DESIREE JACKSON
Bowie,MD
Summary
Strategic Communications & Operations Leader with over 15 years of experience driving organizational excellence in high-stakes environments. Expert in managing massive workforce structures and spearheading multi-platform communication strategies that align internal culture with external brand messaging. Proven ability to solve complex problems under strict deadlines while fostering a collaborative, results-driven atmosphere.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Strategic Planning and Communications Section Chief
FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY (FEMA)
Washington, DC
01.2022 - Current
- Communications Director: Serves as the primary point of contact for the Public Assistance Division, coordinating all internal and external messaging.
- Executive Strategy: Advises agency Directors on the effectiveness of communication products and overall organizational strategy.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Partners with the Office of External Affairs to disseminate critical information via web platforms, webinars, and congressional testimony.
- Team Leadership: Supervises a specialized team focused on implementing division-wide messaging consistency.
Supervisory Program Manager (Reservist Program)
01.2019 - 01.2022
- Workforce Management: Directly supervised a team of 18 managers and served as the Supervisor of Record for 1,300+ employees.
- Talent Logistics: Led strategic planning for disaster staffing, including recruitment, interviewing, and selection of qualified candidates.
- Performance Oversight: Managed complex personnel issues, including policy violation counseling and necessary disciplinary actions.
- Program Development: Evaluated qualification and certification standards to ensure a mission-ready workforce.
Operations & Human Resources Consultant
CONTACT1 INC (Contracted to Pepper Hamilton LLC)
Washington, DC
01.2018 - 01.2018
- Structural Implementation: Developed a 2018 workforce structure to integrate 50+ new employees to meet executive priorities.
- Resource Planning: Estimated short- and long-term personnel, budgetary, and equipment needs based on fiscal limitations.
- Process Optimization: Interpreted and developed administrative procedures to align business functions with changing economic climates.
Executive Manager II
MACY’S (Flagship Store)
Washington, DC
01.2016 - 01.2017
- Revenue Generation: Directed a team of 75 to exceed sales targets and leveraged social media promotions to drive a 5% increase in store sales.
- Managerial Coaching: Recruited and trained 10 Managers and 25 Advisors on brand messaging and customer service.
- Market Analysis: Briefed senior executives on sales opportunities and consumer behaviors for high-level decision-making.
News Manager & Editor
WNEW, CBS LOCAL / WTOP NEWS RADIO
Washington, DC
01.2008 - 01.2014
- Content Curation: Selected and managed news stories for dissemination across multiple digital and broadcast platforms.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Led daily editorial meetings with anchors and reporters to coordinate breaking news coverage.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Broadcast Journalism
Howard University
Washington, DCSkills
- Leadership: Conflict de-escalation, Crisis Management, Employee Development and Coaching
- Design & Media: Adobe Creative Suite, Audio/Video Editing, Content Management Systems
- Business Tools: Microsoft SharePoint, Microsoft Office, Google Analytics
CORE COMPETENCIES
- Strategic Leadership: Executive Advisory, Change Management, and Global Communications.
- Operations & HR: Scalable Workforce Planning, Talent Acquisition, and Performance Counseling.
- Content Strategy: Creative/Technical Writing, Media Relations, and Digital Branding.
- Data Analytics: Market Trend Analysis, Social Media Metrics, and Budget Forecasting.
Timeline
Strategic Planning and Communications Section Chief
FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY (FEMA)
01.2022 - Current
Supervisory Program Manager (Reservist Program)
01.2019 - 01.2022
Operations & Human Resources Consultant
CONTACT1 INC (Contracted to Pepper Hamilton LLC)
01.2018 - 01.2018
Executive Manager II
MACY’S (Flagship Store)
01.2016 - 01.2017
News Manager & Editor
WNEW, CBS LOCAL / WTOP NEWS RADIO
01.2008 - 01.2014
Bachelor of Arts - Broadcast Journalism
Howard University