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About Mary Helen Olejnik (O-len-ick)
Mary Helen Olejnik offers an impressive range of skills in corporate communications, PR and nonprofit grant writing. Starting her career at the Pulitzer Prize-winning Sun Sentinel, the AP Stylebook and a firm respect for deadlines have been constants throughout her more than 20-year career in the media and nonprofit industries.
Following a rewarding move as the Director of Development for a local domestic violence shelter, Mary Helen took the reins, established a new department and cultivated $7M for the annual fundraising portfolio.
Mary Helen crafts messaging for a variety of national and international clients spanning industries including construction, solar energy, travel PR, foundations, government, charities, major universities and other notable institutions.
Mary Helen is grateful to have a career that involves supporting charities that are the backbone of our communities. When she’s not at her desk writing, she can often be found walking the adorable adoptable pups at Abandoned Pet Rescue, a no-kill animal shelter in Fort Lauderdale, FL. If you’re in the market for a furry best friend, she knows a few!
Short on staff? Just landed a major client and need an extra hand in meeting your deadline? Let's chat to see how I can create a comprehensive and affordable solution that meets your needs.
Learn more about my professional career by visiting my LinkedIn page.
Mary Helen Olejnik offers an impressive range of skills in corporate communications, PR and nonprofit grant writing. Starting her career at the Pulitzer Prize-winning Sun Sentinel, the AP Stylebook and a firm respect for deadlines have been constants throughout her more than 20-year career in the media and nonprofit industries.
Following a rewarding move as the Director of Development for a local domestic violence shelter, Mary Helen took the reins, established a new department and cultivated $7M for the annual fundraising portfolio.
Mary Helen crafts messaging for a variety of national and international clients spanning industries including construction, solar energy, travel PR, foundations, government, charities, major universities and other notable institutions.
Mary Helen is grateful to have a career that involves supporting charities that are the backbone of our communities. When she’s not at her desk writing, she can often be found walking the adorable adoptable pups at Abandoned Pet Rescue, a no-kill animal shelter in Fort Lauderdale, FL. If you’re in the market for a furry best friend, she knows a few!
Short on staff? Just landed a major client and need an extra hand in meeting your deadline? Let's chat to see how I can create a comprehensive and affordable solution that meets your needs.
Learn more about my professional career by visiting my LinkedIn page.
previous experience. education.
Director of Development, Women In Distress of Broward County
Bachelor of Arts, Communications
South Florida Sun Sentinel, a Tribune Media Company Florida Atlantic University , 2001
* Charitable Giving & Communications Manager Graduated magna cum laude
* Marketing Programs Strategist
* Communications Associate
* Communications Intern
Bachelor of Arts, Communications
South Florida Sun Sentinel, a Tribune Media Company Florida Atlantic University , 2001
* Charitable Giving & Communications Manager Graduated magna cum laude
* Marketing Programs Strategist
* Communications Associate
* Communications Intern
achievements.
- Managing media relations for The Werth Institute's Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) initiatives with first-of-its-kind programs in the $1bil emerging industry.
- Secured Deshpande Symposium Award for Excellence in Innovation and Entrepreneurship for the University of Connecticut's Werth Institute for Innovation & Entrepreneurship.
- As part of its inaugural team, created entire suite of marketing pieces for The Werth Institute including monthly newsletters, web copy, first-ever annual report, letters to donors, etc.
- Served as company spokesperson for Sun Sentinel newspaper; managed all internal and external communications and crisis communications.
- Developed cause-marketing programs and community partnerships to generate revenue, circulation and online traffic; generated more than $500,000 in revenue market-wide.
- Developed strategic communications plans for major initiatives, including leading communication efforts for a $13 million packaging improvement project and $35 million press expansion.
NONPROFIT SECTOR
- Managed Hispanic Unity of Florida Entrepreneur Summit learning and networking event.
- Managed grant making and fundraising for Sun Sentinel Children's Fund, named Foundation of the Year under my leadership.
- Created concept and copy for a holiday fundraising campaign for a national foundation that resulted in the largest one-day fundraising total in the foundation's history.
- Managed $5 million annual grant portfolio.
- Broke year-over-year fundraising revenues for annual luncheons and golf tournaments.
- Achieved 128% over fundraising goal for year-end campaign, increased workplace giving by 54%.
community involvement.
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I was fortunate to find my passion for community relations early in my career, by accident. I've always been active in volunteering and giving back to the community since I was a teenager, and am grateful to have a career that involves supporting organizations that are the backbone of our communities.
Animal rescue is a cause near to my heart. The highlight of my week comes each Thursday when I walk the adoptable dogs at Abandoned Pet Rescue, Fort Lauderdale's only no-kill animal shelter. I also donate my resources providing pro-bono grant writing services when possible. Previous community involvement: Broward County Animal Care and Adoption, Volunteer Habitat for Humanity of Broward County, Women's Build March of Dimes South Florida, Communications Chair, Board of Directors |
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