Deken Taylor
Denton,TX
Summary
Creative and results-driven communications professional with a strong talent for storytelling and a passion for helping organizations find their voice. Known for bringing energy and clarity to every project, I blend strategic thinking, creativity, and emerging technology to craft compelling narratives and build lasting reputations. I am driven by work that connects people, elevates ideas, and delivers meaningful impact.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
Work History
COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST
UNT College of Engineering
Denton, TX
02.2023 - Current
- Revamped department-wide communications strategy by developing new publications, digital content, and signage, significantly increasing visibility and brand consistency
- Grew social media presence across multiple platforms, positioning MTSE among the top-followed departments within the College of Engineering
- Executed outreach marketing for large-scale academic programs (camps, workshops, recruitment events), enhancing participant engagement and strengthening prospective student pipelines that resulted in a 40 percent enrollment increase between 2024-2026
- Created data-driven reports and content assets to document program outcomes and support strategic planning initiatives
- Built and managed stakeholder communication systems, including contact databases for long-term outreach and engagement
CO-FOUNDER & COO
BottlesCape Art
Denton, TX
05.2022 - Current
- Supervised all aspects of Bottlescape's daily operations, focusing on cohesive integration of social media strategies, financial management, marketing initiatives, e-commerce solutions, and event planning to drive business growth.
- Achieved successful execution of 20-30 vendor events per year, contributing to increased market presence. Enhanced social media strategy, resulting in improved brand recognition.
- Achieved consistent audience growth through effective production and co-hosting of 'Time to Uncap' podcast with Bottlescape. Enhanced promotional strategies, resulting in over 100 streams per episode. Drove content quality and engagement initiatives.
SOCIAL AND MEDIA RELATIONS MANAGER (Freelance)
The Art Room Denton
Denton, TX
05.2021 - 06.2024
- Assisted in raising $50,000 for North Texas Giving Day through targeted media pitching and social media campaigns, managed The Art Room's website, and created 1,000+ unique digital content posts.
STUDENT & PROGRAM SPECIALIST
UNT Mayborn School of Journalism
Denton, TX
07.2022 - 02.2024
- Assisted in implementing student support and outreach initiatives at Mayborn School of Journalism to boost community engagement. Aided in managing budgets for six student organizations to enhance scholarship distribution and recruitment activities. Supported retention strategies, job placement events, and tutoring programs to foster improved student success.
- Developed and implemented targeted recruitment strategies in Texas high schools, focusing on a pool of 200 prospects.
- Executed targeted email and postcard campaigns to inform incoming freshmen about tailored degree concentrations.
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE
Metis Communications
03.2021 - 07.2023
- Oversaw account operations for 4-6 clients daily, ensuring alignment with industry standards and client objectives.
- Assisted in updating client project trackers. Compiled media lists for outreach. Supported the management of award submissions.
- Developed and executed targeted pitches to journalists in top-tier and tech trade outlets, fostering strong media connections.
- Crafted and managed a diverse portfolio of over 500 original posts across Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and TikTok, driving audience engagement.
COMMUNICATION DESIGN SUPPORT SPECIALIST/ RESEARCH ASSISTANT/ DEAN’S OFFICE ASSISTANT
UNT Mayborn School of Journalism
Denton, TX
02.2018 - 12.2021
- Comm. Design Support Specialist (May 2021 - Aug 2021) - Revamped the school’s undergraduate and graduate web pages, created educational and promotional content for students, events, and awards.
- Research Assistant (Aug 2020 - Dec 2020) - Assisted with online media research by conducting a content analysis on over 200+ front covers of D Magazine and created a comprehensive report which analyzed race, age, gender, and politics in the United States.
- Dean’s Office Assistant (Feb 2018 - May 2020) - Provided public information and advice to prospective and current Mayborn students/completed clerical and PR projects given by office personnel.
Education
Master of Science - Digital Retailing And Merchandising
University of North Texas
Denton, TX05-2026
Master of Journalism -
University of North Texas
Texas12-2021
Bachelor of Arts - Public Relations, Minor in Creative Writing
University of North Texas
Texas08-2020
Skills
- Website design
- Digital content management
- Event Planning and Outreach
- Media Relations
- Project Management
- Office Administration
Timeline
COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST
UNT College of Engineering
02.2023 - Current
STUDENT & PROGRAM SPECIALIST
UNT Mayborn School of Journalism
07.2022 - 02.2024
CO-FOUNDER & COO
BottlesCape Art
05.2022 - Current
SOCIAL AND MEDIA RELATIONS MANAGER (Freelance)
The Art Room Denton
05.2021 - 06.2024
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE
Metis Communications
03.2021 - 07.2023
COMMUNICATION DESIGN SUPPORT SPECIALIST/ RESEARCH ASSISTANT/ DEAN’S OFFICE ASSISTANT
UNT Mayborn School of Journalism
02.2018 - 12.2021
Master of Science - Digital Retailing And Merchandising
University of North Texas
Master of Journalism -
University of North Texas
Bachelor of Arts - Public Relations, Minor in Creative Writing
University of North Texas