April Thompson
Nederland,TX
Summary
Dynamic and data-driven communications professional with over 8 years of experience in writing, content creation, and marketing strategy. Expertise in crafting Associated Press–style stories, developing compelling digital and social media content, and coordinating cross-departmental campaigns to maximize impact. Proven track record of driving measurable growth, with published stories garnering thousands of views monthly and digital initiatives significantly enhancing audience engagement. Committed to the art of publishing and storytelling, dedicated to connecting audiences with innovative ideas that resonate.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
Communications Specialist
Lamar University
Beaumont, TX
07.2023 - Current
- Write and edit feature stories, press releases, and blogs highlighting faculty, students, and campus initiatives, averaging 5,000+ monthly views across digital platforms.
- Research media contacts and collaborate with outlets to secure coverage, resulting in dozens of local and regional placements.
- Manage digital signage, website content, and social media, achieving a 10% increase in online engagement year-over-year.
- Coordinate marketing strategies across multiple departments to promote events and programs, boosting community participation.
- Increased audience engagement across digital platforms, contributing to more than 10,000 content views, 5,127 engaged sessions, a 1.44 views-per-session rate and an average session duration of more than 11 minutes.
Marketing Specialist
Education First Federal Credit Union
Beaumont, TX
05.2021 - 12.2021
- Created and scheduled digital marketing materials across CMS, social media, and email platforms, contributing to a 20% increase in campaign engagement.
- Researched trends and member behavior to inform campaigns, improving content relevance and visibility.
- Implemented a content calendar that streamlined workflows, ensuring 100% on-time campaign delivery.
Graduate Instructional Assistant
Texas State University
San Marcos, TX
08.2020 - 12.2021
- Assisted faculty with editing instructional materials and developing content used by 100+ undergraduate students.
- Researched and prepared supplemental resources that enhanced classroom learning.
- Engaged with students through mentoring and interactive methods to improve participation.
Public Relations Intern
Lamar University
Beaumont, TX
09.2017 - 08.2019
- Wrote press releases and stories that received thousands of views each month, boosting visibility for campus programs.
- Collaborated with departments to ensure events and people were highlighted, increasing event attendance.
- Researched and developed targeted communication strategies that improved media reach.
- Wrote 10 stories/news releases per month
Communications Intern
Houston Dynamo FC
Houston, TX
08.2018 - 12.2018
- Drafted press releases, game notes, and media materials, supporting coverage that reached tens of thousands of readers across sports outlets.
- Assisted in creating social media content that contributed to a steady rise in fan interaction.
- Supported press events and media outreach, strengthening journalist relationships.
- Managed press box operations for Houston Dynamo FC home matches, coordinating credentials, media logistics and game-day communication for 20+ journalists and media personnel per event.
Education
Master of Science - Strategic Communication
Lamar University
Beaumont, TX08-2028
M.A. - Criminal Justice
Lamar University
Beaumont, TX01-2022
B.S. - Corporate Communication
Lamar University
Beaumont, TX01-2019
Skills
- Writing & Editing (AP Style, Blogs, Press Releases)
- Marketing
- Press release writing
- Content Creation & CMS Management
- Social Media Strategy & Scheduling
- Media Research & Outreach
- Content Marketing & Brand Storytelling
- Data-Driven Engagement Growth
- Collaboration & Cross-Functional Coordination
- Photography
- Digital communications
- Internal communications
Accomplishments
- Press Club of Southeast Texas - 2nd Place - Best Feature Portfolio (2025)
- Press Club of Southeast Texas - 2nd Place - Best Feature Story (2024)
- Press Club of Southeast Texas - 1st Place - Best Sports Opinion (2020)
Timeline
Communications Specialist
Lamar University
07.2023 - Current
Marketing Specialist
Education First Federal Credit Union
05.2021 - 12.2021
Graduate Instructional Assistant
Texas State University
08.2020 - 12.2021
Communications Intern
Houston Dynamo FC
08.2018 - 12.2018
Public Relations Intern
Lamar University
09.2017 - 08.2019
Master of Science - Strategic Communication
Lamar University
M.A. - Criminal Justice
Lamar University
B.S. - Corporate Communication
Lamar University