Natalie is a brand and creative leader based in Portland, OR. With over a decade of experience, she's currently leading all things brand at CodeSignal.

Brands she’s partnered with

Experience

APRIL 2022–PRESENT

In-house / remote

Director, Brand Marketing at CodeSignal

Built the brand marketing function from the ground up, including establishing Brand Studio as the in-house brand and creative team. Owning brand strategy, positioning, messaging, creative, comms, PR, social, digital, content, and design systems.

Led complete rebrand and repositioning from point solution to AI-native enterprise platform, supporting move upmarket. Developed category-defining messaging that competitors adopted.
Led brand strategy for consumer product launch from 0 to 1M+ users. Created and launched Cosmo, the company’s beloved mascot.
Grew website direct traffic 65% YoY, achieved 53% branded search CTR, expanded organic search presence 127%, and scaled social engagement rate to 9.9%.
Drove AI search optimization strategy, securing 1K+ AI citations in 6 months and driving qualified pipeline from emerging channels. Spearheaded monthly PR announcement program, securing consistent tier-1 coverage.

JUNE 2021–MARCH 2022

In-house / remote

Director, Global Brand & Creative at EIS Group

Led all brand, design, and web initiatives across 19+ countries for enterprise software company preparing for IPO. Built brand and creative function from scratch, including in-house team, creative processes, and operational systems. Directed global rebrand and repositioning strategy while managing overall brand experience, website performance, digital touchpoints, and stakeholder alignment globally.

SEPT 2019–MAY 2021

Agency / remote

Creative Director at Digital Reach Agency

Directed creative and brand strategy for B2B tech and SaaS clients including Cisco, VMware, RedisLabs, and Patreon. Led agency rebrand and developed new brand strategy service offering, doubling revenue YoY and increasing conversions 20%. Built creative team and established processes for client delivery and operations. Made data-driven creative decisions across campaigns, websites, and brand work.

FEB 2013–SEPT 2019

studio / remote

Creative Director & Founder at Natalie Hands Studio

Founded and operated independent brand studio providing brand development, creative strategy, and digital solutions to clients including Marriott, Hilton, Chicago Field Museum, and Winc Wine Club. Directed complete projects from strategy through execution. Managed freelance teams, client relationships, budgets, timelines, and operations while maintaining creative direction.

Kind words

Natalie is an “impact player.” She’s a leader, ready to solve problems, tune processes, and consistently delivers excellent work. She has well informed opinions on marketing operations, content strategy, and how to inspire those around her. Very simply, she makes those around her want to do good work.

Natalie showed an immense interest and dedication to my professional development. She was able to take me under wing and push me to be the best creative and team member I can be, all while maintaining her other job duties. Anyone who gets to work with her is very lucky. I will forever be grateful for the significant impact she has had on me. Truly one of the most efficient and strategic managers I have encountered.

Natalie is truly a unicorn, and her ability to pivot between branding, strategy, marketing, and creative (amongst other things) is mindblowing. In addition to her creative skills, Natalie "gets" how important it is to communicate brand effectively. Her attention to detail at every touchpoint is inspiring. I feel so lucky to have such an empathetic and driven teammate. Natalie's creative strategy, communication skills, and brand creative are unmatched.

Words can’t describe what an amazing mentor Natalie has been for me. Not only does she strive to deliver impeccable work, she shows an inspiring dedication to growth and always ensures everyone around her is supported. Natalie’s eye for detail is unparalleled and you’d be hard pressed to find anyone who can craft a better development plan! 100% I wouldn’t trade learning and growing under Natalie’s guidance for anything.