CIARA PHILLIPS
West Hartford
Summary
Dynamic communication professional with a proven track record at the University of Hartford, excelling in social media strategy and digital production management. Adept at translating faculty research into engaging content, fostering student success through effective mentoring and creative storytelling. Passionate about enhancing institutional brand identity and driving impactful educational experiences. Experienced in fast-paced environments and adaptable to last-minute changes. Thrives under pressure and consistently earns high marks for work quality and speed.
Overview
3
3
years of professional experience
Work History
Podcast Studio Manager & Digital Production Lead
University of Hartford
West Hartford
08.2025 - Current
- Direct full operations of the university's podcast studio, managing scheduling, publishing workflows, technical infrastructure, and quality control.
- Advise faculty and departments on branded content strategy and distribution planning.
- Maintain communications technology systems and serve as liaison with IT services for troubleshooting and upgrades.
Adjunct Professor in Communication
University of Hartford
West Hartford
08.2025 - Current
- Lead and manage three sections focused on digital ecosystems, social media strategy, media literacy, and platform analytics.
- Assisted students during office hours to review material, explain exam questions and answer concerns.
- Utilized diverse teaching methods, lectures, presentations, and class activities to deliver curriculum.
- Fostered a positive and inclusive classroom environment, promoting respect, collaboration, and engagement among students.
Videographer
Royal Mane Hair Studio
Bloomfield
01.2024 - Current
- Edited raw footage to create engaging videos that reflect brand identity.
- Collaborated with stylists to showcase hair services and products effectively.
- Managed video equipment setup, ensuring optimal lighting and sound quality.
- Edit raw footage into a final product using non-linear editing systems such as Final Cut Pro or Adobe Premiere.
Freelance Documentary Editor & Institutional Storyteller
University of Hartford
West Hartford
06.2025 - 10.2025
- Co-edited I AM HARTFORD with the University of Hartford Hartt School, shaping narrative architecture and audience engagement strategy.
- Created rough cuts of scenes for review by the director or producer.
- Edited documentary footage according to director's specifications and standards.
- Edited video content using Adobe Premiere Pro to match creative briefs.
Graduate Teaching Assistant - Field Production & Digital Media
University of Hartford
West Hartford
01.2023 - 01.2025
- Oversaw documentary production projects from field capture to post-production.
- Managed grading systems and project evaluation processes.
- Assisted faculty in preparing course materials and resources for various subjects.
- Graded assignments and provided constructive feedback to students on their work.
- Coordinated office hours to offer additional academic support to students.
Education
M.A. - Communication
University of Hartford
B.A. - Digital Media & Journalism
University of Hartford
Skills
- Social Media Strategy & KPIs
- Higher Education Communications
- Video editing software
- Podcast production
- Educational mentoring
- Project coordination
- Effective communication
- Creative storytelling
- Leadership development
- Classroom facilitation
- Collaborative teamwork
- Public speaking
- PowerPoint
- Faculty communication
Accomplishments
100 Women of Color Honoree - The Bushnell in Hartford, CT 2025
Timeline
Podcast Studio Manager & Digital Production Lead
University of Hartford
08.2025 - Current
Adjunct Professor in Communication
University of Hartford
08.2025 - Current
Freelance Documentary Editor & Institutional Storyteller
University of Hartford
06.2025 - 10.2025
Videographer
Royal Mane Hair Studio
01.2024 - Current
Graduate Teaching Assistant - Field Production & Digital Media
University of Hartford
01.2023 - 01.2025
M.A. - Communication
University of Hartford
B.A. - Digital Media & Journalism
University of Hartford