Marketing Schools During Challenges Times:
Building Relationships and Positive Outcomes

Ira Yellen Resume for Educational Institutions

​

My specialty is in laying the strategic bedrock of market research and planning that strengthens the development of tactical solutions (public relations, advertising, social media, website development, newsletters, publications and other vehicles) that serve as agents in formulating a communication plan for engaging key constituents to support rural, suburban, and urbans school district’s capital and financial needs. I also have applied the same to non-profit organizations that include Connecticut Historical Society & Museum, Connecticut Community College System; University of Connecticut, Hartford Preservation Alliance; and Hartford Foundation for Public Giving; and businesses such as Hartford Hospital Harry Gray Cancer Center, VNA Healthcare, and MetroHartford Alliance,

 

My firm has been successful with over 50 school districts in CT include: the Sheff v. O’Neill designated Greater, Hartford Region, Early School Readiness Program, Community Health Centers, Connecticut Community Colleges, State Department of Education, Magnet Schools Marketing, Connecticut Association Nonprofits, Leadership Greater Hartford and others, I have come to know the many facets of our state’s community-based organizations as well as the stakeholders they serve.

 

My investment in and commitment to public education and community engagement reflects my experience in leading a social marketing company for the early childhood, K-12, communities and higher education markets. I understand the key issues and challenges facing today’s public schools especially during the Covid-19 pandemic and others such as safety in schools, declining public support, changing enrollment, recruiting teachers, superintendent support, crisis response planning and school redistricting. With this experience comes a deeper understanding of community audiences and stakeholders— affiliated agencies, community agencies, policy makers, political leaders, and funders.

 

During  my early career, I had the opportuntiy to be counseled by the noted anthropologist Margaret Mead. I began exploring the relationships that intertwine commerce, civic institutions, society and human nature — a perspective that I continue to use today for community engagement.

 

I was also a chronicler and fund-raiser for the Statue of Liberty/Ellis Island Centennial restoration projects during the 1980s. This was one of my proudest accomplishments honoring my family's heritage. I applied my communication skills to help raise more than $100,000 for the preservation of this important national monument and created an education supplementary curriculum that was distributed to thousands of schools across the nation.

 

Education
• 2001-03 Course work toward M.S., Management, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Graduate Center, Hartford, CT
• 1969 Bachelor of Fine Arts, Design, Pratt Institute, Brooklyn, NY

 

Favorite Quotes:

“In the end, it’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years.” Abraham Lincoln

​

Education References:

Frances Rabinowitz, Executive Director, CT Assn. Public School Superintendents

Kathleen Greider, Superintendent of School, Farmington

Matthew Nemerson, Former CEO, CT Technology Council