Jessica Raper

As Business Development Manager – Partnerships, Community, and Events at LIVIN, I am responsible for driving the growth and success of our initiatives through strategic partnerships, community engagement, and impactful event execution. In this role, I lead the planning and delivery of large-scale fundraising and community events, ensuring they align with LIVIN's mission to raise mental health awareness. I collaborate with key stakeholders, including corporate sponsors and community leaders, to secure valuable partnerships and build sustainable relationships that enhance LIVIN's outreach. By leveraging my expertise in event management, marketing, and stakeholder relations, I work to create meaningful experiences that drive participation, engagement, and long-term support.

Key Responsibilities:

• Strategic Event Planning & Execution: Successfully led and delivered large-scale events, including LIVIN's Charity Ball, Golf Days, and Q1 Stair Challenge. Leveraged digital marketing and strategic partnerships to drive engagement, enhance participation, and elevate event success.
• Leadership & Team Management: Led diverse teams to execute seamless events, managing cross-functional staff, volunteers, and competing priorities. Ensured smooth operations through effective communication and strong organizational skills.
• Stakeholder & Client Engagement: Built and maintained strong relationships with corporate sponsors, community leaders, and key stakeholders. Played a key role in securing partnerships that contributed to the growth and success of LIVIN's initiatives.
• Budget & Cost Management: Managed event budgets with a focus on cost efficiency and high-quality delivery. Successfully delivered events under budget while improving the attendee experience and ensuring financial sustainability.

Marketing Manager at LIVIN, I led the development and execution of strategic marketing campaigns aimed at increasing brand visibility and promoting mental health awareness. I was responsible for managing the charity's social media presence, website, and eCommerce platforms, ensuring content was aligned with organisational goals. Additionally, I played a key role in the strategic planning and execution of fundraising events, working closely with cross-functional teams to ensure event success and maximise engagement.

Key Responsibilities:

• Developed and executed integrated marketing strategies to raise awareness of LIVIN's mission and programs.
• Led the strategic planning and execution of fundraising events, including the annual Charity Ball and community outreach initiatives, ensuring alignment with organisational objectives.
• Managed all aspects of social media, content creation, and digital advertising to engage audiences and build community support.
• Coordinated with external agencies, designers, and media partners to produce compelling marketing materials and campaigns.
• Analysed marketing data to assess campaign performance and adjust strategies to optimise outreach.
• Managed the fundraising coordinator to support event execution and sponsorship initiatives.

Destination Marketing Manager, I was responsible for promoting the region as a premier destination for tourists, leveraging various marketing strategies to highlight key attractions, events, and experiences. I ensured that the Gold Coast was represented as a vibrant and attractive destination, positioning it as a place to visit and stay longer. My role involved collaborating with local businesses, tourism boards, and media outlets to increase destination visibility and drive visitor numbers.

Key Responsibilities:

• Developed and executed comprehensive destination marketing campaigns to position the region as a top tourist destination.
• Created engaging content and promotional materials to showcase local attractions, events, and experiences across digital and traditional marketing channels.
• Coordinated with tourism boards, hotels, and local businesses to develop strategic partnerships that supported destination promotion.
• Managed public relations efforts, including media outreach and influencer partnerships, to amplify destination visibility.
• Analysed market trends and visitor data to assess campaign effectiveness and adjust strategies for optimal reach and engagement.
• Ensured the Gold Coast was accurately represented in all marketing materials, positioning it as a must-visit destination and encouraging extended stays.

I was responsible for promoting the Gold Coast as a top destination by strategically marketing and promoted events that showcased the region's unique attractions. I worked to ensure the Gold Coast was positioned as a place not only to visit but also to stay longer, using events as a key driver to increase tourism and community engagement. I collaborated with local businesses, tourism boards, event organisers, and key stakeholders, including the City of Gold Coast and Tourism Events Queensland, to create and promote events that highlighted the region's appeal and offered memorable experiences for visitors.

Key Responsibilities:

• Developed and executed marketing strategies to promote the Gold Coast as a premier destination, leveraging signature events to boost tourism and increase visitor stay durations.
• Contributed to the planning, coordination, and execution of large-scale events, ensuring they aligned with the region's marketing goals and showcased the destination's key attractions.
• Held regular meetings with key stakeholders, including the City of Gold Coast, Tourism Events Queensland, and event organisers, to ensure alignment and collaboration on event promotion and execution.
• Collaborated with local tourism boards, hotels, event organisers, and businesses to create event-driven campaigns that attracted both domestic and international visitors.
• Managed digital and traditional marketing efforts, including content creation, social media campaigns, and media partnerships, to elevate the profile of Gold Coast events.
• Coordinated with event sponsors and partners to secure funding and resources, ensuring events were well-supported and well-executed.
• Ensured that all events effectively represented the Gold Coast as a destination, driving interest for longer stays and repeat visits.