Eliza Saunders, M.S.

Marketing Communication

New York, New York, United States

About

At the heart of my work lies a commitment to mission-oriented collaborative work. I do this by leveraging my expertise in marketing communications to amplify brands. Within my dynamic NBA and non profit background I’ve cultivated a myriad of professional experiences, including but not limited to project management, stakeholder management, event planning, change management, inclusion, communication skills, and data management systems. The myriad roles synthesizes my passions: sports, diversity in storytelling, social responsibility, and crafting experiences that resonate with diverse audiences.

Experience

  • Program Director at Harlem Dowling-West Side Center for Children & Family Services
    Dec 2024 - Present · 1 yr 7 mos

    Develop data-driven intervention strategies, resulting in a 20% increase in academic performance. Forge strategic partnerships with local schools and community organizations, enhancing program resources and expanding services for underserved populations.

  • Marketing Project Manager at National Basketball Association (NBA)
    Oct 2022 - Jul 2023 · 10 mos

  • NBA League Fellow at National Basketball Association (NBA)
    Jun 2022 - Aug 2022 · 3 mos

    NBA X HBCU inaugural fellow. Cross collaborate across teams to produce an NBA G League Brand Guide. Responsible for developing strategic recommendations to recruit Gen Z fans to the NBA G league.

  • Project Assistant at edBridge Partners, LLC
    May 2022 - Jun 2022 · 2 mos

  • Democracy Prep Public Schools (7 yrs 3 mos)
    • Assistant Director of Enrollment
      Jul 2019 - Dec 2021 · 2 yrs 6 mos

      * Collaborate with school officers to identify and implement successful recruitment strategies for all 21 schools nationwide growing enrollment to 16% CAGR from 2016-17 to 2019-2020. * Supervise and assess staff workflow related to admissions/ recruiting functions and facilitate staff development. * Cross manage team projects in digital/ print communication, design, and web materials for prospective student recruitment. * Set and execute annual enrollment and application goals in accordance with the prior year’s per-pupil expense. * Set up, manage, and oversee an application tracking database for 3 regions (New York, New Jersey, & Las Vegas).

    • Senior Manager, Mid Atlantic Community Impact
      Jul 2018 - Jun 2019 · 1 yr

      *Facilitated professional development events for 90+ employees focused on the enrollment process and community engagement best practices. *Consistently maintained enrollment for 12 schools in NYC and 3 schools in NJ. *Served as a coach to family engagement specialists at all 21 schools within the network.

    • Community Impact Manager
      Dec 2016 - Jun 2018 · 1 yr 7 mos

      • Provide leadership, strategic enrollment planning, and oversight of student recruitment strategies and efforts. • Boosted enrollment by 40% in one enrollment cycle. • Planned and executed 4 community engagement events to increase enrollment. • Assist in the development of communication strategies that address prospective students, enrollment inquiries, application processes, and pre-enrollment phases.