Millennial Political and Social Media Consultant Making a Difference

Jim Minardi's Bio:

Jim Minardi is a graduate of Loyola University Chicago with a degree in Political Science and a minor in International Studies with completion of several business courses during his undergrad career. Mr. Minardi has experience in local, congressional, senate, and gubernatorial campaigns which have taken him across the country from his hometown to New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and all over Illinois.   In his nearly three years since graduating Loyola University Chicago, Jim has held the following positions which have given him extensive experience in politics, campaigns, new media, grassroots organizing, and business:   1) May - September 2012: Campaign Aide - Judy Biggert for Congress 2) July - September 2012: Part-Time Sales Associate - Steve Neil State Farm Agency 3) September - November 2012: Victory Center Director - Illinois Republican Party 4) November 2012 - August 2013: Independent Social Media Consultant 5) August - October 2013: Regional Field Director - Steve Lonegan for U.S. Senate 6) October - November 2013: Political Consultant - Abington Township, Pennsylvania 7) November - December 2013: Driver's Helper - United Parcel Service 8) January - April 2014: All-Area Aide, Advance & Field Director - Dan Rutherford for Governor 9) May - October 2014: Campaign Manager - Steve Reick for IL House District 63 10) January 2015 - Present: Executive Administrative Assistant - Walsh Freedom   Specialties:  U.S. Politics U.S. Congress U.S. Senate Grassroots Organizing Opposition Research Executive Assistant Political Campaigns Campaign Management Fundraising New Media Campaigns Social Media Content   *Mac & PC User *Excellent Typist: 74 WPM   *Proficient in MS Office: - Word 2013 and previous - Excel 2013 and previous - Power Point 2013 and previous *Experienced user of social media channels: HootSuite, Facebook, Twitter, Google+, YouTube, Tumblr & Pinterest

Jim Minardi's Experience:

  • Executive Administrative Assistant at Walsh Freedom

    January 2015 - Present | Mundelein, IL

  • Campaign Manager at Steve Reick for IL House District 63

    May 2014 - Present | Harvard, IL

    As campaign manager for the Steve Reick for IL House District 63 campaign, I am responsible for: - Volunteer Recruitment - Volunteer Management - Scheduling for candidate appearances - Facebook/Twitter outreach and messaging - Administrative needs and SBE reporting/filing - Drafting of press releases and public statements For more information on Steve's candidacy, please visit: www.steve463.com

  • Member, Speakers Bureau at RAINN - Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network

    April 2014 - Present | Great Chicago Area

    The RAINN Speakers Bureau educates and informs the public about sexual violence. Members will have the opportunity to share their personal stories with students, communities, victim service groups and/or the media. - Speaking to school and community groups - Participating in magazine interviews (anonymously if desired) - Writing a column for a newsletter - Sharing my story on RAINN’s website

  • All-Area Aide, Advance, and Regional Field Director at Dan Rutherford for Governor

    January 2014 - April 2014 | Greater Chicago Area

    - All-Area aide to both Governor and Lt. Governor candidates - Staffed both candidates at events, meet & greets, and office - Performed voter outreach and field logistics - Helped with messaging and drafting statements

  • Political Consultant at Self-Employed Consultant

    October 2013 - November 2013 | Greater Philadelphia Area

    With experience in Congressional, Senate, and Municipal Elections, I am able to help with any political strategies, research, campaigns, and advocacy: - Cold-Calling/Phone Banking - Canvassing - Tracking - Candidate Staffing - Opposition Research - Volunteer Recruitment - Volunteer Management - Coalition Coordinating

  • Regional Field Director and Advance at Steve Lonegan for U.S. Senate

    August 2013 - October 2013 | Metuchen, NJ

    Mayor Lonegan has dedicated his time in public life to fighting for New Jersey taxpayers. Whether it was as mayor of Bogota, Americans for Prosperity's New Jersey state director, or as a successful business man, Steve has always tried to ensure a better life for New Jersey residents. Steve and his wife Lorraine (Rossi) live in Bogota and have two adult daughters, Brooke and Katherine (Parany). To find out more about the "Jersey Conservative" visit: http://www.loneganforsenate.com/about-steve-lonegan/

  • Advisory Board Member at Americans for Informed Democracy

    August 2012 - September 2013 | Chicago, IL

    The Advisory Board serves as the main strategic governing body of the AID student-led network, and establishes and oversees essential work around partnerships, recruitment, branding, fundraising and evaluation. Advisory Board members also support the functioning of the network, including the Coordinators and the work teams. As an Advisory Board Member, I oversee two teams and multiple components of AID: - Strategic: Networking, Partnerships, and Fundraising - Functional: Blogging - Team Management - Blogging - Social Media - Partnership Development - Idea Creation

