Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
I help arts and education organizations achieve greater brand recognition and community engagement through multi-platform strategic communications.
• Create and implement a comprehensive communication plan for the release of all institutional news to appropriate external and internal audiences, including the deployment of social media • Work in conjunction with the Office of Admissions to promote the College to prospective and accepted students • Direct the development, execution and dissemination of a variety of publications and communication vehicles such as the annual report, weekly online newsletter, College intranet, Web pages, information screens and mailings • Serve as public spokesperson for the College, manage crisis communication planning and direct communication during times of emergency • Initiate new content streams for digital publications and social media platforms • Work with art directors, designers, photographers, writers and media planners • Develop and implement methods (e.g., publications surveys and focus groups) to measure effectiveness of SVA Communication initiatives and communicate ROI to stakeholders • Advise top administration on potential issues and opportunities in public relations, and on the climate between the College and the public • Establish and facilitate partnerships with media outlets, cultural organizations and for-profit corporations for exhibitions and events, including fundraisers • Keep abreast of new communication trends and vehicles, serving as a consultant to the College’s various departments and offices • Hire, train and supervise communication staff • Prepare and monitor departmental budget, expenditures and related activities
• Wrote and/or edited press releases, by-lined articles, promotional materials, speeches, etc. • Forged relationships with reporters; identified and developed targeted press lists; oversaw press contacts database; responded to press inquiries
• Identified newsworthy programs and events through collaboration with programming staff • Developed story ideas and photo opportunities to pitch to print, broadcast and Web outlets • Researched, wrote and edited press releases, media advisories and backgrounders to secure coverage • Partnered with internal and external publicists, agents and artists to develop and implement media plans • Vetted and fulfilled requests from journalists for interviews, photos and broadcast recordings
• Coordinated institutional re-branding, including rollout of new name and logo • Oversaw market research, publicity and merchandising for annual cultural festival with attendance of 200,000 and $2.2 million in sales • Developed collateral material for centennial celebration and $11M endowment campaign • Established and maintained partnerships with local and national media outlets, including radio, television and print (prepared and distributed proposals and reports for sponsors, negotiated contracts for cash and in-kind contributions, oversaw sponsor recognition) • Formed strategic alliances with local community groups and arts organizations • Worked with the Director, Board of Trustees and consultants in devising public relations strategies for the museum’s ongoing program of exhibitions, events and outreach activities