Gates MacPherson
Exeter,NH
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
Work History
Legislative Communications Advisor
New Hampshire Democratic Party
03.2024 - 11.2024
- Worked with both House and Senate Democratic Caucuses to drive coverage of legislative priorities and goals
- Collaborated closely with executive leadership to develop campaign narratives aligned with internal polling data
- Copyedited, proofread and revised paid media, digital advertisements, print materials and press releases before dispersal
- Developed comprehensive media outreach plans to increase visibility in local, regional and national markets
- Trained junior team members in effective communication techniques
- Advised principals on data-driven messaging and communications tactics
- Streamlined internal communication processes, improving team collaboration and productivity
- Identified opportunities for proactive storytelling, showcasing client successes through various communication channels
Director
SKDK
11.2022 - 03.2024
- Collaborated with team leads to drive overall strategy and advise corporate and non-profit clients, including Win (Women in Need), Hewlett Foundation, Partnership for a Healthier America, NYC Charter School Center, Columbia Business School, and more
- Secured and managed coverage in local, state, and national print and broadcast outlets on policy initiatives, campaigns, and events
- Developed and maintained booker, producer, and reporter relationships
- Developed strategic communications plans and supplemental project plans
- Enhanced team collaboration through regular communication, goal setting, and performance evaluations
- Tracked client deliverables and timelines and ensure the highest quality client deliverables on a consistent basis
- Demonstrated excellent writing, editing, presentation-development skills, and project management skills
Senior Communications Advisor
New Hampshire Democratic Party
07.2022 - 11.2022
- Worked closely with over 400 members of national and in-state media to pitch information and ensure the most important points of campaign messaging gets placed into news coverage
- Drafted, proofread and shared press releases, statements, advisories and memos pertaining to breaking news, the state of the campaign, and campaign finance on tight deadlines and shared through multiple approval channels
- Responded to requests for information from national and in-state media and / or designate the appropriate spokesperson or information source
- Prepared and staff principals for on-the-record interviews
Deputy Communications Director
New Hampshire Democratic Party
07.2020 - 07.2022
- Built and strengthened relationships with members of in-state and national media in order to promote coverage and act as point of contact for inbound media related calls and events
- Strategized with allies and advocacy groups on messaging around issues including but not limited to reproductive rights, affordable health care, and lowering costs
- Wrote engaging and successful press releases to promote information and the New Hampshire Democratic Party's message
- Drafted speeches for elected officials, activists, business leaders, and health care professionals and advised speakers on media talking points
- Advised and executed over 100 in-person and virtual press events that received both in-state and national media coverage
- Outlined and placed op-eds in local and statewide newspapers for elected officials, former ambassadors, youth leaders, and activists on strict deadlines
Communications Associate
New Hampshire Democratic Party
06.2019 - 07.2020
- Managed the New Hampshire Democratic Party's statewide Letter to the Editor Programs; distributed weekly talking points highlighting candidates and issues to 2,000 activists
- Trained effective social change leaders and town and county committees to run strategic Letter to the Editor campaigns resulting in strong coalitions and generating grassroots support
- Assisted the Senior Communications Advisor with managing over 200 members of local, state, national, and international press at the NHDP's State Convention and McIntyre-Shaheen 100 Club Dinner, which featured all 2020 Democratic presidential candidates and was broadcasted live by WMUR, MSNBC, CNN, and more
- Compiled written materials and press logistics for statewide press conferences
- Designed and distributed NHDP's weekly newsletter to over 30,000 activists
Education
Bachelor of Arts - English/Journalism, Political Science
University Of New Hampshire
Durham, NH05.2018
Associate of Arts - Liberal Arts and Sciences
Great Bay Community College
Portsmouth, NH05.2016
Skills
- Media Relations
- Verbal and written communication
- Project Coordination
- Strategic Planning
Timeline
Legislative Communications Advisor
New Hampshire Democratic Party
03.2024 - 11.2024
Director
SKDK
11.2022 - 03.2024
Senior Communications Advisor
New Hampshire Democratic Party
07.2022 - 11.2022
Deputy Communications Director
New Hampshire Democratic Party
07.2020 - 07.2022
Communications Associate
New Hampshire Democratic Party
06.2019 - 07.2020
Bachelor of Arts - English/Journalism, Political Science
University Of New Hampshire
Associate of Arts - Liberal Arts and Sciences
Great Bay Community College
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