The University of Kansas William Allen White
School of Journalism and Mass Communications
Communications Coordinator: October 2002 – Present
- Responsible for internal and external strategic communications for the School of Journalism
- Develop and implement all print publications, including: quarterly J-Links alumni newsletter; undergraduate and graduate program promotional brochures; admission, graduation and diversity requirement brochures; and other specialty publications on an as-needed basis
- Responsible for media relations, news release production and school promotions, including placing national advertisements
- Maintain School’s Web site, www.journalism.ku.edu, which entails handling all design, management and content generation
- Plan or assist in planning School of Journalism events, including new-student orientation sessions, advising sessions, graduation and award ceremonies, alumni reunion events, KU in the Capitol Day, Editors Day and William Allen White Day
- Supervise and mentor student communication assistants in writing, design, event planning and general public relations work
- Work closely with School recruiter to develop communications materials and strategies to attract high-ability students and individuals from under-represented groups, including multicultural students
- Work with faculty members to develop strategies for showcasing the School’s efforts to increase diversity and scholarly research
- Work collaboratively with other KU Schools, the University Relations Department, the KU Endowment Association and the KU Alumni Association to implement university-wide public relations initiatives
The City of Blue Springs, Missouri
Public Information Officer: March 1999 – October 2002
- Administered all strategic communications, including public relations, employee relations, media relations, crisis communications, and spokesperson activities for the city
- Produced quarterly resident newsletter, The Blue Springs Magazine, a new resident information guide, The Blue Springs New Resident Guide, including all page design, writing and photography
- Created monthly employee newsletter, City INK, including all page design, writing and photography
- Managed and operated the city's government access cable television channel
- Coordinated and produced the city's quarterly video program for air on cable television channel
- Served as Webmaster for city's Web site, www.bluespringsgov.com, responsible for design, maintenance and content management
- Spearheaded city's interactive online e-government initiative
- Handled correspondence for the Mayor, City Council and City Administrator, including media, editorials and responses to citizen complaints and requests
- Monitored state and national legislation and lobby accordingly
- Coordinated special events and projects, including the Youth in Government Day program, United Way campaign, annual food drive, employee social events, citizen survey, communications efforts for tax initiatives, and other specialized city events
- Represented the city through collaborative efforts with various community groups, including the Blue Springs School District, Blue Springs Chamber of Commerce, Public Art Commission and Blue Springs Art Committee to create cooperative, community programs
- Developed, administered and monitored budget for City Council and Administration Department
- Developed personnel performance measures and assist in production of annual budget document
Harmon Smith Inc. Advertising, Kansas City, Missouri
Public Relations Account Executive: December 1998 – March 1999
Public Relations Assistant Account Executive: June 1998 – December 1998 Public Relations Administrator: June 1997 – June 1998
Public Relations Intern: June 1996 – June 1997
- Gained extensive experience by planning and executing public relations activities for major national and local clients, including Hill's Pet Nutrition, Ralston Purina, Fort Dodge Animal Health and Krispy Kreme Doughnuts
- Wrote copy for newsletters, press releases, Web sites, video news releases and video/audio scripts
- Planned special events, including press conferences, trade show events and specialty contests
- Served as key media relations and client contact
- Conducted media training and crisis communications sessions with clients
- Determined media strategies and secured quality media placements driven by client objectives
- Prepared proposals and budgets for current and prospective clients
- Responsible for database management and media list building for clients
- Developed and managed internship program
Education
University of Kansas, William Allen White School of Journalism and Mass Communications: B.S. in Journalism, Business Communications Sequence, May 1997
Skills
I have a proven track record of producing results through increased target audience outreach. I am highly experienced in media relations and the strategic and tactical development of new publication models and online communication. I excel in interpersonal communication, including personnel management. I am highly proficient in software applications including the Adobe Creative Suite, Microsoft Office, Dreamweaver and Frontpage Web design systems, and various video-editing systems.
