With 20 years’ experience in results-oriented public relations, marketing, communications, institutional advancement, and organizational development, DerSimonian has worked professionally with a diverse range of national and international organizations.

In the professional realms of cultural arts, luxury travel, economic revitalization, and institutional advancement, DerSimonian’s professional background includes serving London’s Southbank Centre, Royal Festival Hall, Rhode Island’s Providence Performing Arts Center, Orient-Express Hotels, Trains & Cruises, community/economic development of Maine’s Waterville Main Street, Heart of Biddeford and institutional advancement, marketing and communications for Becker College, Maine College of Art, Foxcroft Academy, and Concord Academy.

Having served in multiple higher education administrative positions of leadership, DerSimonian has experience in guiding institutions and brands through complex initiatives that increase donor base, public engagement, and brand visibility within target audiences. DerSimonian conducts research, extrapolates key themes from stakeholder dialogue, aligns cross-channel marketing campaigns with goals, and implements a range of strategic, creative, and digital initiatives.

Raffi DerSimonian holds a Master of Science degree in Professional Communications and Marketing, and a Bachelors of Science in Communications and Culture from Clark University, Worcester, Massachusetts.

Orient-Express, Hotels, Trains & Cruises

As eCommerce Marketing Executive for the Americas, I was responsible for developing and implementing strategic online marketing initiatives to increase sales and ROI.

Waterville Main Street

In this role, I was able to learn about community organizing and economic development through downtown revitalization efforts in my beloved hometown of Waterville, Maine.

AREAS OF EXPERIENCE & EXPERTISE

Research & Strategy • Strategic Marketing & Communications • Website Production • Public & Media Relations • Video Production • Writing & Editing • Branding • Civic Engagement & Public Affairs • Community Relations • Public Speaking • Audience Development • Relationship Building & Cultivation • Event Production • Fundraising & Campaign Management • Stewardship • Project & Team Management • Digital / Print Media • Admissions & Enrollment Marketing • Online / Social Media

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COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

Guided by the belief that there is a direct correlation between the health of an institution, individual and community, investing in community is one of DerSimonian’s defining values.

Here are a few organizations that DerSimonian had the opportunity to serve in various ways, including as a board member, active committee member or on the advisory council:

Creative Portland

Supports the creative economy through the arts.

Maine Ad + Design

The premier industry organization for area advertising and media professionals.

Yellow Tulip Project

Yellow Tulip Project is dedicated to smashing the stigma surrounding mental illness and depression.

Startup Maine

Three days of cutting edge content, applied learning, and collaborative connections, all centered around innovation.

Armenians of Maine

Celebrating and preserving Maine’s Armenian community and culture.

Portland Bach Experience

Anchored in the Baroque tradition and centered around our world-class artists, the Portland Bach Experience uses distinctive programming, dynamic interpretations, and authentic connections that make the sounds of the past the music of now.

“Raffi’s attention to detail, ability to motivate multiple project contributors across all levels of an institution, and to inspire all involved were beyond compare. I highly recommend Raffi for any position that involves marketing, public relations, promotion, event management, fundraising, project management, or strategic relationship building.”

— Eric Saczawa, Higher Education Enrollment, Academic Advisor