Greater Seattle Area
Leads comms for Xbox hardware and differentiators
Leads the Xbox hardware team by managing media relations, creating messaging, and providing insights on competitor/industry trends. Specifically supports the launch of Xbox Series X and Series S, as well as Project xCloud. • Works on launch plan for Xbox Series X and Series S, starting with the surprise announcement of the former at The Game Awards in December 2019. • Crafts messaging for both new consoles and their capabilities based on listening sessions with engineering and marketing. Finalized messaging through deep collaboration with clients, head of marketing for the new consoles, and the program lead. • Manages inquiries and media opportunities from start to finish, which includes suggesting responses to clients and building new messaging, when needed. This also includes staffing and facilitating media interviews, and securing spokesperson support. • Builds internal and public-facing materials including press releases, blog posts, FAQs, coverage reports, media pitch mails, and more. • Participated in campus visit where Microsoft revealed the technical capabilities of Xbox Series X to tech-savvy outlet (Digital Foundry) and content creator (Austin Evans). Prep included building messaging, reviewing scripts, logistics/planning and staffing onsite events. • Facilitated and staffed onsite meetings for Project xCloud during week-long X019 event in London. • Supported planning and media scheduling for X018, analyst planning/pitching for X019 and Inside Xbox broadcast strategy for E3 2019. • Deep understanding of tech and hardware capabilities. Examples of stories facilitated/pitched/supported by Connor: New York Times: Coming This Fall: Return of the Video Game Console Wars WIRED: An Infrastructure Arms Race Is Fueling the Future of Gaming GameSpot: Xbox Series X Hands-On Preview: Fast Loading, Quick Resume, And Performance Digital Foundry: Inside Xbox Series X - How Microsoft Redefined The Console Form Factor
- Build bi-weekly reports through campaign dashboard and present data to the client with optimization recommendations for display, video, search and social to drive cost efficient traffic - Recommend and execute 360-degree media plans for multiple clients with a digital and social focus - Utilize tools such as Operative, DoubleClick for Publishers, DoubleClick Campaign Manager, Prisma, Salesforce, Facebook Ads Manger, and Twitter Ads Manager to manage campaign setup, optimizations, and reporting - Support Account Managers and Media Planners in implementing advertising campaigns and performed daily campaign maintenance - Work with Account Managers to guarantee ads are trafficked and launched on schedule according to client expectations - Analyze editorial calendar provided by the client to determine best content to upload to social and native display - Recommend and set up Facebook, Instagram and Twitter campaigns based on target audience for clicks, lead generation, and engagement KPIs - Foster relationships with publishers and learn about differentiating offerings within the digital space
- Discover opportunities through social listening to engage with followers, contact journalists, and determine trends - Researched healthcare technology industry trends to support the creation of proactive pitch materials for SCI Solutions and Hacking Medicine Institute - Assisted senior team members during product launches by identifying targets, conducting media outreach, drafting updates and monitoring for coverage - Cultivated a knowledge of clients’ business by attending client calls, recording notes and proactively identifying next steps for SCI Solutions, Hacking Medicine Institute and North Highland - Quickly developed understanding of travel technology space for Concur and used judgment to compile a detailed media monitoring reports every morning under a tight deadline