Converting Small Design Initiatives into Larger Service Commitments

Strengthening the Long-term Partnership with GEO

Account & Project Manager: Jo Zhou / Creative Director: Kat Scott / Art Director: Cameron Maher, Bethany Whitlock/ Designer: Gayle Villacruz, Riley Permann-Gubler, Gabriela Venetucci, Michael Leclair / Junior Project Manager: Lizzy Kubica

Fathom Creative

Project Overview

We have been GEO's design partner for several years, consistently evolving to better serve their needs and solidify our partnership.
With over 6,000 grantmakers worldwide, GEO’s mission is to elevate grantmaking practices that genuinely benefit nonprofits and advance philanthropy. By uniting grantmakers to address mutual challenges and improve their practices, GEO plays a crucial role in enhancing the effectiveness and impact of philanthropy globally.
Logo, Visual identity, Marketing Assets, Publication, Event Design, Event Collateral

My Contribution

As the Account Project Manager, I collaborated with the Art Director and the client to develop comprehensive service agreements to address their diverse design needs.

These agreements enabled GEO to effectively budget their design needs at the start of each fiscal year, ensuring clarity and alignment from the outset. To further streamline our processes, I implemented custom monthly reports that provided detailed insights into the burn rate and project status. This proactive communication not only kept the client well-informed but also fostered transparency and trust.

The results have been highly beneficial. The client has praised the cost savings and improved budgeting capabilities, while our team has gained valuable foresight into upcoming projects. This has allowed us to optimize our time and resources, enhancing overall efficiency and project delivery.

“Thanks again for these reports, Jo! Everything is incredibly clear and straightforward.”

— Communications Manager

Key Challenge

Situation

One of the publication projects was paused due to the client's shifting priorities.

Task

I need to ensure our team can seamlessly resume the project when it is reactivated.

Action

I created a centralized location for all documentation and maintained consistent communication with clients, ensuring transparency.

Result

As a result, our team and the client remained perfectly aligned throughout the pause, allowing us to seamlessly jump back into the project when it was reactivated.

Key Actions

I meticulously documented all communications, agreements, and requests to maintain a comprehensive project record.
I regularly reminded the client of the phase we were in and the progress we had made, ensuring they were always informed and prepared to resume.
I ensured all time was logged accurately to provide a clear picture of the burn rate and budget, managing resources effectively.
I sent monthly recap emails and project reports to the client, detailing the budget and reminding them of upcoming projects.

Key Skills

Effective Communication, Document Management, Resource Management, Strategic Planning, Budget Management, Status Reports, Client Engagement