Cara Ungar

Background

About Cara Ungar

I have over 15 years of leadership experience in strategic communications, content, and engagement strategy as well as a knack for collaboration and a demonstrated passion for equity, justice, and public health (in the broadest sense). I've had a wonderfully ziggy zaggy career path, but the through line has always been human-first research, insights, and communications. After earning a PhD (in rhetoric and cultural studies) and spending seven years in nonprofit leadership, I pivoted to creative agency and tech consulting, where I've worked mainly in equity communications. Now, with leadership experience designing and implementing campaigns and strategies across public, private, and government sectors, I focus on end-to-end campaigns (from research through strategy, implementation, assessment, and optimization). Here's some work I'm really proud of: Leveraged user research and planning skills to redesign content at Inland Empire Health Plan, driving a 39% surge in unique page visits, a 14.2% uptick in conversion page visits, and a membership increase from 1.4 to 1.5 million. Synchronized communications and content for the College Savings Plan's media and email campaigns, fueling a 56% surge in digital account signups, and solidifying impact and reach. Led comprehensive rebranding initiative with mission and vision refinement, public relations and communications overhaul, public programs and events evolution, and new board and staff policies, resulting in a major gift, a $12mm increase for National Endowment for the Humanities, and a 7.7% increase in federal funding for Oregon. Optimized Capital Group's internal communications and change management efforts, leveraging staff listening sessions, insight reports, and leadership recommendations to foster cross-functional alignment in DEI across a 7500+ member organization. I'm here in Portland with my kiddos. And I'm super passionate about humane technology, compassionate listening, behavioral economics, human equity, pop culture, yoga, and slow bike commuting.