EDUCATION
Bradley University | Bachelor of Science
Communications/Public Relations; Art
GPA: 3.78
WORK EXPERIENCE
Offering extensive experience with integrated marketing communications for a wide range of clients and business environments, I have substantial knowledge of high-profile PR campaigns, brand debuts and re-launches, editorial direction and creative copy, grand openings and special events, celebrity handling, sales and more. See below for an overview and visit my LinkedIn for more information.
2022-24: COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER
Life is Beautiful Music & Art Festival
Lead all communications efforts for the festival, creating compelling narratives for fan-facing content, media outreach, and employee communications - used to inform audiences, elevate the brand, and promote community buy-in.
Managed all pre-festival and onsite press needs, vetting incoming requests while actively pursuing and securing coverage in top-tier outlets by building strong media relationships.
Established various crisis communication plans, while continually serving as a spokesperson during high-pressure situations.
Oversaw social media content, expanding the festival’s online presence.
Analyzed metrics to refine publicity strategies and enhance effectiveness based on stakeholder goals.
2021-2022: COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER
Emmi Roth USA
Partnered with global teams to create and execute internal and external communications initiatives across all Emmi Roth products, driving brand awareness, workforce buy-in, and customer loyalty.
Acted as the lead strategist for internal/external corporate messaging, consumer and trade PR, employee announcements and features, influencer marketing, and more.
Managed the employee website, partnering with teams across the company to draft, adapt, and publish messages based on goals and audiences.
2016-21: ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE
Kirvin Doak Communications
Account Executive (Dec 2019 - PRESENT)
Assistant Account Executive (Dec 2017 – Dec 2019)
Account Coordinator (Jul 2016 – Dec 2017)
• Advises hospitality and entertainment clients on communication needs including strategy and partnership development, special events, internal and external relations, etc.
• Develops mutually beneficial relationships with local, regional, national and international media and influencers.
• Updates and maintains all reports, social media, press clips, PR plans and media lists for a variety of clientele.
2016: COMMUNICATIONS INTERN
Susan G. Komen Foundation
• Created, scheduled and deployed major client announcements supporting the 20k-person annual Race For the Cure.
• Wrote a variety of editorial content for online and print use.
• Collaborated with external organizations to produce branded copy, ads and trade show materials.
2014: SPRING PUBLIC RELATIONS INTERN
Peoria Convention and Visitors Bureau
• Developed a comprehensive social media plan that encouraged a positive public perception of LVCVA members and the city of Peoria while drastically improving follower numbers.
• Facilitated conventions and sporting event sales for the second largest destination marketing organization in Illinois.
2012: PUBLIC RELATIONS FELLOW
PR Plus
• Mediated television and radio interviews.
• Facilitated red carpet events.
• Collaborated with journalists on story development and supporting social media strategies.
HEAR WHAT MY COLLEAGUES HAVE TO SAY...
“Kirsten is the secret sauce to any PR team. From interacting with clients to corralling media, Kirsten has the ability to connect with others on a level I have never seen in the industry. I enjoyed watching her work in that power daily to gain trust, crush media hits and strengthen relationships!”
Alaina Curry | Senior Media Relations Manager, Change.org
SKILLS
MICROSOFT WORD
MICROSOFT EXCEL
ADOBE PHOTOSHOP
NEWS & CREATIVE WRITING
SOCIAL MEDIA MONITORING
DIGITAL ENGAGEMENT
RELATIONSHIP BUILDING
PROBLEM SOLVING
CREATIVITY
CLICK HERE TO CHECK OUT MY FULL RESUME ➭