  • Social Media/Political Consultant at Self-Employed

    January 2013 - August 2013 | Chicago, IL

    I've decided to leverage my internship and real-world experience in Social Media, Marketing, Promotions, and Sales to help develop a social media presence for local businesses. If you or your business needs to develop a social media presence and implement social media marketing campaigns, I can help. Proficient in these social media/promotion platforms: in no particular order: - Facebook - Twitter - Google+ - LinkedIn - YouTube - Pinterest - GetGlue - Klout - Kred - Foursquare I am able to help with any political strategies, research, campaigns, and advocacy: - Cold-Calling/Phone Banking - Canvassing - Tracking - Opposition Research - Volunteer Recruitment - Volunteer Management - Coalition Coordinating

  • Candidate for Alderman, Ward 5 at City of Darien

    December 2012 - April 2013 | Darien, IL

    I know that I am young, that's quite obvious. I know I have not yet started a family, nor do I own a home in our wonderful city. However, I bring an enthusiasm and passion for service that I think sets me apart from the other candidates. I think it's time that Darien's city council has a someone on it that offers a different perspective, a perspective of someone who didn't move to Darien and made it their home, but someone who was born and raised here and has always called Darien home. With 100% of the votes counted, I came in second against the 16-year incumbent with 107 votes. He held his sit on the City Council with 230 votes. The experience of being a candidate and running my own campaign was invaluable and I hope other young people will be inspired to get involved in the political process.

  • Social Media Manager at P.A.N.D.A

    June 2012 - April 2013 | Chicago, IL

    Responsible for: - Managing the image, character, and online reputation of the organization through Facebook, twitter and other social media mediums. - Keeping a constant stream of information flowing through these mediums. - Managing an email list including designing email blasts with pre-approved content

  • Victory Center Director at Illinois Republican Party

    September 2012 - November 2012 | Shorewood, IL

    The Republican National Committee and the Illinois Republican Party have committed significant resources just to support Republican candidates in Illinois. This, in essence, is Illinois Victory. My responsibilities: - Manage call center and volunteers - Volunteer Recruitment - Voter Identification - Get Out The Vote

  • Campaign Aide at Judy Biggert for Congress

    May 2012 - November 2012 | Naperville, IL

    As a campaign aide, I help with administrative work in the campaign office, voter outreach, voter identification, marching in parades, and various other initiatives to ensure her re-election. - Helped in Voter Identification - Precinct Canvassing Captain - Answered questions regarding election issues - Promoted candidate through parades

  • Social Media Intern at Heartland Cafe

    2011 - May 2012 | Chicago, IL

    The Heartland Cafe is more than just a restaurant, it is a cultural and historical cornerstone of Chicago. The Heartland Cafe encompasses several other institutions including: The Red Line Tap, No Exit Cafe, the General Store, and the Studio Theatre. Whether you want something to eat, a nice cold beverage, or to enjoy a theatrical or musical performance, The Heartland Cafe has something for you. I manage the Heartland Cafe's social media presence and make sure any and all relevant information regarding the menu, music, and events are up-to-date. I utilize Facebook, Myspace, Twitter, and Yelp! to ensure fans, customers, and employees of the Heartland Cafe are kept informed about what is happening at the cafe. Find out more information about the Heartland Cafe at: www.heartlandcafe.com

  • Great Lakes Regional Campus Director at Americans Elect

    December 2011 - May 2012 | Chicago, IL

    As the Great Lakes Regional Campus Director for Americans Elect (AE), I am responsible for organizing, unifying, and growing our movement among college campuses in Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Michigan, and Wisconsin. I am responsible for ensuring that all Campus Leaders have the tools necessary to help spread the message and mission of AE.

  • Communications Guru at Americans for Informed Democracy

    June 2011 - April 2012

    Recent headlines on the death of Osama Bin Laden have led some to believe that the tragedy of 9/11 is behind us. We don’t believe this for an instant, and are counting that you don’t believe it either. So today, we are asking you to join the new Be2021 campaign to address the many challenges that we continue to face as a generation, a nation and a planet. In the wake of 9/11, Americans for Informed Democracy launched a national conversation among young people about the US role in the world. We’ve engaged over 100,000 students on hundreds of campuses worldwide in this discussion. But as we approach the tenth anniversary of 9/11, it is clear that we still have a lot of work to do to build a more peaceful, healthy, just and sustainable world. Today we are launching Be2021 to mobilize young people across the US to build a better world by the year 2021, the twentieth anniversary of 9/11.

