Amanda Kim Stairrett
Peyton,CO
Summary
Multimedia communications specialist excelling in storytelling and content creation. Leveraging almost 20 years’ experience in community journalism, media and public affairs to tell service members‘ stories, bridging the gap between the military and public. Proven ability to engage diverse audience, enhancing understanding of organizational missions.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
Marketing and Communications Specialist
Army Emergency Relief
Arlington, Virginia
01.2022 - Current
- Develop engaging social media content for Facebook, Instagram, X, Threads, YouTube, LinkedIn and Reddit
- Identify, execute and maintain successful collaborations with Army content creators
- Engage with the online community, responding to comments and messages in a timely manner to foster a positive image and assist Soldiers
- Design social media graphics and short videos using Photoshop, InDesign and Canva; utilize WordPress to maintain content on AER website
- Assist in executing CEO's appearances, including speaking engagements, official visits, etc.
- Write and edit content for press releases, newsletters, radio spots, videos, etc. to effectively communicate AER's mission and maintain consistent messaging
- Represent AER at AUSA Annual Meeting, Army Ten-Miler, Military Influencer Conference, installation visits and other high-profile events with Army officials, donors and potential donors
- Provide writing support for grant applications and reports for funding sources
Public Affairs Specialist
U.S. Space Command
Peterson Space Force Base, CO
11.2019 - 01.2022
- Managed daily operations of social media accounts, including content calendars to ensure posts were timely and aligned with Department of Defense's key themes and messages
- As a member of the public affairs current operations team, analyzed social media trends to inform strategic planning
- Collaborated with staff graphic designers and photographers to produce innovative visual content communicating the USSPACECOM mission
- Tracked social media metrics to determine audience growth rate, volume and reach
- Collaborated with public affairs teams at other commands, agencies and ally and partner nations to enhance strategic messaging on social media
- Assisted with facilitation of media for installation access, press conferences and interviews
- Monitored media activity to track coverage of relevant issues and evaluate public perception of USSPACECOM
Public Affairs Specialist
1st Infantry Division
Fort Riley, Kansas
11.2018 - 03.2019
- Interviewed Soldiers, Army families, veterans and community members to produce content showcasing 1st Infantry operations and history
- Edited print submissions from and public affairs Soldiers for grammar, clarity and accuracy, ensuring adherence to Associated Press style
- Oversaw social media accounts to advance 1st Infantry mission and history while engaging directly with Soldiers, hometown families, and veterans
- Managed three-person creative team, evaluating members' performance and producing accountability reports
Marketing and Communications Assistant
YMCA of Pierce and Kitsap Counties
Tacoma, Washington
07.2018 - 10.2018
- Supported branch marketing, communications and membership teams
- Created promotional materials consistent with YMCA brand standards
- Assisted in the coordination and dissemination of marketing materials promoting childcare programs across 12 locations in Pierce and Kitsap counties
Center Operations Specialist
United Service Organizations Inc.
Grafenwoehr, Germany
01.2017 - 04.2018
- Seamlessly transitioned from volunteer to center operations specialist
- Executed day-to-day center operational procedures, ensuring visitors had a safe, welcoming and clean environment
- Provided excellent service and attention to visitors, which included American and Coalition Forces, military dependents, retired service members and Gold Star Families
- Assisted in the planning, execution and evaluation of programs and inventory management.
- Assisted with operations and programs communications and awareness, ensuring content conformed to USO guidelines
- Coordinated with regional director, center managers and center operations specialists to ensure resources, including volunteers, materials and supplies were available for programs, events and activities
- Recruited, trained and managed volunteers, communicating info including shift openings, policy changes, development opportunities, etc.
