AMBER FUSARO
CREATIVE DIRECTOR / PROJECT MANAGER / STRATEGIST
PAST PROJECTS
ABOUT ME
I’m an innovative and upbeat project manager with a background in brand storytelling, design, communications, and cross-functional team leadership across retail, fashion, entertainment, and tech industries. I take a hands-on approach to every project, managing marketing campaigns, timeline development, vendors, and budgets while staying nimble and adjusting to roadblocks without losing momentum. I use mindful communication to keep people aligned, inspired, and moving forward. I lead by example, set a collaborative vibe, stay calm under pressure, and keep teams aligned so projects run smoothly from concept to completion.
Moral of the story: I love what I do, and it shows.
"Amber was able to elevate our brand to new heights. She has an ability to juggle multiple priorities and communicate mindfully, and it seems to come to her innately! She's a team player and was never afraid to roll up her sleeves and work on whatever was needed."
– RACHEL SIMMONS, SENIOR MANAGER @ TOMBOYX
EXPERIENCE
2023–Present
PROJECT MANAGER
SPIN
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Lead all internal and external communications for a fast-paced, customer-facing retail and service brand
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Managed implementation of a new scheduling and communication platform for staff, including vendor coordination, team training, and live troubleshooting
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Advised leadership on brand strategy, internal messaging, and DEI-informed communications during a period of operational growth and organizational change
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Created and maintained project timelines, updates, and documentation for internal initiatives, helping the team stay organized and on track
2020–2023
FREELANCE CREATIVE DIRECTOR / PROJECT MANAGER
BAEWOLF CREATIVE
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Led creative strategy, campaign planning, and execution for clients in entertainment, music, and media, including PBS, Chrissy Teigen, and Imagine Dragons.
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Scoped projects from concept to delivery, managing overlapping timelines, vendors, budgets, and creative resources to ensure smooth execution.
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Directed a rotating team of freelance designers, writers, and editors, assigning tasks, reviewing work, and keeping projects on schedule.
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Built a referral-only business thanks to my unique mix of narrative, analytical, and strategic thinking that elevated abstract ideas into compelling, audience-driven executions.
2022–2022
BRAIN TUMOR SURVIVOR
PROVIDENCE ST. VINCENT MEDICAL CENTER
The gap in my resume can be explained by the tangerine-sized brain tumor and months of radiation treatment that followed. Luckily, it was benign, surgery was a huge success, and I’m back to full health.
My notable accomplishments include:
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Demonstrating a level of bravery and resilience that even surprised myself. This helped me become even more adept at maintaining my composure and sense of humor in high-pressure situations.
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Facing this near-death experience led to a 76% increase in personal growth and a shift in professional focus. Like wanting to use my talents in meaningful ways and working with a company I align with.
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Obtaining a fresh outlook on life, embracing each moment with gratitude, returning to my hometown of Portland, and still having a senes of humor about the unexpected gap in my resume. Dark humor heals.
2021-2022
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
AVANADE - DIGITAL STUDIO
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Collaborated closely with cross-functional teams (including UX designers, strategists, and developers) to conceptualize, prototype, and refine scalable design systems to address complex business challenges.
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Part of a specialized creative incubation team focused on solving open-ended business problems through rapid ideation, innovation, and user-centered design.
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Designed and delivered high-impact executive presentations, pitch decks, and visual assets to effectively stoke stakeholder excitement and obtain project greenlights. I’ve been told my passion for design is infectious.
2018–2020
BRAND DIRECTOR / ART DIRECTOR
TOMBOYX
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Hired to push creative boundaries and elevate brand identity across all channels for a fast-growing inclusive apparel brand. Promoted to Brand Director after one year.
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Managed marketing campaigns from kickoff to launch, aligning creative with brand goals, tracking performance metrics along the way, and keeping every team on track until the finish line.
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Under my direction, the brand saw a 230% revenue increase, achieving profitability for the first time in its eight-year history and resulting in national retail partnerships with Nordstrom, Target, and REI.
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Supported in-store brand activations and campaign rollouts for those partners, collaborating with visual merchandisers, retail teams, and executive stakeholders.
2016–2018
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
TOSOLINI PRODUTIONS
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Promoted to Creative Director and led concept development and execution for mobile apps, VR/AR experiences, live events, and in-person brand activations using emerging technologies.
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Managed global production timelines, budgets, and creative teams to deliver innovative solutions for Fortune 500 clients including Microsoft and Deloitte.
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Directed and designed the immersive Interactive Lobby experience for Microsoft HQ, enhancing visitor engagement and showcasing the brand’s leadership in emerging tech.
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Served as the main point of contact between clients, developers, and creative teams, translating evolving needs into clear deliverables and adjusting plans as needed.
2013–2016
MULTIMEDIA MANAGER / DESIGNER
CENTER FOR THE PREVENTION OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
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Managed the planning and production of all visual communications, including print, digital, video, and web, ensuring message consistency and timely delivery for this impactful nonprofit.
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Promoted to Multimedia Director and led the creation of educational and outreach materials supporting brand awareness, prevention campaigns, and donor engagement initiatives.
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Collaborated with leadership, program staff, and external vendors to produce mission-driven educational content and events that aligned with evolving outreach goals and expanded community impact.
2007–2012
RELIABILITY ENGINEER
DAIMLER NORTH AMERICA
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Maintained and improved failure elimination programs to enhance vehicle reliability and reduce warranty claims.
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Served as the primary liaison between engineering and test teams, streamlining issue resolution and cross-functional team collaboration.
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Developed and maintained warranty analysis reports, providing critical feedback loops for design, mechanics, and engineering process improvements.
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Presented weekly test reports to senior executives and engineers, simplifying complex data into high-level insights and recommended action items.
"Amber is a project perfectionist. She always makes sure every i has been dotted and t is crossed. And she's never afraid to learn new skills along the way."
– PAOLO TOSOLINI, FOUNDER OF TOSOLINI PRODUCTIONS
GET IN TOUCH.
Thank you for your interest!
I am currently open to new opportunities in Portland or Seattle.
Send me a message if you would like to work together or just want to geek out about all things related to design, project management, entertainment, fashion, or emerging tech.
- Amber Fusaro