  • Brand Ambassador at Notehall.com

    August 2011 - October 2011

    Notehall.com allows students to buy and sell notes that they've taken for various college classes. Students earn credits for posting notes to the site, which enable them to purchase other class notes. As a Brand Ambassador, I am responsible for educating other college students on the benefits of Notehall.com. I utilize e-mail, Facebook, word of mouth, flyers, and other promotional tools to accomplish this task.

  • Assistant to the Marketing Director for the Summer in LOVE Concert Series at Marketing and Promotions Office, Love Park - City of Philadelphia

    June 2011 - July 2011

    John F. Kennedy Plaza / LOVE Park is located at the intersection of 16th Street and John F. Kennedy Boulevard in Center City Philadelphia. JFK Plaza was the brainchild of famed Philadelphia City Planner Edmund Bacon and was designed by architect Vincent Kling. The park is located across from City Hall and serves as the gateway to Fairmount Park's Benjamin Franklin Parkway and the Parkway / Museums District. The main features of the plaza include curved granite steps and a majestic fountain added in 1969. The nickname LOVE Park comes from the LOVE sculpture which overlooks the plaza pictured below. The world famous LOVE sculpture, designed by Robert Indiana, was first placed in the plaza as part of the United States' Bicentennial Celebration in 1976 . What was once the Philadelphia Visitors Center now houses the Fairmount Park Welcome Center, featuring information about the Fairmount Park system and the LOVE Gift shop.

  • Social Media Consultant at Deluxe Diner

    April 2011 - June 2011

    Wedged into the intersection of Devon and Clark, Deluxe Diner Restaurant breaks all the rules of the late-night diner set. The food is really good, as well as really cheap. The interior is decked out in gussied up retro fare. Its coffee holds a rep as the finest in the far North Side, and regulars scarf Chicago's ultimate banana split at an ice cream fountain straight out of Al's Diner, unfortunately sans Fonz. Pancakes, grilled cheese, burgers, omelets and wings fill the menu, and the Deluxe kicks in a sweet display case stocked to the brim with cakes and pies. I assist the Deluxe Diner management in promoting the diner and the events hosted there. I utilize its website and Facebook page to notify customers and potential customers of the great food and atmosphere provided by the diner.

  • On-Campus Representative, Campus Ambassador Network at Internships.com

    February 2011 - June 2011

    I am a Campus Ambassador with Internships.com. As a crucial asset to their marketing campaign, I share knowledge and spread the word about the wonderful service that they offer to students of Loyola University Chicago, who are interested in finding an internship that they truly want.

  • Delegate at National Model United Nations

    January 2010 - May 2010

    As a member of Loyola University Chicago's Model United Nations team for the Spring of 2010 I participated in a conference in New York City. At the NMUN Conference, my fellow delegates and I from Loyola University Chicago represented the Great Socialist People's Libyan Arab Jamahiriya. I was a member of the General Assembly Second Committee, where I was responsible for advancing the goals and desires of Libya. I met with other delegations from all over the world where we worked together to find common ground to make the world a better place.

  • Maintenance Crew, Department of Public Works at City of Darien

    May 2009 - August 2009

    I help make sure Darien remains "a nice place to live". Responsibilities included: - Repair fences - Fill potholes - Cut grass - Prepare city for major events - Document any changes by the city to residences - Assist foremen in administrative tasks

  • Marketing/Sales Department Intern at Blackwell Consulting Services

    March 2008 - August 2008

    As an intern with the marketing and sales department, I had many roles. Including: - Researcher for government contracts - Telephone potential clients and discuss services that BCS offered - Assist sales team with projects - Perform various office/administrative tasks

  • Social Media Intern at The Social Batch

    November 2011

    We mix social media, public relations, and web development for the purpose of embracing big ideas that will ultimately change the way consumers perceive you, your product, and/or your company. Together we can create a meaningful relationship between brand and customer, to enhance the way people think, feel, and behave.

Jim Minardi's Education:

  • Loyola University of Chicago

    2008 – 2012
    Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
    Concentration: Political Science

  • John Felice Rome Center

    2011 – 2011
    General Studies
    Concentration: Government, History, Literature, Culture, Language
    Activities: English Language School Tutor, Calcio Player

  • Montini Catholic High School

    2004 – 2008
    Diploma
    Concentration: General Studies

Jim Minardi's Interests & Activities:

Politics, State and Local Government, Congressional Campaigns, U.S. Congress, U.S. Senate, Government, Political Campaigns, Canvassing, Polling, Research, Opposition Research, Volunteer Management, Volunteer Recruitment, Voter Outreach, Management, Marketing, Leadership, International Relations, Nonprofit Campaigns, Social Media, New Media, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Ruck.us, Pop Culture, Music, The Beatles, Writing, Playing Guitar, Playing Bass, Camping, Four-Wheeling, Outdoors, Video Games, PS3, Apple, Macbook Pro, Vinyl