Hayley Lynch
Frankfort,KY
Summary
Award-winning writer and communications professional specializing in content development. Innovative storyteller and collaborative leader with 19 years of experience in the university, nonprofit, and government sectors. Excellence in strategic communications planning and execution, multimedia content development and promotion, branding, media relations, executive communications, management of staff and contractors, and budget management. Focused on driving growth and brand visibility, adept at crafting compelling messages, managing campaigns, and leveraging digital platforms. Strong collaborative skills ensure seamless teamwork and adaptability to changing needs. Known for delivering consistent results and fostering positive work environment.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Communications and Marketing Manager
The Nature Conservancy
Kentucky
01.2017 - 03.2026
- Developed content, led communications campaigns and brand strategy, and led storytelling for The Nature Conservancy’s Kentucky chapter and multi-state conservation projects.
- Created and supervised creation of copy for newsletters, fact sheets, magazine articles, brochures, advertising, digital campaigns, and more.
- Led media relations, built trusted relationships with journalists, and secured high-level earned media stories in state and national outlets.
- Created successful social media campaigns, including paid advertising across social channels.
- Supervised contractors, interns, junior staff and new Nature Conservancy employees.
- Partnered with the organization's global digital team, social media team, earned media team, and other specialized teams to elevate brand.
- Tracked analytics, KPIs, and campaign results using Adobe Analytics, Google Analytics, and other tools.
- Provided briefings, talking points, and comprehensive reporting to senior leaders, including CEO.
- Create and manage marketing and communications budget for state and regional initiatives.
- (Master of Fine Arts degree earned Aug. 2013 – June 2016)
Marketing and Communications Specialist
University of Louisville
Louisville, KY
08.2011 - 08.2013
- Led marketing and communications for the Information Technology Department, including a university-wide email migration project with a customer satisfaction rating above 80 percent.
- Planned and executed all information technology communications campaigns to university community.
- Wrote talking points and other executive communications for CIO and vice presidents.
- Produced digital and print publications, including reports, newsletters, fact sheets, signage, and advertising.
- Hired, trained, supervised, and evaluated marketing and communications interns.
- Communicated technology news to university audiences via intranet, digital news feed, newsletters, email, social media, and innovative marketing techniques.
- Tracked campaign results using Adobe Analytics, Google Analytics, and Survey Monkey.
Public Relations Specialist
University of Kentucky
Lexington, KY
06.2010 - 08.2011
- Promoted university research, programs, and news at all levels of media, from state to international. Wrote feature stories about inspiring faculty and students, promoted internally to university community.
- Developed relationships with journalists and sought opportunities for earned media to promote university research and news in state, national, and global outlets.
- Wrote digital features for university’s website and daily newsfeed.
- Supported corporate communications and nonprofit partnerships.
- Wrote talking points for university leadership and coordinated press conferences.
- Promoted campus events, programs, and research in social and traditional media.
- Served on a 24-hour on-call team that responded to media inquiries and handled university emergencies.
Information Specialist
Kentucky Dept. of Fish and Wildlife Resources
Frankfort, KY
08.2005 - 06.2010
- Wrote feature magazine articles and stories for print and online outlets, edited and produced publications, sought earned media, and produced executive communications.
- Served as associate editor for Kentucky Afield, an award-winning print magazine founded in 1945.
- Wrote and edited the state’s regulatory guides for hunting and conservation, with a print run of one million copies.
- Wrote a biweekly print and digital news column on conservation, published in state and national outlets.
- Wrote press releases, newsletters, web features, media advisories, and internal communications.
- Worked with journalists to support stories featuring agency research, conservation, and public education.
- Managed and edited freelance writers, guest writers, and interns.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - English & Creative Writing
Hollins University
Roanoke, VAMaster of Fine Arts - Creative Writing
Louisiana State University
Baton Rouge, LAGraduate Certificate - College & University Teaching
Oregon State University
Corvallis, ORSkills
- Editorial and content expertise
- Strategic communications
- Print and digital publications
- Project management
- Video production
- Social media strategy and implementation
- Media relations
- Executive communications
- Cross-sector partnerships
- Staff and contractor management
- Budget management
Websites
Timeline
Communications and Marketing Manager
The Nature Conservancy
01.2017 - 03.2026
Marketing and Communications Specialist
University of Louisville
08.2011 - 08.2013
Public Relations Specialist
University of Kentucky
06.2010 - 08.2011
Information Specialist
Kentucky Dept. of Fish and Wildlife Resources
08.2005 - 06.2010
Master of Fine Arts - Creative Writing
Louisiana State University
Graduate Certificate - College & University Teaching
Oregon State University
Bachelor of Arts - English & Creative Writing
Hollins University