situations to crisis level, leaning on crisis communications experience as an administrator, communications pro, former board member and coach

SENIOR COPYWRITER | 2015

Bolger+Battle marketing communications

Proven content creator with a deep understanding of the ways great copy helps clients achieve their goals and the ability to generate immaculate copy for every occasion. Was active in client project management, creative concept development, research, interviewing, writing, editing, proofreading and client contact, as well as active involvement on agency internal projects. Demonstrated a clear understanding of campaign objectives and devised strategies to achieve them. Reviewed copy generated by team members and offered feedback. Managed multiple projects with the ability to switch from one to the other seamlessly. Met daily deadlines and stayed within budget constraints.

COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR | 2004-2015

MICHIGAN MOLECULAR INSTITUTE

• Worked with 40 research scientists and six distinct business divisions, translating MMI’s language of nanoscience and polymers into something the real world could understand

• Conceptualized, wrote, designed, proofed with constituents and prepared for production all promotional materials, including brochures, magazine ads, trade-show displays, posters, symposium materials and annual reports, websites, e-newsletters and e-mail sales development campaigns

• Cultivated press relations to boost visibility in the community and our industry

• Pursued new media (particularly social media) and new ways of using old media to reach communications goals

• As senior staff, was relied upon as a communications consultant available to create, review and assist with everything from letters to trade association conference presentations.

COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR | 1995-2004

UNITED WAY OF MIDLAND COUNTY

Was a one-man communications department for a $4.2 million annual fundraising organization. Wrote, designed and created all printed promotional campaign materials, including brochures, posters and volunteer training guides. Wrote, produced and edited high-impact video productions. Designed, created and maintained award-winning agency website. Took quality photographs for print, video and web publication. Planned, scripted and coordinated several special events, including high-profile UWMC Campaign Kickoffs.

Reporter/columnist/photographer | 1991-1995

The Alpena News, The Morning Sun, The daily news

Gathered facts and wrote stories for news department on various entities, including city and county governments, school boards, colleges, state departments, businesses and charity/service organizations. Wrote feature stories on countless different topics. Made people feel at ease, even though they were talking with a reporter about sometimes volatile or complex topics. Accomplished all this while meeting demanding daily deadlines.