Ellen Berg Shafer

About Ellen Berg Shafer

I bring high energy and creativity to help solve problems, create demand, command attention, and drive sales. I work at the crossroads of marketing/communications and technology and am relentless in driving the right message to the right people at the right time in the right way—which ensures the marketing strategies meet business goals, delivering measurable results.I am a senior marketing and communications professional with extensive action-oriented, results-focused experience across a variety of industries; most recently (and hands-down, the most interesting) in biotech.My career experience includes:• Brand Establishment and Management, Advertising Messaging & Design• Social Media, Digital Marketing, Video Production, Web Design, & Channel Strategy• Media/Public and Community Relations, Crisis Communications• Internal and Executive Communications• Event Ideation, Experience Creation & Management• Strategic Planning, Key Message Development and New Product/Brand Launches• Marketing Automation, Market Research, CRM Integration, KPI Dashboard Reporting & ROI My personal traits include:• Strong interpersonal skills, with ability to connect to people across all levels• Strategic + quick + creative thinker• Ability to absorb new information• Never-say-die attitude backed by a raised-on-a-farm work ethic• Ability to adapt, pivot, play defense & offense, manage & embrace change• Ability to see the possibilities, and the positives, in people and situations• High sense of humor and appreciation for anything smart & clever

Experience

1. Senior Director of Communications

   Aldevron

   Oct 2021 — Present · Fargo, ND, US

   EXTERNAL COMMUNICATIONS AND PUBLIC RELATIONSStrategic Communication Planning: Develop & execute strategies that align with company goals, including brand & corporate communications, media relations, influencer engagement.Crisis Management: Create & implement crisis communication plans, provide strategic counsel to leadership, & manage issues proactively to protect & enhance reputation.Content Development: Lead the creation of high-quality materials such as press releases, website content, corporate presentations, & social media content.Stakeholder Engagement: Build & maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including media, clients, & partners, to support business objectives & enhance our public image.Event Coordination: Plan & manage events such as scientific symposiums and events, product launches, & advocacy programs to promote our brand initiatives & engage with the public.INTERNAL COMMUNICATIONS AND ENGAGEMENTStrategic Vision & Execution: Lead the initiative to update Aldevron’s vision, mission, & values in 2024, followed by developing & implementing internal communication strategies to align with strategy, establishing communication infrastructure. Employee Engagement: Partner with HR to promote alignment with business strategy & ensure consistent engagement experiences, leading advocacy initiatives to connect our work, clients, & patients. Change Management: Develop targeted messaging to support clarity & alignment during transitions & manage crisis communications effectively. Partner with HR for corporate initiatives. Content Creation & Management: Produce & manage internal communication materials from executive messages to overall associate messages through a variety of channels. Leadership & Collaboration: Collaborate with senior executives, DHR, & key stakeholders to align internal communications with broader business initiatives, provide strategic direction, & support associate engagement.

Education

• The Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth

  Certificate, Innovation Strategy

• North Dakota State University

  BA, Double Major: English and Strategic Communications. Minor: Speech Communications

Skills

• Public Relations
• Internal Communications
• Media Relations
• Managing Large Budgets
• Publicity
• Common Sesne Thinking-Bring Me in When You're Stumped
• Social Media Marketing
• Publc Relations
• Special Events
• Direct Marketing
• Marketing
• Event Planning
• Cross-Functional Team Leadership
• Marketing Strategy
• Writing: Advertising, PR, Speeches & More
• Community Relations
• Community Development
• Brand Creation and Sustaining Strategies
• Event Management
• Crisis Communications
• Employee Engagement
• Employee Relations
• Strategic Planning
• Brand Development
• Social Media
• Press Releases
• Marketing Communications
• Strategy
• Corporate Communications
• Public Speaking
• Management
• Advertising
• Product Development
• Strategic Communications