BY VALERIE HAWLEY
about me
STRATEGY, GROWTH, AND LEADERSHIP THAT CONNECTS VISION TO EXECUTION
I am a strategic communications, marketing, and organizational growth leader with more than 20 years of experience helping organizations navigate growth, strengthen engagement, align teams, and bring complex initiatives to life.
EXPERIENCE ACROSS INDUSTRIES
Throughout my career, I have worked across higher education, healthcare, nonprofit, public-sector, and community-focused environments — leading integrated strategies that connect audience insight, communications, digital engagement, operations, and organizational goals.
MY WORK SITS AT THE INTERSECTION OF STRATEGY AND EXECUTION.
CONNECTING PEOPLE, SYSTEMS, AND STRATEGY
I believe successful organizations need more than strong ideas. They need connected systems, clear communication, aligned teams, and strategies that people can understand, support, and implement.
That philosophy has shaped my work across strategic planning, enrollment growth, branding, communications, stakeholder engagement, organizational alignme
MY APPROACH
I am known for balancing big-picture thinking with practical execution.
Whether developing a long-term strategic initiative, leading organizational communications, building enrollment and marketing strategies, guiding brand positioning, or supporting operational alignment, I approach challenges by looking at how all pieces connect together.
My work is deeply audience-centered and data-informed, but also grounded in collaboration, adaptability, and real organizational realities.
01
Clarify vision and direction
02
Strengthen brand identity and messaging
03
Improve audience engagement
04
Build measurable growth strategies
05
Align teams and priorities
06
Navigate organizational change
07
Create more connected digital and customer experiences
08
Translate complex ideas into actionable strategies
My background includes leadership roles at the University of Kansas and Jayhawk Global, where I helped shape strategic initiatives focused on online education, workforce development, accessible learning, organizational growth, communications, and student engagement.
Over the course of my career, I have led or supported:
EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE
STRATEGIC GROWTH & AUDIENCE ENGAGEMENT
Integrated growth and recruitment strategy
Enrollment and audience engagement planning
Campaign and customer journey development
Website and digital experience strategy
Community and stakeholder engagement
BRAND & COMMUNICATION LEADERSHIP
Organizational communications and public relations
Brand positioning and messaging strategy
Executive and leadership communications
ORGANIZATIONAL STRATEGY & INNOVATION
Strategic planning and organizational initiatives
Cross-functional leadership and organizational alignment
RESULTS-DRIVEN AND PEOPLE-CENTERED
My approach combines analytical thinking, creativity, relationship-building, and strategic leadership.
I enjoy solving complex challenges, identifying opportunities for growth, and helping organizations better connect their mission, people, and audience experience.
Throughout my work, I have remained focused on building strategies that are not only innovative and measurable, but sustainable and meaningful for the people they impact.
That work has included supporting enrollment growth, strengthening organizational visibility, improving audience engagement, aligning communication systems, building stronger brands, and helping teams navigate periods of growth and change.
33%
Increase in new student enrollment
67%
Of student inquiries generated through integrated campaigns
25 +
Online programs and certificates launched
181%
Growth in annual giving campaign performance
Strategies 4U
Strategies 4U serves as both my professional brand and portfolio platform — representing the connected approach I bring to strategy, communications, marketing, leadership, and organizational growth.
The work featured throughout this site reflects both executive leadership experience and consulting partnerships across a range of industries and organizational environments.
LET'S CONNECT
I am passionate about helping organizations move forward with greater clarity, alignment, engagement, and impact.
Whether supporting organizational strategy, communications leadership, audience engagement, brand positioning, or growth initiatives, I bring an approach that connects vision to execution in meaningful and measurable ways.