         PUBLIC RELATIONS SPECIALIST           Summary     Dedicated Communication Specialist with extensive experience in media relations and special event planning. Areas of expertise include writing for many audiences, public policy analysis and managing multiple priorities.        Highlights         Superb writer and editor  Trained in media relations and crisis communication  Print and electronic media  Deadline-driven  Exceptional problem solver  Compelling public speaker  Exceptional writing skills  Event planning  SEO knowledge  Microsoft Office Suite  WordPress  Adobe Photoshop  Quark XPress   InDesign  Final Cut Pro       Skilled multi-tasker  Focused and driven  Dedicated team player  Positive attitudeExcellent communicator   Firm grasp of Associated Press Stylebook  Social media communication (ie: Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Ello, Women.com, Instagram, tsu, MySpace, Google+)            Accomplishments     Communicated with the public, elected officials, media and employees.  Ran communications and public relations efforts on hundreds of projects with minimal budgets.  Developed and implemented an innovative internal communications strategy to improve employee engagement through strategic messaging.       Experience      Public Relations Specialist    March 2012   to   January 2014     Company Name   －   City  ,   State      Created position - took over duties from PR agency  Promoted the plan to media, Health Plan members and the public  Updated and monitored social media communication and website  Wrote and implemented yearly Public Relations and Social Media plans  Arranged sponsorships of area events, promotion and event planning  Coordinated and implemented community relations programs and charitable events   Tracked negative communication about the organization on websites and blogs and developed strategies for addressing it.   Devised optimal communications strategies to reach target audiences.  Planned and publicized events, including negotiating vendor contracts.  Developed and implemented communication strategies and information programs.         Communication Officer    January 2005   to   August 2010     Company Name   －   City  ,   State      Hired into newly-created position to develop PR function  Communicated with the public, elected officials, media and employees  Wrote and distributed all press releases, speeches, newsletters and collateral material  Planned and executed press conferences  Trained executive staff on media relations. Prepared and briefed officials and staff prior to media interviews.  Created and maintained Facebook and Twitter presence  Analyzed public policy issues  Wrote letters on commissioners' behalf to governor, federal, and state agencies  Developed multi-media events, later uploaded video to website  Assisted with planning and executing community meetings  Created and implemented yearly Communication Plan  Managed crisis communications, securing [Number] media articles and editorials in support of the company.  Edited and revised all marketing content to guarantee the highest quality of writing.  Established effective working relationships with clients, government officials and media representatives.  Wrote and edited company whitepapers, emails, newsletters and web content.  Developed a brand identity, including a distinctive graphic style and tone, for all company communications.  Wrote [Number] press releases and media advisories per week.  Tracked negative communication about the organization on websites and blogs and developed strategies for addressing it.  Devised optimal communications strategies to reach target audiences.  Planned and publicized events, including negotiating vendor contracts and designing promotional materials.          Marketing/Comm    December 1998   to   October 2004     Company Name   －   City  ,   State      Took over newly-created position from Public Relations agency  Wrote and distributed all press releases, and responded to calls from media, including CNN and Associated Press  Managed all marketing and communication for the hospital and its clinics, including design and placement of advertising, plus media and public communication  Trained administrative and line staff in media relations, prepped and briefed staff members prior to media interviews  Designed and wrote newsletters, brochures, direct mail pieces and other collateral materials  Wrote and developed internal communication to staff, including unionized staff  Coordinated the hospital's website  Provided strategic and marketing advice to Senior Leadership team, board and physicians  Created and executed yearly Marketing Plan, Communication Plan and departmental budget  Planned and executed hospital open houses and educational events  Managed Marketing/Communication staff and volunteers as needed   Managed crisis communications, securing [Number] media articles and editorials in support of the company.  Edited and revised all marketing content to guarantee the highest quality of writing.  Managed company's formal employee communications system to distribute company news and critical information.  Wrote newsletter marketing copy and presentation materials for special projects.  Established effective working relationships with clients, government officials and media representatives.  Wrote and edited company whitepapers, emails, newsletters and web content.  Developed a brand identity, including a distinctive graphic style and tone, for all company communications.  Wrote 3-10 press releases and media advisories per week.  Devised optimal communications strategies to reach target audiences.  Evaluated advertising and promotion programs for compatibility with public relations efforts.  Edited and distributed press releases and pitches to local and national media outlets, securing positive coverage in multiple publications.  Wrote and designed effective sales communications collateral.  Planned and publicized events, including negotiating vendor contracts and designing promotional materials.  Wrote, designed and edited newsletters, flyers, web content and CEO presentations.  Managed internal communications, including production and management of print and electronic newsletters.            Reporter/Editor    December 1992   to   May 1998     Company Name   －   City  ,   State      Researched and wrote news stories and editorials  Copy edited other reporters' stories for grammar, spelling and accuracy  Worked with Associated Press to provide them with photos and/or news stories  Designed and laid out daily pages, including the editorial page  Photographed various events, from news to sports and edited photos  Responsible for managing the newsroom and other reporters in the editor's absence  Wrote factually correct, concise and engaging news stories within tight deadlines.  Gathered and verified factual information regarding stories through interviews, observation and research.  Introduced fresh and new angles on previously-reported material to update and inform readers.  Networked with various industry leaders and experts to gather multiple perspectives on issues.  Captured visual content and edited general assignment stories for print  Covered breaking news such as murder trials and fatal auto crashes.  Simplified topics such as healthcare, energy, government and technology through clear, concise and compelling writing.  Wrote 3-7 news stories per day for print.  Reported and penned front-page breaking news stories and provided real time updates online.          Education      Master of Communication and Leadership   :   Communication and Leadership Studies  ,   2015    Gonzaga University   －   City  ,   State  ,   USA     Expected completion: fall, 2015  Will complete Certificate in International Media summer, 2015  Built cross-cultural competence through study abroad opportunities  Problem-solving skills, analytical ability and adaptability          Bachelor of Science   :   Communication  ,   1992    Oregon State University   －   City  ,   State  ,   USA     Bachelor of Science Degree; Communication         Presentations     Planned and executed multiple press conferences.  Planned, wrote and created first-ever State of the County Address, a multi-media presentation for an audience of 300, as well as three subsequent addresses.   Created yearly Power Point presentation which the CEO presented at Chamber of Commerce meetings.  Wrote speeches for CEOs and commissioners to present at ribbon cuttings and other community events.       Skills     Public Relations, Media Relations, PR, Advertising,  Marketing, Budget, Direct Mail, Marketing Plan, Public Policy,  Community Relations, Event Planning, Adobe Photoshop, Content Management Systems, InDesign,  Microsoft Office, Ms Office, Operations, Photoshop, Quark XPress, Training, Video Production    