Jessica Denham

About

I’m a marketing and brand strategist who helps organizations turn big ideas into results. From regional campaigns to national product launches, I’ve led initiatives that drive demand, elevate visibility, and grow community engagement online and off. Whether you're launching something new or refining what already works, I bring clarity, creativity, and strategy to every step of the process.

Experience

• Senior Director - Marketing, Engagement & Outreach · ASTRUMU03-01-2024

  AstrumU is a data intelligence company that uses machine learning to translate educational experiences into career outcomes. The platform helps students, educators, and employers make data-informed decisions by mapping skills to real-world opportunities. What I Do: Own end-to-end marketing focusing on data-driven career pathways and skills alignment. Develop and execute go-to-market strategies, lead brand positioning, and drive demand generation for B2B and B2G audiences. Align product, sales, and marketing teams to launch campaigns that connect technical products with real-world market needs. Led the full brand redesign, including development of a new logo, visual identity, and corporate website. Create targeted messaging to attract and engage Fortune 500 executives, higher ed institutions, and government partners. Direct digital and traditional marketing efforts—including content, email, social, paid media, and PR—while overseeing a network of internal and external contributors. Results: Launched go-to-market campaigns that increased product adoption and lead flow. Created full brand positioning strategy that elevated AstrumU in a competitive space. Developed executive-facing messaging that drove B2B/B2G interest and credibility. Produced high-converting content and outreach to support product growth. Managed integrated campaigns across multiple channels, on time and on budget Skills Used: Go-to-Market Strategy, Brand Messaging, Visual Identity & Branding, B2B Marketing, Product Positioning, Content Strategy, Digital Campaigns, Executive Communication, Stakeholder Engagement, Demand Generation, Thought Leadership, Copywriting, Website Strategy, CRM & Email Marketing, Team Management

• Regional Director, Midwest · Western Governors University (WGU)10-01-2022 – 03-01-2024

  Western Governors University (WGU) is a nonprofit, accredited online university serving 170,000+ students and 300,000+ graduates nationwide. Known for its flexible, career-aligned programs, WGU is home to the largest Teachers College in the U.S., with licensed educators in all 50 states. What I Did: Led multi-state marketing, outreach, and operational strategy across an eight-state region, supporting national initiatives to expand WGU’s presence and impact. Developed go-to-market strategies, oversaw cross-functional teams, and managed multimillion-dollar budgets to drive enrollment, lead generation, and regional influence. Aligned institutional goals with marketing and public policy priorities, led campaign execution across channels, and spearheaded market entry and expansion plans. Directed content and creative strategy for programmatic and geo-targeted campaigns, as well as traditional media buying across TV, radio, print, and OOH. Results: Managed $4M+ budget across campaigns and regional operations. Scaled market visibility and enrollment pipeline across 8 states. Launched high-performing integrated marketing campaigns. Strengthened brand equity through public speaking, PR, and thought leadership Skills Used: Go-to-Market Strategy, Regional Program Leadership, Budget Oversight, Cross-Functional Team Management, Traditional & Digital Media Buying, Content Strategy, Higher Ed Marketing, Executive Communications, Strategic Planning, Lead Generation

• Regional Manager, Communications & Outreach · Western Governors University (WGU)02-01-2016 – 10-01-2022

  Western Governors University (WGU) is a nonprofit, accredited online university serving 170,000+ students and 300,000+ graduates nationwide. Known for its flexible, career-aligned programs, WGU is home to the largest Teachers College in the U.S., with licensed educators in all 50 states. What I Did: Directed high-impact communications and public engagement strategies during a critical growth phase. Managed public and media relations, social media, and all regional content production to support brand visibility and connection with key audiences. Built Missouri’s first alumni network and volunteer pipeline, wrote and distributed a branded email newsletter, and led planning for major events like commencement. Oversaw PR agency collaboration and localized national messaging to resonate with local communities and stakeholders. Results: Surpassed communication goals by 200% in FY18 & FY19. Produced events reaching thousands, including university-wide milestones. Increased social engagement and alumni activity through strategic content. Recognized at a 2,000+ employee all-hands gathering for impact and leadership. Skills Used: Email Marketing, Editorial & Content Strategy, Community Engagement, Alumni & Volunteer Relations, Event Planning, Media Relations, Stakeholder Communication, Brand Visibility, Team Oversight, Earned Media Campaigns

• Senior Manager, Charles Drew Program · American Red Cross12-01-2013 – 12-01-2014

  What I Did: Led implementation of a multi-state blood donor diversity initiative across Missouri and Illinois. Oversaw 20–25 mobile blood donation events each month, managing planning, logistics, and outreach. Built and sustained partnerships with organizations to boost donor participation in underrepresented communities. Developed and launched integrated marketing campaigns using email, grassroots outreach, and in-person presentations. Contributed to the national framework for inclusive donor engagement and regional trust-building initiatives with universities, corporations, and civic groups. Results: Executed 250+ donation events annually with 95%+ operational success. Increased donor turnout from priority communities by 30% in Year 1. Converted 50%+ of one-time community partners into long-term collaborators. Elevated program visibility across Missouri and Illinois, contributing to national model adoption. Skills Used: Program Management, Community Outreach, Donor Recruitment & Retention, Inclusive Marketing, Event Planning, Stakeholder Engagement, CRM & Email Campaigns, Grassroots Activation, Strategic Partnerships, Public Speaking & Presentation Development

• Community Affairs Manager · BJC Healthcare2007 – 12-01-2013

  BJC HealthCare is one of the largest nonprofit healthcare organizations in the U.S., serving Missouri and Illinois with 14 hospitals and numerous community health locations. Its flagship, Barnes-Jewish Hospital, consistently ranks No. 1 in Missouri and among the nation's top hospitals by U.S. News & World Report. What I Did: Directed system-wide community engagement, strategic communications, and health promotion programs across one of the nation’s largest nonprofit health systems. Managed a $600K annual health marketing budget and implemented campaigns that improved outreach and reduced costs by up to 25%. Led content strategy and served as the public-facing voice for the system’s health initiatives across social media, live events, and earned media. Developed and launched corporate social responsibility initiatives, including strategic sponsorships, public health partnerships, and grassroots community programs. Built and managed relationships with Fortune 500 brands like UPS, Coca-Cola, and Procter & Gamble, securing sponsorships and expanding BJC’s visibility. Spearheaded the Mobile Health Unit initiative, which exceeded engagement goals by 112%. Results: Managed $600K+ annual budget and cut campaign costs by 25% Partnered with national brands to secure $2M+ in sponsorships and funding. Increased social media engagement by 62% through strategy and execution. Led Mobile Health Unit initiative to 112% of target outcomes. Built community programs that scaled across multiple hospitals and cities. Skills Used: Corporate Sponsorships, CSR Strategy, Community Health Engagement, Social Media Management, Brand Partnerships, Stakeholder Communications, Strategic Planning, Campaign Execution, Budget Optimization, Event Marketing, Cross-Sector Collaboration

Education

• Webster UniversityMaster of Business Administration (MBA), Business Administration and Management, General
• DePaul UniversityBachelor of Science (B.S.), Business Administration, Management and Operations
• DePaul UniversityBachelor of Science (B.S.), Finance, Management

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