Pilar McKay
A strategist helping you plan how to make that business idea or creative dream a reality. Data-driven planner with a Ph.D. in Social Research Methods and experience in food & agriculture, arts & culture, economic development, and sustainability industries.
Strategy
Yes, I read Michael Porter. Communication, brand, marketing, and content strategy.
Data
Fulfilled a life goal to work for a polling company and have moderated focus groups throughout the U.S.
Write
Who is your audience? Experience with strategic plans, creative briefs, research reports, press releases, and more…
Marketing
Successfully launched two businesses and have worked with clients in food & agriculture, sustainability, and technology.
Experience
What’s your challenge? Whether it is launching a business in a challenging context or rebranding to take into account changes in the marketplace, I am excited to use a data-driven approach to positioning your company.
Learning more about people in the world and in my community drove my passion to study research methodology. It started with a study in college where we interviewed farmworkers, and I looked forward to editing the survey instrument.
Cutting my teeth in advertising, I learned the value of listening to your target audiences and understanding their context. I took this experience into launching two businesses in my hometown that addressed needs that our community was facing. And yes, a craft brewery was one of those needs.
Experience
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Joined 29 Design Studio on building marketing strategy for food & agriculture and technology brands2020
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Discovered the possibilities in mead-making, cut flowers, beef, and hemp as an Agriculture Economic Development Resource Educator at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Ontario County, New York.2019
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It was a time for being in the field! Launched Silver Lake Brewing Project, was the marketing lead for one of Upstate New York's largest Arts and Crafts Show - the Letchworth Arts and Crafts Show, and developed a strategic arts marketing plan for a client.2016
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Received my Ph.D. from UCLA and promptly went to work in one of the highest-rated and most fun Strategic Communication Departments at American University. Developed an advertising curriculum and wrote a text book on research methods in communication.2013
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I'm asked where I see myself in ten years. In 2020, I'm right where I wanted to be although with a lot of adventures in the meantime.2010
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Started working in advertising. Due to an extraordinary memory for ads, bringing up an energy conservation ad involving a frog helped to seal the deal in my first interview (having quantitative data analysis background probably helped).2007
Cover letter
If you need an optimist on your team or, at the very least, someone with statistical programming experience, I may be the person you are looking for…
My adventures helped build a career with a foundation in data and strategic planning. In addition to working agency side, I’ve also spent a considerable amount of time training the next generation of communication professionals at universities and colleges, designing classes that focus on real world skills while helping students start careers grounded in data.
I’m ready for marketing and communication challenges food & agriculture businesses grow. I have experience with developing and strategic planning for legacy brands as well as launching new successful ones in challenging markets.
Software experience: SPSS, WinCross, Qualtrics, Surveymonkey, Sprout Social, Google Forms, DashThis, WordPress (as well as other custom CMS systems), Adobe (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, and AfterEffects), Excel, Powerpoint/Google Slides, Sprout Social, MailChimp, and so many other programs…
Skills
Marketing
Research Methodology
Strategy
Content Development
Want to reach out?
If you are looking for optimist for your team, let me know
Strategy, data-analysis, creative briefs, account planing, marketing, focus groups, public opinion polls + surveys, guest lecturing, public speaking, rural arts advocacy, creative placemaking…even knitting, I’m happy to help you.
EMAIL: pemckay@gmail.com
WEBSITE: www.pilarmckay.com
Header Photo: feature in Buffalo Spree, 2017