Colin Hayes
Dallas,TX
Summary
Knowledgeable higher education professional with solid background in strategic communications and media relations. Successfully managed high-profile projects, enhancing brand visibility and stakeholder engagement. Demonstrated expertise in crafting compelling narratives and building strong media connections.
Overview
3
3
years of professional experience
Work History
Assistant Director of Communications
Southern Methodist University
Dallas, TX
08.2024 - Current
- Lead strategic communications and content development for high-profile university initiatives including the Tate Lecture Series, Doak Walker Award and Academic Ceremonies, driving audience engagement and institutional visibility through integrated marketing and storytelling strategies.
- Manage multi-channel marketing and communications campaigns across email, social media, print collateral, web content and event materials to support outreach, engagement and program visibility.
- Managed multi-channel marketing and communications campaigns across email, social media, print collateral, web content, and event materials, enhancing outreach, engagement, and program visibility.
- Independently research and develop executive-level speeches, scripts, talking points and written communications for senior university leadership, ensuring alignment with institutional priorities, brand voice and audience expectations.
- Supported brand stewardship and stakeholder engagement through strategic communications for donors, sponsors, and VIPs, including briefing materials, executive updates, and event messaging that aligned with institutional goals.
- Coordinate complex event communications and production logistics for university-wide programming, demonstrating strong project management, adaptability and stakeholder coordination skills in fast-paced environments.
- Produce and execute communications strategies for high-stakes live events and leadership engagements, supporting seamless audience experience and operational execution.
- Partner with internal marketing and communications teams to manage campaign timelines, creative workflows, approvals and production processes while maintaining consistency across institutional branding standards.
- Translated complex institutional priorities into clear, audience-centered communications for internal stakeholders, donors, alumni, students, and community partners, ensuring clarity and relevance.
Communications Specialist I
The University of Alabama
Tuscaloosa, AL
05.2023 - 08.2024
- Led social media strategy and content development across multiple platforms, producing innovative, audience-centered campaigns that promoted programs, services, and student engagement initiatives while ensuring accessibility and brand compliance.
- Created and distributed multi-channel communications content, including newsletters, media releases, digital campaigns, promotional materials, and web content to support departmental communication goals.
- Developed social media strategy and content across multiple platforms, delivering audience-centered campaigns that promoted programs, services, and student engagement initiatives while maintaining accessibility and brand compliance.
- Managed departmental website content and updates, ensuring university branding and accessibility standards compliance while utilizing analytics and user engagement data to enhance content effectiveness.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Communication and Information Sciences, Communication Studies, International Business
The University of Alabama
Tuscaloosa, AL05-2023
M.Ed - Higher Education Administration
Southern Methodist University
Dallas, TX05-2027
Skills
- Donor engagement
- Strategy development
- Event management
- Writing
- Media relations
- Campaign strategy
- Analyzing Data
- Critical thinking
- Problem solving
- Team collaboration
- Communication skills
- Supporting fundraising
Timeline
Assistant Director of Communications
Southern Methodist University
08.2024 - Current
Communications Specialist I
The University of Alabama
05.2023 - 08.2024
Bachelor of Arts - Communication and Information Sciences, Communication Studies, International Business
The University of Alabama
M.Ed - Higher Education Administration
Southern Methodist University