Mark Hackman
Mark Hackman
Chicago, IL • hackmarkman@gmail.com • 773.301.4310 • in/jmarkhackman
PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY
Habitual futurist with 20 years of success building cross-channel marketing systems for brands navigating growth and change. Experience spans government, tech, retail and nonprofit environments where messaging and measurables need to work together. Keen storyteller that pairs imagination with data to build scalable content systems. Strong advocate of consumer empathy, leadership through service and building the path where trends, technology and values complement each other. Brings teams together around shared positioning and practical plans that can actually be sustained. AI doesn’t have to be slop.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Senior Digital Media Manager
M1 Finance, 2025–2026
Senior hire brought in to modernize customer acquisition strategy, content systems and experimentation frameworks during a period of organizational transition.
• Rebuilt the digital content model, introducing multi-format campaigns that more than doubled conversion efficiency while reducing CPC from $1+ to $0.25.
• Directed cross-channel campaign execution while establishing reporting and experimentation frameworks to guide messaging, optimization and lifecycle performance.
Digital Marketing Director
Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs, 2016-2025
Recruited to overhaul the City of Chicago’s cultural presence across digital channels, leading strategy for web, email, search and more than 40 social media accounts spanning major and emerging platforms. Directed full-funnel campaigns integrating organic content, paid media, remarketing and influencer partnerships, while training peer departments on best practices and trends.
• Partnered with Tourism Bureau to secure and promote high-profile events including NASCAR Street Race, DNC ‘24 and the Sundance X Festival through cross-agency marketing efforts.
• Digital promotion contributing to “Taste of Chicago” attendance record – 1.6 million attendees and $106 million in revenue.
• Increased social followers by 40% in first full year, over 300% by Year 4.
• 6.3% average organic engagement rate, over 5% CTR on paid Meta campaigns.
• 38% average email open rate for marketing and lifecycle campaigns.
Brand Manager
Chicago Film Office, 2020–2025
B2B multi-channel campaigns spanning PPC, influencer partnerships, out-of-home, display and hyperlocal outreach. Collaboration with the Governor’s Office on national marketing initiatives.
• Launched the digital arm of the “Chicago Made” brand campaign, generating a $700 million production revenue record in 2022, breaking previous record by $130 million.
• Partnerships spanning Fortune 500 companies, Forbes Top Charities and international influencers.
Marketing Director
Dance Crash NFP, 2012—2022
End-to-end marketing ownership spanning brand, press, paid media, partnerships, content and audience growth across D2C and B2B initiatives.
• Increased donor portfolio by 400% through major gifts strategy and annual campaigns.
• More than doubled earned revenue through regional D2C and national B2B campaigns.
• Secured partnerships with NBC, General Mills, Red Bull, Jack Daniels and World Wildlife Fund.
Marketing Director (Contract, Fractional)
FLYT Media, 2026
• Developed brand strategy, audience positioning and integrated content campaigns across YouTube, social media, podcast and digital channels.
• Built scalable AI-assisted content workflows, asset organization systems and reporting processes.
Paid Media Manager (Contracted)
Fever App, 2022
• Paid acquisition optimization for a national events app, reducing CPI to under $2 on Meta and around $1 on Google app campaigns.
Communications Manager
Chicago Mayor's Office, 2020
Emergency communications leadership supporting citywide COVID-19 response.
• Citywide public health and small business policy comms across digital and out-of-home channels.
• Real-time crisis messaging during rapidly evolving public guidance.
Brand Director (Contracted)
Made to Thrill Apparel, 2013-2015
• Built DTC e-commerce brand including website launch, visual identity and digital marketing; business reached profitability within two years.
Project Director (Contracted)
Uniqlo Co., Ltd., 2015
• Led regional campaign supporting the Midwest launch of Uniqlo’s first U.S. store, generating the company’s highest global Google Trends interest in history at that time.
Sales Director
Fitness Formula Clubs (FFC), 2012—2015
Promoted from Sales Representative to lead training and marketing collaboration for a 70-person team.
• Drove a corporate-wide 20% increase in first-visit sales through an innovative “cover charge” campaign.
• Seven quarterly sales awards; contributed to 60% corporate-wide revenue growth from 2011–2015.
STRATEGY & ADVISORY ENGAGEMENTS
Advised nonprofit organizations on strategy, positioning, and fundraising approach, helping leadership teams translate mission into clear messaging and practical program plans. Engagements included:
Culture Shock Chicago — Served on board of directors; drafted bylaws and articles of incorporation; supported compliance, governance structure and development of annual operational and program budgets.
Chicago Health Fund — Advised on event fundraising strategy and content positioning.
Movement Revolution Dance Crew — Led incorporation and 501(c)(3) application process; drafted bylaws and governance framework.
Foster Studios — Facilitated multi-session strategic planning process including leadership meetings and retreat sessions; produced written three-year strategic and marketing plan aligned with capacity.
Traffick Free — Conducted grant research; developed solicitation calendar; supported proposal drafting and funding strategy.
ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCE
Startup Brand Consultant — P3 Mediaworks, Intrigue Studios, Stage 773
Fundraising and Copywriting — AIDS Foundation of Chicago
Panelist, Speaker — The Pierce Family Foundation, Millikin University, Ball State University, APAP, Arts Midwest, Arts Across America
Event Management — Red Bull Energy, Inc, Dance on Broadway LLC, Park West, Navy Pier
BACKGROUND AND SKILLS
Illinois State University (Normal, IL) — Bachelor of Science
Creative Strategy & Brand Oversight, Content Strategy & Team Leadership, Performance Campaigns (Paid & Organic), Analytics & Reporting, Trend & Competitive Analysis, Recruiting & Mentorship of Content Teams, AI-assisted Social Strategy & Workflow Optimization
Sprout Social, Hootsuite, Meta Business Suite & Ads Manager, Google Ads & Search Console, HubSpot CMS, Salesforce, Meltwater, Klear Influencer CRM, Figma, Microsoft 365, Slack, Asana, Teams, Adobe Creative Cloud (Photoshop, InDesign, After Effects, Premiere Pro), Canva, Final Cut Pro, CapCut, Constant Contact, Mailchimp.