BRANDON WATTS
Washington,DC
Summary
Highly skilled and results-driven professional with extensive experience in communications and government relations roles. Proven expertise in strategically managing public affairs initiatives and cultivating influential relationships with key stakeholders. Adept at crafting and delivering compelling messages to diverse audiences while maintaining a keen understanding of the political and regulatory landscape. Seeking to leverage my vast knowledge and proficiency to contribute to the success of a dynamic organization.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
Work History
Policy & Communications Associate,
REFORM Alliance
New York, NY
01.2022 - Current
- Contribute to creating compelling advocacy materials, including fact sheets, policy briefs, and talking points, to support effective communication with lawmakers, stakeholders, and the public
- Monitore local, state, and federal legislative activities, tracking bills, proposals, and policy changes related to criminal justice reform
- Play an integral role in the development and publication of a comprehensive policy brief on sentencing reform, which garnered significant attention and praise from policymakers, media outlets, and advocacy groups.
Legal Intern,
S&P Global
Washington
05.2021 - 12.2021
- Worked with Public Affairs Team to gain firsthand experience in developing and implementing comprehensive communication strategies that involved public information, internal information, media relations, and community relations
- Engaged with internal teams and external partners to gather information, analyze data, and distill key messages for public dissemination
- Contributed to the development of messaging frameworks and materials that effectively conveyed complex legal concepts to different target audiences, including the general public, internal stakeholders, and media outlets.
- Drafted and edited client correspondence, demand letters and legal memoranda.
Emerging Leader Fellow,
Congressional Black Caucus Foundation
Washington, D.C.
05.2019 - 05.2020
- Participated in weekly meetings with congressional staff to discuss strategies for implementing policies that will advance low-income African-American communities
- Reviewed proposed legislation, conducted in-depth research, and synthesize information into concise and compelling briefings
- Presented a presentation on my research that discussed policy regarding criminal justice reform and potential areas of improvement
- Assisted legislative assistants and senior staff by creating various excel documents, transcribing interviews, and writing research memorandums
- Assisted in drafting press releases, preparing talking points, and coordinating media interviews
Public Affairs Intern,
Howard University Department of Public Safety
Washington, DC
08.2018 - 12.2018
- Spearheaded public relations and communications efforts for the university police department, effectively promoting its mission, values, and community engagement initiatives.
- Assisted in routine research, investigations and special projects to support work of assigned department.
- Created engaging content for various communication channels, including social media, newsletters, press releases, and the department's website, effectively reaching diverse audiences.
- Collaborated with campus stakeholders and student organizations to organize community outreach events, workshops, and safety programs, resulting in increased campus safety awareness.
Undergraduate Fellow,
Office of U.S. Senator Kamala Harris
Washington, DC
01.2017 - 12.2017
- Drafted press releases, op-eds, and media advisories, effectively communicating the Senator's actions, policy positions, and public statements to the press and constituents.
- Conducted media monitoring and analysis, tracking media coverage and sentiment to gauge public perception and adjust communication strategies accordingly.
- Conducted extensive research on legislative issues and policy matters, providing valuable insights and recommendations to the Senator and legislative team.
- Coordinated and attended meetings with constituents, interest groups, and lobbyists to gather feedback and advocate for the Senator's positions.
Education
Juris Doctorate -
Howard University School of Law
05.2025
Masters - Public Relations and Corporate Communications
Georgetown University, School of Continuing Studies
05.2024
Bachelor of Arts - Legal Communications
Howard University, School of Communications
05.2019
Skills
- Advertising and Marketing
- Strategy Implementation
- Public Relations
- Social Media Management
- Campaign Development
- Media Relations
- Community Relations
- Social Media Oversight
- Project Management
- Corporate Communications
- Event Coordination
- Press Release Writing
- Adobe Systems Creative Cloud
- Policy Modifications and Updates
- New Legislation Tracking
- Legislative Research
Volunteer
- Director of Communications, National Black Law Students Association (May 2023 - Present)
- Director of Community Service, Mid-Atlantic Black Law Students Association (May 2021 - May 2022)
- Vice Chair, Graduate Student Assembly (September 2020 - May 2021)
- Board Member, Undergraduate Division, Thurgood Marshall Organizing Collaborative (January 2019 - January 2020)
- President, School of Communications (August 2017 - May 2018)
- Chair, Criminal Justice Committee for the Howard University Chapter, NAACP (August 2016 - May 2017)
- Editor, Hilltop Newspaper (August 2016 - May 2019)
Timeline
Policy & Communications Associate,
REFORM Alliance
01.2022 - Current
Legal Intern,
S&P Global
05.2021 - 12.2021
Emerging Leader Fellow,
Congressional Black Caucus Foundation
05.2019 - 05.2020
Public Affairs Intern,
Howard University Department of Public Safety
08.2018 - 12.2018
Undergraduate Fellow,
Office of U.S. Senator Kamala Harris
01.2017 - 12.2017
Juris Doctorate -
Howard University School of Law
Masters - Public Relations and Corporate Communications
Georgetown University, School of Continuing Studies
Bachelor of Arts - Legal Communications
Howard University, School of Communications
Similar Profiles
QUENTEN CONLEYQUENTEN CONLEY
IT Specialist Intern at Maryland Alliance for Justice ReformIT Specialist Intern at Maryland Alliance for Justice Reform
Lou BurkeLou Burke
EXECUTIVE SUPPORT OFFICER at Reform Office, Strategy, Policy and Reform Division, Department of HealthEXECUTIVE SUPPORT OFFICER at Reform Office, Strategy, Policy and Reform Division, Department of Health
Keletso MmokwaKeletso Mmokwa
Assistant Agricultural Practitioner at Department of Agriculture Land Reform and Rural DevelopmentAssistant Agricultural Practitioner at Department of Agriculture Land Reform and Rural Development
Sabrina JacobsSabrina Jacobs
General Utility Worker at Aramark Food and BeverageGeneral Utility Worker at Aramark Food and Beverage
Blair LalorBlair Lalor
Administrative Assistant at Palm Beach Soccer AcademyAdministrative Assistant at Palm Beach Soccer Academy