Communications professional

• I am an effective, award-winning communications strategist: I deliver on-time, high-quality projects, increase user engagement and refine organizational workflows.

• I am a communications leader: As a results-driven professional with expertise in storytelling and stakeholder engagement, I use human-centered and user-centered design to strategize and execute systems-level communication projects. These have included website redevelopments, cross-platform content strategy, and team training programs. Skilled at navigating complex environments, leading teams and delivering impactful communications solutions with empathy and innovation.

• I am a skilled professional writer and creative consultant: My background in creative and professional writing has given me expertise in a wide variety of creative and business communications modalities. Need grant-writing, publicity kits, professional/business writing, freelance journalism, technical writing, e-newsletters, ghostwriting, storytelling, mentorship, program and event management, event promotions, community engagement and community-building? I can do that!

Leadership

  • As team lead and direct reporting manager for junior staff, co-op students, and student communications staff, led teams to create engaging, on-brand cross-platform content, resulting in increased user engagement and improved brand consistency across all platforms, while deliberately expanding individual contributors' skill sets through stretch assignments.
  • As acting communications director, managed team through an eight-month period of uncertainty, high turnover and shifting priorities; maintained morale and worked directly with C-suite leadership to maintain strategic focus, direct multi-media campaigns, and maintain 100% on-time delivery of critical communications during leadership transition.
  • Enhanced organizational communication capabilities through comprehensive training programs on technical tools, content strategy, and social media best practices, training 50+ staff and faculty with 95% completion rate.
  • Assessed gaps in team makeup, recruited, hired, trained and mentored students and junior staff.
  • Managed marketing and project budgets.
  • Strategically monitored social media and internal sentiment to identify and mitigate reputational risks. Provided guidance to senior leadership in emergent crisis communication situations.

Communication strategy and design

  • Partnered with subject matter experts to develop and launch streamlined faculty web templates for enhanced user experience and accessibility.
  • Developed and executed on social media strategies for higher education faculties. Addressed student engagement gaps, grew engagement by 100-130%, increased followings by 15-75% through targeted content strategy and lean marketing budget.
  • Implemented internal e-newsletter redesign and rebranding campaigns, improving open rates and click-through rates using enhanced design and content strategy. Increased applications to internal awards by 117% through compelling redesign and communications campaign.
  • Streamlined communication workflows by implementing SharePoint site and intake app for communications services, improving response rates, technical support and tool accessibility for 200+ non-specialist users.
  • Provided copywriting, editing, and proofreading services for internal and external communications and event marketing, supporting 50-100+ communication pieces annually while maintaining brand voice consistency.
  • Led comprehensive website redevelopment projects, auditing content and assessing Google Analytics to drive strategic design decisions, ensure 100% brand compliance across all digital touchpoints, maintain consistent messaging for visitors, and improve site engagement.