Maura Hanley, Digital Marketing Specialist.
After completing her AmeriCorps VISTA service term with the Alliance, Maura is officially joining the team in the new role of Digital Marketing Specialist.
Maura was first introduced to the Ice Age Trail back in 2020 when her dad and older brother participated in the Mammoth Hike Challenge. From then on, she found herself on the Ice Age Trail when hiking.
She started her career at the Alliance in June 2022 as the Alliance’s AmeriCorps VISTA Communications Support Specialist. She had recently graduated from Beloit College, where she majored in Environmental Studies (Environmental Justice and Citizenship) and minored in Religious Studies and History.
An AmeriCorps Service term felt like the perfect opportunity to, “explore a career in an environmental field, learn and develop relevant professional skills, and (hopefully) have a positive and meaningful impact on Ice Age Trail communities,” says Maura.
As the AmeriCorps VISTA Communications Support Specialist, Maura managed and created content for the Alliance’s official social media accounts. Having minimal prior graphic design and social media management experience, Maura appreciated the chance to learn on the job and grow significantly within the role.
“A major highlight of this position was being able to creatively share about the Alliance’s mission, accomplishments, volunteers, and events to such a wide range of people. Social media can be an amazing tool to engage diverse audiences and accessibly share information,” says Maura.
Within this position, Maura launched the Alliance’s TikTok account, participated in the Partnership for the National Trails System’s Trail Apprentice program, organized and led the Alliance’s Future in the Outdoors Summit, and assisted with an extremely successful Giving Tuesday social media campaign.
As the Digital Marketing Specialist, Maura implements, oversees, and optimizes digital marketing initiatives related to the Trail and the Alliance. These initiatives involve volunteer chapters/activities, membership activity, fundraising, and merchandise. She also helps maintain and update the Alliance’s website and assists with distributing email campaigns. Maura continues to manage and create content for the Alliance’s social media accounts.
“So far, I’ve been very involved in different marketing and fundraising campaigns, like the Marquette Co. Land Protection Fundraiser, and have been able to utilize digital marketing assets to help with these projects. I’m looking forward to advancing my graphic design skills and growing the Alliance’s marketing capabilities,” says Maura.
Outside of the office, Maura enjoys beach days (fitting as a Milwaukee native), reading, hiking, exploring Madison, and visiting farmers markets.
“After taking a month off between positions, I’m excited to be back in the office and be reunited with the office dogs,” says Maura.
We look forward to continuing to work with Maura to conserve, create, maintain, and promote the Ice Age Trail!
