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Kelly Connor
Director, Creative Services at Gainor
Professional Background
Kelly Connor is a seasoned professional with extensive experience in the field of recruitment and talent acquisition. With a robust background across various prestigious organizations, she has honed her skills in identifying and nurturing top creative talent in the industry. Currently, she serves as the Director of Creative Services at Gainor, where she leads initiatives to find innovative and imaginative talent that aligns with the needs of today's dynamic creative landscape. Her deep understanding of the creative workforce has positioned her as a vital asset to the organization, facilitating growth and fostering a culture of creative excellence.
Previously, Kelly made significant contributions as the Head of Talent Acquisition at The Museum of Modern Art, where she skillfully implemented strategies to attract diverse and talented individuals who contribute to the museum's mission of promoting artistic excellence. Her leadership in this role greatly enhanced the talent landscape of one of the world’s most renowned museums.
Her career further includes various pivotal roles in recruitment, including positions such as Talent Acquisition Manager at Sudler & Hennessey, Lead Recruiter at Food Network, Senior Interactive Recruiter at Onward Search, Recruiting Manager at Harrison and Star, and Creative Recruiter at Creative Circle. In each of these roles, she successfully leveraged her knowledge of the creative sectors to recruit and retain high-caliber candidates, thereby enhancing the creative output and operational success of her employers.
Education and Achievements
Kelly Connor began her academic journey at The New School, where she studied English Literature. Her education provided her with a strong foundation in communication, critical thinking, and analysis, skills that have been invaluable throughout her recruitment career. The interdisciplinary approach of her studies has enabled her to understand the qualities that make candidates successful in creative roles and how to best connect them with organizations that value and need these unique skills.
Her professional achievements include developing innovative recruitment strategies that align with the evolving needs of the creative industry. Throughout her career, Kelly has been recognized for her ability to build strong relationships with both clients and candidates, fostering an environment of trust and collaboration. These skills have played a significant role in her success in securing top-tier talent across multiple fields, including art, design, and marketing.
Achievements
- Director of Creative Services at Gainor, leading efforts to connect innovative talent with creative opportunities.
- Successfully attracted diverse creative professionals while serving as Head of Talent Acquisition at The Museum of Modern Art.
- Developed and implemented recruitment strategies that significantly improved the hiring process across several creative and marketing organizations.
- Fostered relationships with industry leaders resulting in enhanced recruitment techniques and practices at Sudler & Hennessey and other renowned companies.
- Recognized for exceptional communication skills which have proven to be a key asset in her roles.
