ERNESTO ESTRELLA
New York,NY
Summary
Results-oriented Communications Officer with a proven track record of developing and executing comprehensive communications strategies for cultural organizations and governmental agencies. Orchestrated successful cross-functional communications campaigns, enhancing brand media presence, public engagement, social media traffic, and overall cultural impact. Skilled in public relations, institutional liaison, content creation, and digital/AI-driven communications tools.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
CCO & Institutional Liaison
The Opening Gallery
03.2024 - Current
- Implemented a comprehensive communication plan that increased event attendance by 40% and media coverage by 20%.
- Developed and oversaw an effective partnership strategy that brought the organization to forge solid links with institutions such as Columbia University, NYU, the Sorbonne–Paris, and the UN.
- Wrote and edited press releases, newsletters, and internal reports, ensuring consistent messaging across all channels.
- Coached founder on press communications press and wrote speeches for business presentations.
Strategic Communications Consultant
Independent
01.2021 - 02.2024
- Created an immersive soundwalk at the 9/11 Memorial & Museum as part of the Spanish Consulate’s cultural and communications campaign for the 9/11 20th commemoration.
- Developed a ‘Flamenco, Poetry and Performance’ cultural series for Trinity Church Wall Street, boosting engagement of Spanish-speaking attendance by 25% through targeted content.
- Coordinated and oversaw communications with schools for NYC’s Arts Flamenco 2024 educational program, increasing contracts by 30%.
- Managed communications, booked US shows/workshops, and wrote and directed a music video for 2024 Latin Grammy Award-winner flamenco guitarist Antonio Rey,
- Led the Young Patrons and Recess program at Jonah Bokaer Arts Foundation, creating innovative content and programming to expand and boost event engagement.
Curator & Governmental Liaison
Biblioteca Nacional De España
04.2022 - 09.2023
- Conceived & created the exhibition ‘The Spanish Intellectual Exile in Puerto Rico,’ with 120 original items (manuscripts, books, personal objects, etc.), coordinating work through 20 different Spanish and Puerto Rican agencies and departments.
- Executed a successful media relations campaign to strengthen the Spain/Puerto Rico cultural and commercial bridge, conducting interviews and presentations and securing placements in top-tier publications (El País or Radio Televisión Española), resulting in a 30% increase in attendance.
- Carried negotiations between the Government of Spain, Puerto Rico, and the different foundations, ensuring consistent messaging across all institutions and agencies.
- Wrote and edited the exhibition’s catalog, press releases, social media posts, and a hands-on successful internal communications campaign, improving employee satisfaction by 40%.
- Negotiated the temporary donation of 2 Joaquin Sorolla paintings that had never left Puerto Rico.
Curator & Institutional Liasion
Government of Puerto Rico
08.2021 - 01.2022
- Conceived & created the exhibition ‘San Juan, Life & Destiny: Juan Ramón y Zenobia en Puerto Rico’ with the Government of Puerto Rico and the Universidad de Puerto Rico, inaugurated by His Majesty King Felipe VI of Spain
- Managed a communication and social media campaign to expand Puerto Rico Tourism Company's cultural offer and brand identity, increasing followers by 15% and boosting engagement by 20%
- Led crisis communications efforts between the University and the Government of Puerto Rico, crafting key messages, responding to media inquiries, and securing the temporary donation of highly valued items for the exhibition (Nobel Prize Medal, Sorolla paintings)
- Served as the primary spokesperson with the Royal Household of Spain in the conversations that led to the King’s visit for the celebrations of the 500 years of San Juan city.
Founder & Director
Nomadic School of the Senses
06.2014 - 03.2021
- Created and implemented award-winning programs and festivals for cultural and governmental institutions all across the globe, such as Amherst Great Books, Thoreau Society, Universidad de Alcalá, Granada's Mayor Office, and Instituto Cervantes.
- Designed content and executed integrated communication campaigns for The Voice Observatory, a Berlin-senate-funded platform, resulting in a 40% increase in public attendance and 20% in media coverage.
- Developed and executed a cultural immersion & travel program for schools (Nomad Ambassadors), increasing community engagement and participation by 25%.
- During COVID, created a communications and support plan centered around a podcast and a motivational program (Voice of Recovery/Map of Traps) that included brochures, presentations, and videos, contributing to a 25% growth in outreach.
- Managed the company's websites, overseeing content updates and ensuring a seamless user experience.
Assistant Professor
Potsdam University
01.2012 - 03.2014
- Created 6 innovative courses for the Romance Languages Department focused on Performance Studies, Gender, and Cultural Identity.
- Organized student's bi-monthly visits to shows and exhibitions in the Berlin area.
Assistant Professor
Yale University
09.2007 - 09.2011
- Developed and taught 10 new poetry courses for the Spanish & Portuguese Department’s contemporary poetry curriculum
- Acted as Director of Undergraduate Studies, directed about 50 students’ thesis, and served as advisor for 5 dissertations.
Education
Ph.D. - Spanish Language And Literature
Columbia University
New York, NY06-2007
Bachelor of Arts - Comparative Literature
Universidad De Granada
Granada, Spain.09-2000
Skills
Strategic Communications Planning
Excellent Written & Verbal Communication
Project Management Tools
Content Creation & Management
Digital Communications Tools
Social Media Strategy & Management
Cross-functional collaboration
Public Relations
Languages
English
Spanish
French
German
Italian
Portuguese
Timeline
CCO & Institutional Liaison
The Opening Gallery
03.2024 - Current
Curator & Governmental Liaison
Biblioteca Nacional De España
04.2022 - 09.2023
Curator & Institutional Liasion
Government of Puerto Rico
08.2021 - 01.2022
Strategic Communications Consultant
Independent
01.2021 - 02.2024
Founder & Director
Nomadic School of the Senses
06.2014 - 03.2021
Assistant Professor
Potsdam University
01.2012 - 03.2014
Assistant Professor
Yale University
09.2007 - 09.2011
Ph.D. - Spanish Language And Literature
Columbia University
Bachelor of Arts - Comparative Literature
Universidad De Granada
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