Aria Koutra
Alexandria,VA
Summary
Accomplished Communications Officer with 8+ years of international experience in devising successful content strategies and fostering media relations. Highly adept in authoring press releases, articles, and social media content. Demonstrated ability in successfully managing complex projects and working effectively under tight deadlines.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
Work History
Information and Communication Officer
DG Climate Action, European Commission
11.2021 - 11.2023
- Developed and implemented the Directorate's social media strategy, leading to 178% increase in engagement rates
- Team lead supervising the graphic designer and social media managers
- Executed campaigns and outreach strategies across different platforms to promote EU climate policies
- Worked with the Directorate's policy units to develop stories on EU-funded climate projects and disseminate them at EU and national level
- Served as liaison and coordinated communication activities with the Cabinet of the Commission’s Executive Vice-President for the EU Green Deal, Spokesperson Service, and external stakeholders
- Led communication activities for key climate events, including the UNFCCC's COP summits and UNGA
- Supervised contractors to execute communication projects on time, within budget, and with high-quality outcomes
- Provided social media training to senior management to enable them to act as brand ambassadors
Information and Communication Specialist
Directorate-General CLIMA; European Commission
11.2018 - 11.2021
- Managed social media channels and identified engagement opportunities to meet target goals with a 99.7% success rate
- Crafted content for various channels, resulting in significant growth in audience reach and engagement rates
- Evaluated the success of communication campaigns using analytics tools, refining future strategies based on insights gained
- Created quarterly and annual reports on the Directorate's social media accounts to present to senior management
- Oversaw budgets and workflows for communication campaigns and projects, including contract management, organization of meetings, monitoring of project implementation, and evaluation of deliverables
- Developed comprehensive media kits to be distributed to the Commission's relevant departments and local offices in Member States
- Assisted in building a comprehensive digital asset library for efficient management of visual materials
- Provided social media training to the Unit's interns
Information and Communication Assistant
Directorate-General CLIMA; European Commission
10.2017 - 11.2018
- Coordinated and executed the organizational change and development programs of the Directorate in collaboration with the Directorate’s HR cell
- Spearheaded internal communication activities increasing staff engagement by 79%
- Drafted the Director’s weekly message to staff and coordinated the weekly internal newsletter
- Wrote articles on new legislative proposals featured on the Commission's main intranet
- Organized webinars and stakeholder events
Journalist and Project Manager
EurActiv.gr
07.2016 - 09.2017
- Wrote articles on EU affairs, focusing on cohesion policy, agriculture, climate, and energy
- Developed strong professional network with key stakeholders, leading to exclusive interviews and stories
- Planned and executed high-level events during the 2017 European Week of Regions and Cities
- Developed and coordinated major communication projects with EurActiv’s pan-European network to raise awareness on EU social, agricultural and environmental policies
- Mentored junior reporters, providing guidance on effective interviewing techniques and story development strategies
Communication Assistant
Representation Office - North Aegean Region Greece
01.2016 - 07.2016
- Forged strong media relationships and coordinated media outreach initiatives to ensure coverage of the Region’s activities in Belgium and Greece
- Drafted press releases, reports, speeches, and blogs
- Coordinated media interviews and responded to media requests for information
- Enhanced team collaboration by organizing meetings, taking detailed minutes, and distributing relevant materials to staff
- Provided administrative support to the Head of the Office
Education
Master of Science - Communication Studies
Vrije Universiteit Brussel
Brussels, Belgium01.2017
Bachelor of Arts - English Language And Literature
Aristotle University of Thessaloniki
Thessaloniki, Greece05.2014
Skills
- Strategic Communication
- Project Management
- Campaign Management
- Media Relations
- Social Media Management
- Storytelling
- Content Development
- Social Media Analytics
- Adobe Suite Software
- Canva
Languages
Greek
English
Spanish
German
Italian
Timeline
Information and Communication Officer
DG Climate Action, European Commission
11.2021 - 11.2023
Information and Communication Specialist
Directorate-General CLIMA; European Commission
11.2018 - 11.2021
Information and Communication Assistant
Directorate-General CLIMA; European Commission
10.2017 - 11.2018
Journalist and Project Manager
EurActiv.gr
07.2016 - 09.2017
Communication Assistant
Representation Office - North Aegean Region Greece
01.2016 - 07.2016
Master of Science - Communication Studies
Vrije Universiteit Brussel
Bachelor of Arts - English Language And Literature
Aristotle University of Thessaloniki
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