Senior Content Editor
1st Infantry Division
Fort Riley North, Kansas
07.2013 - 08.2016
- Edited articles and press releases to ensure clarity, coherence and adherence to Associated Press style
- Developed editorial guidelines and local style guide to ensure consistent 1st Infantry voice
- Edited submissions from public affairs Soldiers for grammar, clarity and accuracy, delivering guidance and feedback on interviewing techniques, writing and photography
- Developed training plans for two public affairs interns, providing guidance and feedback on tasks
- Managed four-member team, conducting evaluations and producing accountability reports
Public Affairs Specialist
1st Infantry Division
Fort Riley North, Kansas
11.2011 - 07.2013
- Interviewed Soldiers, Army families and veterans to write compelling content highlighting the 1st Infantry mission and rich history
- Captured dynamic images during official events and training
- Created engaging social media content to promote 1st Infantry mission and elevate visibility, connecting with Soldiers, hometown families and veterans
- Edited article submissions from public affairs Soldiers for grammar and clarity
- Facilitated media transport to and from on-post events and interviews
Reporter, field producer
KCEN-HD News
Killeen, Texas
08.2011 - 11.2011
- Operated as on-camera correspondent offering viewers in-depth military perspectives from service members and Fort Hood, Texas
- Conducted thorough research on topics and facilitated interviews for lead anchor, contributing to station's distinctive insider coverage
- Leveraged social media platforms to promote stories and engage audiences
- Wrote scripts for news segments and features
Military Editor
Killeen Daily Herald
Killeen, Texas
03.2009 - 08.2011
- Promoted to editor while maintaining responsibilities as military writer
- Oversaw editorial calendar for weekly military edition to ensure timely publication of content
- Guided journalists in adhering to best practices and editorial standards for military reporting
- Embedded alongside Soldiers at the National Training Center, the Joint Readiness Training Center and in Iraq
- Managed team of reporters in delivering extensive local coverage of Nov. 5, 2009, Fort Hood shooting, earning statewide investigative and breaking news awards
- Featured on national television and radio news broadcasts addressing effect of the incident on local community
Military Reporter
Killeen Daily Herald
Killeen, Texas
09.2006 - 03.2009
- Wrote breaking news and feature articles focused on servicemembers, Fort Hood, and Army operations
- Reported on press conferences and media events, creating articles under tight deadlines
- Capitalized social media platforms to connect with civilian and military communities, sharing breaking news and field updates
Public Affairs Specialist
Fort Riley Post
Fort Riley, KS, KS
12.2005 - 06.2006
- Captured high-quality images of military events and training
- Wrote impactful stories showcasing experiences of Fort Riley Soldiers and Airmen
- Transported media representatives between on-post events and interviews.
Reporter
The Daily Union
Junction City, Kansas
05.2005 - 10.2005
- Provided coverage of military, city government and nightlife beats
- Wrote breaking news content and feature articles
Education
Bachelor of Arts - News & Information Journalism
University of Kansas
Lawrence, KS05-2005
Skills
- Writing and editing
- Interviewing
- Collaborative teamwork
- Social media content creation and management
- Associated Press style
- Adobe Photoshop, InDesign, Lightroom, WordPress, Canva
- DSLR camera equipment
- Active Top Secret clearance
Accomplishments
- Certificates for Outstanding Achievement in recognition of ‘consistent superior performance and dedication,” GAP Solutions, Inc., 2014-2016
- First place story/photo combination; second place sports photo; third place news photo, Kansas Press Association, 2013
- Commander's Award for Public Service, Department of the Army, 2011
- Runner-up Star Reporter of the Year in Class AA, Texas Associated Press Managing editors, 2010
- Star Reporter of the Year in Class AA, Texas Associated Press Managing editors, 2008
- First place feature writing, Kansas Professional Communicators, 2006
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Marketing and Communications Specialist
Army Emergency Relief
01.2022 - Current
Public Affairs Specialist
U.S. Space Command
11.2019 - 01.2022
Public Affairs Specialist
1st Infantry Division
11.2018 - 03.2019
Marketing and Communications Assistant
YMCA of Pierce and Kitsap Counties
07.2018 - 10.2018
Center Operations Specialist
United Service Organizations Inc.
01.2017 - 04.2018
Senior Content Editor
1st Infantry Division
07.2013 - 08.2016
Public Affairs Specialist
1st Infantry Division
11.2011 - 07.2013
Reporter, field producer
KCEN-HD News
08.2011 - 11.2011
Military Editor
Killeen Daily Herald
03.2009 - 08.2011
Military Reporter
Killeen Daily Herald
09.2006 - 03.2009
Public Affairs Specialist
Fort Riley Post
12.2005 - 06.2006
Reporter
The Daily Union
05.2005 - 10.2005
Bachelor of Arts - News & Information Journalism
University of Kansas