SJ Durham-Simonelli

Consumer-Focused Operations, Brand & Tech Leader

sarahjean.charniak@gmail.com | (484) 542-9315

https://sarahjean.rocks

SJ Durham-Simonelli

Consumer-Focused Operations, Brand & Tech Leader

sarahjean.charniak@gmail.com (484) 542-9315 sarahjean.rocks

2024–Present Context

Currently in an Individual Contributor role (LL Global) to serve as primary caregiver. Maintaining technical sharpness via high-impact automation projects while preparing for return to senior leadership.

Experience

Head of Marketing & Technology

2023 – 2024
Singapore Math, Inc. | Educational Publisher
  • Tech Stack Modernization: Spearheaded migration and overhaul of data synchronization automations, significantly boosting operational efficiency.
  • Strategic Alignment: Collaborated with senior leadership to align cross-functional teams and execute impactful campaigns aligned with core business goals.
  • Data-Driven Growth: Leveraged data insights and industry trends to implement solutions that strengthened the brand's competitive edge.

VP of Operations & Marketing

(Held Title: COO)
2020 – 2023
Vvolt | Electric Mobility Startup
  • $1M Revenue: Scaled company from zero to $1M+ revenue and achieved profitability within one year of public launch through integrated brand and ops strategy.
  • Brand Strategy: Defined organizational values and brand voice, embedding strategy into every aspect of the business from product development to hiring.
  • Team Building: Assembled and led marketing and technology teams, fostering a culture of autonomy and data-driven decision-making.

Director of Marketing & Ops

(Held Title: Director / COO)
2020 – 2023
Showers Pass | Premium Outdoor Apparel
  • Conversion Optimization: Redesigned website using modular Shopify themes, increasing add-to-cart rates and conversion while reducing manual internal effort.
  • Inventory Velocity: Optimized marketing efforts to drive increased total inventory turn and increased average order size.
  • Go-to-Market: Spearheaded GTM plans for new product lines encompassing digital marketing, SEO, press, and local advertising.

Head of Marketing & E-commerce

2014 – 2020
Sock It to Me | Global Apparel Brand
  • PLM Architecture: Architected custom PLM system replacing manual spreadsheets, reducing time-to-market from 18 months to 6 months.
  • 57% Revenue Growth: Transformed e-commerce platform and online presence, driving 57% direct revenue growth in year one.
  • 153% DTC Growth: Grew DTC customer base by 153% and retention rate by 67% through a multifaceted lifecycle and loyalty strategy.
  • Data Democratization: Led major analytics overhaul, centralizing data in the cloud to improve reporting sophistication and access across the organization.

Current & Recent Activity (2024–Present)

LL Global (LIMRA)

Digital Marketing Specialist (Full-time)

Deliberately selected individual contributor role to accommodate caregiving duties. Focus on automating email campaigns and publication production.

ReWonder

Founder

Secured grant funding to launch a sustainable product line, validating market demand and building initial brand identity.