I am a marketing and communications leader with a track record of shaping brands, driving multi-channel campaigns, and translating complex information into clear, engaging narratives. I build programs that align with organizational priorities, elevate reputation, and boost growth, combining analytical rigor with creative direction to deliver visible results and trusted messaging. I lead with clarity, empower teams, and cultivate partnerships to extend reach and impact, while delivering executive communications and thoughtful strategy that supports district, university, and community goals.

Maria Elaine Bajgain

I am a marketing and communications leader with a track record of shaping brands, driving multi-channel campaigns, and translating complex information into clear, engaging narratives. I build programs that align with organizational priorities, elevate reputation, and boost growth, combining analytical rigor with creative direction to deliver visible results and trusted messaging. I lead with clarity, empower teams, and cultivate partnerships to extend reach and impact, while delivering executive communications and thoughtful strategy that supports district, university, and community goals.

Available to hire

I am a marketing and communications leader with a track record of shaping brands, driving multi-channel campaigns, and translating complex information into clear, engaging narratives. I build programs that align with organizational priorities, elevate reputation, and boost growth, combining analytical rigor with creative direction to deliver visible results and trusted messaging.

I lead with clarity, empower teams, and cultivate partnerships to extend reach and impact, while delivering executive communications and thoughtful strategy that supports district, university, and community goals.

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Experience Level

Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Intermediate

Work Experience

Director of Marketing at Durham Public Schools
September 1, 2023 - Present
Led district-wide marketing initiatives to drive enrollment growth and elevate brand awareness across 57 schools. Developed a comprehensive marketing framework aligned with district goals and measurable outcomes; produced flagship publications; directed multimedia campaigns and district events; strengthened community partnerships; managed design, video, and web production teams; introduced digital-first analytics to optimize messaging and ad spend; crafted executive communications, press conferences, and crisis communications; provided media training to Board of Education; managed interns and contractors.
Public Information Officer at Town of Morrisville
May 1, 2022 - September 1, 2023
Brand guardian and chief storyteller for a rapidly growing municipality. Elevated digital presence and public image through data-informed strategies and cross-department collaboration; launched a website redesign and SEO overhaul; managed media relations and crisis communications; created multi-channel campaigns highlighting growth and civic programs; led staff training and brand standards; co-managed department budget and vendor contracts; produced and edited marketing materials including graphic design, photography, and video.
Communications Strategist at Duke Law School
February 1, 2020 - May 1, 2022
Partnered with executive leadership to shape Duke Law’s voice across admissions, alumni relations, and development. Designed integrated marketing and communications plans to support recruitment and fundraising; produced high-impact print and digital collateral; managed media requests and thought-leadership placements for faculty; strengthened brand identity and consistency across channels.
Independent Marketing Consultant and Content Strategist at Self-Employed (Durham, NC)
November 1, 2000 - November 1, 2020
Founded and led a boutique consultancy delivering SEO content strategy, storytelling, and brand marketing. Increased web traffic and engagement for diverse clients through SEO-optimized content, social media, and targeted campaigns; produced SEO-driven copy; developed content strategies; executed link-building and outreach; led cross-functional freelance teams in website, blogs, email campaigns, and ad copy; provided ongoing analytics guidance for long-term client growth.
Communications Specialist (Contract) at Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University
October 1, 2018 - April 1, 2019
Provided communications support for environmental programs, including web content updates and media coordination.
Web Content Manager at The Law Offices of James Scott Farrin
February 1, 2012 - February 1, 2013
Managed website content and digital communications to support client acquisition and brand presence.
Student Affairs Coordinator at Duke Law School
January 1, 2010 - February 1, 2012
Coordinated student programs and communications to enhance student engagement and alumni relations.
One-Week Program Teacher at Gyeonggi English Village, South Korea
August 1, 2008 - August 1, 2009
English-language instruction and program coordination for international students.
Copy Editor at Winston-Salem Journal
April 1, 2005 - August 1, 2008
Edited articles and contributed to editorial content production.
Reporter at The Mount Airy News
January 1, 2004 - April 1, 2005
Field reporting and article writing across local communities.

Education

Master of Arts at North Carolina State University
January 11, 2030 - January 12, 2026
Bachelor of Arts at North Carolina Central University
January 11, 2030 - January 12, 2026
Programming Nanodegree at Udacity
January 11, 2030 - January 12, 2026

Qualifications

Google Analytics Certification
May 1, 2021 - January 12, 2026
Programming Nanodegree (Udacity) - Merit scholarship on Accenture-sponsored program
January 11, 2030 - January 12, 2026

Industry Experience

Education, Government, Media & Entertainment, Non-Profit Organization, Professional Services