Cara Ball
Detroit
Summary
Communications and digital media specialist with a proven track record of identifying and pitching newsworthy stories for media coverage and creating engaging social content while tracking growth through analytics. Expertise includes content creation, management, copywriting, and executing impactful social campaigns. Experienced in leading community engagement initiatives and serving as a liaison between organizations and community members.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
Creative Content Manager
City Of Detroit - Construction & Demolition Dept.
05.2023 - Current
- Managed content distribution across social media channels
- Presented monthly reports on key performance metrics to executive management
- Enhanced social media presence by curating shareable content, resulting in a doubling of Instagram and Facebook followers within one year
- Pitched newsworthy demolitions to local media and leveraged media contacts for on-air segments highlighting major construction and demolition events
- Developed and executed social campaigns aligned with department objectives, including the "I Am Detroit" employee spotlight series and the "By Detroiters, For Detroit" video series showcasing the people behind municipal construction projects
- Edited and proofread media advisories and social content to ensure accuracy and readability
- Served as a liaison between community members and the Detroit Construction & Demolition Department
- Coordinated and hosted community engagement meetings in collaboration with City of Detroit departments, block clubs, and neighborhood stakeholders to inform residents about current and upcoming construction and demolition projects
- Executive produced original content for "Detroit Block by Block," a digital series exploring the history of former commercial buildings scheduled for demolition and new commercial construction projects funded by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA)
Creative Content Manager
City Of Detroit - Construction & Demolition Dept.
05.2023 - Current
- Created and managed content distribution to social media channels
- Presented monthly reports on key performance metrics to executive management
- Improved social media presence by curating shareable content that generated increased followers and engagement
- Developed and executed social campaigns that align with department objectives and mission
- Edited and proofread content for accuracy and readability.
- Acted as liaison between community members and the Detroit Construction & Demolition Department
- Coordinated and hosted community engagement meetings in partnership with City of Detroit departments, block clubs, and neighborhood stakeholders. These meetings inform and update residents on current and future construction and demolition projects.
- Executive produced original content for "Detroit Block by Block," a digital series exploring the history of now-closed commercial buildings slated for demolition and new commercial construction projects funded through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).
Digital & Social Media Specialist
Detroit Police Department
09.2021 - 05.2023
- Daily management of DPD's 33 social accounts
- Supervised social growth initiatives across DPD's main social channels (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram), which saw a 174% increase in post reach between Sept. 2021 and May 2023
- Maintained a robust editorial calendar to track social campaigns, monthly metrics, and community events
- Conducted monthly social media training for Neighborhood Police Officers (NPOs) and other department personnel to maintain DPD social presence
- Pitched to local media NPO-led community initiatives for news coverage
- Collaborated with other city departments on citywide social campaigns
Digital Content Producer
WXYZ, 7 Action News
04.2018 - 09.2021
- Produced original digital content and wrote breaking news stories for wxyz.com
- Pitched daily trending stories during newsroom editorial meetings
- Posted and updated national and local content across all 7 Action News social platforms
Video Reporter, Digital Manager
The Kokomo Tribune
02.2016 - 04.2018
- Managed social content and post scheduling for the Kokomo Tribune
- Successfully produced weekly video content and daily print stories on tight deadlines
- Produced quarterly marketing videos and articles for Heartland Magazine
- Led multimedia and social media trainings for reporters in CNHI newsrooms across the state
Education
Master of Arts - Journalism
COLUMBIA COLLEGE CHICAGO
Chicago, IL12.2015
Bachelor of Arts - Journalism, Documentary Studies Specialization
MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY
East Lansing, MI05.2011
Skills
- Social Content Creation & Management
- Multimedia Reporting
- Professional Photography
- Copy Editing
- AP Style
- Strategic Planning
- Community Outreach Coordination
- Pre-production Research, Fact-checking, Post-production Editing
Timeline
Creative Content Manager
City Of Detroit - Construction & Demolition Dept.
05.2023 - Current
Creative Content Manager
City Of Detroit - Construction & Demolition Dept.
05.2023 - Current
Digital & Social Media Specialist
Detroit Police Department
09.2021 - 05.2023
Digital Content Producer
WXYZ, 7 Action News
04.2018 - 09.2021
Video Reporter, Digital Manager
The Kokomo Tribune
02.2016 - 04.2018
Master of Arts - Journalism
COLUMBIA COLLEGE CHICAGO
Bachelor of Arts - Journalism, Documentary Studies Specialization
MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY
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