Amanda N. Jacobson is a strategic digital marketer and
content expert based in the Midwest
Since 2011, I have been activating brands, launching omni-channel campaigns and leading end-to-end initiatives for nonprofits, higher education institutions, community impact organizations and more.
Professional Experience
Ivy Tech Community College
Fort Wayne & Kosciusko County
Present
Rum Blonde Studio (Freelance)
2023 – Present
Through Rum Blonde Studio, I support the growth and success of businesses and organizations in the greater Fort Wayne community through a fresh, next-gen approach to digital storytelling and content marketing.
I’ve worked with the Future of Education Technology Conference (FETC), the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Fort Wayne, and more.
University of Notre Dame
2020 – 2023
In January 2020, my team and I launched the Mendoza College of Business’ new brand, Grow the Good in Business, unifying its master narrative and key messaging across websites, email marketing, social media, and digital ads for 12 distinct graduate degree programs.
Additionally, I chaired a DE&I committee on staff culture and inclusion; streamlined project management and workflows for my team; and handled crisis communications and updated student resources during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.
City of South Bend
Venues Parks & Arts
2019
During two major campaigns to revitalize and redevelop the City of South Bend’s public parks, I supported fundraising, donor stewardship, digital marketing and grant-writing to benefit the $18 million Howard Park Revitalization Campaign and the $19 million My South Bend Parks & Trails beautification and conservation campaign.
Perhaps the most rewarding part of my role was contributing to the success of Best Week Ever, the city’s annual celebration of arts and culture, local shopping and dining, and community parks.
Sisters of the Holy Cross
at Saint Mary’s College
2018
As the Web & Social Media Editor, I spearheaded an overhaul of the organization’s social media presence and website content.
These improvements led to a 53% increase in the organization’s organic social reach, as well as a marked decrease in website bounce rates and improved user experience.
Indiana University Foundation
2015–2017
As Communications Specialist in the Office of the President and CEO at the Indiana University Foundation, I had the pleasure of not only managing internal communications for the organization, but also assisting with marketing For All: The Indiana University Bicentennial Campaign and planning the launch of IU’s most successful initiative for giving and engagement, IU Day.
The IU Day hashtag trended nationally on social with a 9.4 million reach, with the campaign raising more than $11 million in 24 hours.
City of Bloomington
Entertainment & Arts District
2013
Blogging for a municipal arts district gave me the opportunity to meet and engage with community leaders throughout the city of Bloomington, Indiana.
As a VisitBEAD.com intern, I developed content that celebrated and promoted the city’s local shopping, dining and cultural amenities.
As a student and alumna I contributed to Indiana University’s independent, student-run news publication on the Bloomington campus. It was in this classic newsroom environment I established myself as a prolific arts and culture reporter, regularly attending local music shows, arts festivals, gallery exhibits and more. I also designed layouts, edited universal news copy and managed news sections as a desk editor.
Post-graduation, I served as editor of the paper’s Arts section while contributing occasional arts-and-culture reporting to the paper’s digital and print versions.
Indiana Daily Student
2009-2011, 2013
Michigan City News-Dispatch
2011
As the Assistant Director of Marketing and Communications for Ivy Tech Community College Fort Wayne & Kosciusko County, I support enrollment growth and retention for the state’s second-largest campus providing more than 50 academic and skills-training programs throughout the greater Fort Wayne region.
After college I worked for the Michigan City News-Dispatch, a northwest Indiana-based community newspaper with a circulation of 17,000 readers.
During my time at the News-Dispatch, I covered two beats: local arts and culture, and K-12 community schools.
This role was an opportunity to flex my skills in reporting, editing and photography, with my stories and photos regularly gracing Page One.