Jennifer Castillo
San Antonio,TX
Summary
Successful communications professional with substantial experience developing and executing successful external communications campaigns. Skilled at creating positive relationships with media, stakeholders, and clients. Strategic and committed to staying responsive and proactive in dealing with crises.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Director of External Communications
KIPP Texas Public Schools
03.2022 - Current
- Oversaw social media presence and aligned posts to include branding and trending ideas
- Grew Facebook page by 231% and Instagram reach by 62%
- Led crisis communications and media relations activities in response to challenging situations
- Developed crisis communication templates for school leaders and led training on how to execute communications in a crisis
- Increased brand awareness through developing and implementing successful public relations campaigns led to over 130 positive media hits for the 2022-23 school year
- Authored fresh and engaging press releases, media alerts and media pitches
- Oversaw a team of communications professionals with a focus on achieving yearly public relations goals
- Enhanced team collaboration through regular communication, goal setting, and performance evaluations.
- Conducted media training for company executives and business leaders
Senior Public Relations Manager
IDEA Public Schools
05.2018 - 02.2022
- Led public relations efforts for IDEA Public Schools in over 12 media markets and national media
- Secured media placements in national outlets such as CNN and Good Morning American for increased visibility, utilizing strong relationships with journalists and influencers.
- Developed a media strategy to achieve over 1,000 positive media hits for IDEA Public Schools equaling to over $20M in earned media
- Positioned IDEA to be a thought leader and go to source for the media on the topic of COVID safety in schools
- Assisted in leading critical and crisis communications for the district and dropped the amount of negative stories received by 50 percent for the 20–21 school year
- Managed IDEA's National social media channels and led strategy to create more followers and engagement
- Managed content editing for IDEA's website and ensured all information was up to date by performing audits
- Assisted in programming and production for signature events that had a total attendance of 25,000.
Account Manager
Sammis and Ochoa, A Public Relations Agency
12.2014 - 05.2018
- Managed a diverse portfolio of accounts such as Law Offices of Kevin Collins, Susan G. Komen San Antonio, Champion AC, Hope for the Future, and IDEA Public Schools San Antonio and Austin and ensuring timely communication and effective problem resolution.
- Increased client satisfaction by building strong relationships and addressing their needs promptly.
- Developed customized account plans for clients to help them achieve their business goals.
- Leverage existing media relationships and cultivate new contacts within business and industry media
- Managed a support team of account coordinators and account assistants and interns
Education
MBA - Ethical Leadership
Schreiner University
Kerrville, TX05.2017
Bachelor of Arts - Mass Communications
Texas State University
San Marcos, TX12.2013
Skills
- Public Speaking
- Media Relations
- Crisis Communications
- Social Media Management
- Strategic Planning
- Copywriting
- Research and Development
- Web Content Development
Certification
Media Relations Certificate with Meltwater
Languages
Spanish
Professional Working
Timeline
Director of External Communications
KIPP Texas Public Schools
03.2022 - Current
Senior Public Relations Manager
IDEA Public Schools
05.2018 - 02.2022
Account Manager
Sammis and Ochoa, A Public Relations Agency
12.2014 - 05.2018
MBA - Ethical Leadership
Schreiner University
Bachelor of Arts - Mass Communications
Texas State University