Ikhlas Saleem
Atlanta,GA
Summary
Dedicated Communications Specialist with 10 years of experience covering external and internal communications. Known for exceptional organization and prioritization skills to manage multiple, concurrent projects. Eloquent writer with track record of creating consistently impactful and engaging content.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Communications
Equity in Education
Atlanta , GA
01.2023 - Current
- Reduced the lead-time for key-decision making from 1-month to 1-week by collaborating with executive leadership to effectively communicate and convert organizational strategies and goals into actionable items for each department.
- Defeated an Incumbent Atlanta Elected official by creating an impactful campaign message and selecting appropriate channels to target our diverse audience size of 20K within a 6-month timeline.
- Developed and pitched a communications strategy that secured 150K in seed funding within my first 3 months.
- Launched an organizational branding campaign that grew our audience size by 800% in 13 months with an average above industry social media engagement rate of 13%. In addition to generating over 200K views on owned media.
- Secured organic, unpaid media placements and interviews in the AJC and NPR by training staff on how to effectively communicate our messaging to external audiences.
Director of Digital Content
Brightbeam
Chicago, IL
04.2015 - 01.2023
- Reduced departmental employee turnover by 50% with an average of 5 year employment through strategic hiring and team management.
- Worked closely with the CEO to pivot our communications strategy during the pandemic to develop a network of streaming shows across the country that introduced over 2 million viewers to our issues.
- Managed a cohort of over 200 contracted bloggers across the country where I communicated weekly messages from executive leadership, facilitated monthly briefings and lead communications training in alignment with our guidelines and best practices.
Education
Master's in Theological Studies -
Harvard University
Cambridge, MA05-2013
Bachelor of Arts -
Wellesley College
Wellesley Hills, MA05-2011
Skills
- Internal Communications
- Social Media Strategy
- Communications strategy
- Brand Management
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Director of Communications
Equity in Education
01.2023 - Current
Director of Digital Content
Brightbeam
04.2015 - 01.2023
Master's in Theological Studies -
Harvard University
Bachelor of Arts -
Wellesley College