Jerald Butler
Brooklyn,New York
Summary
With over 12 years of diverse experience in the field of communications and media, I offer a wealth of expertise from a broad spectrum of industries, including tech, higher education, corporate communications, marketing agencies, and broadcasting. My career has been characterized by a relentless commitment to compelling storytelling, fostering audience engagement, and developing strategic communication strategies.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
Branded Content Marketer
Blavity, Inc
01.2022 - Current
- Crafted SEO-friendly content for websites and blog posts to increase organic traffic.
- Created customized marketing materials to increase product awareness.
- Used content management system to analyze user engagement and website traffic metrics.
- Build and manage weekly content calendars
- Managed digital asset libraries and delivered to team members promptly upon request.
- Chose cover photography or artwork, selected fonts and arranged designs to attract target readership.
- Performs quality checks to ensure that content meets Blavity's brand guidelines and requirements and is consistent with the voice of the diverse audience, style, and tone
Senior Lead, Employee Communications
Kyndryl
04.2023 - 09.2023
- Developed and implemented short- and long-term communications strategies.
- Collaborated with internal stakeholders to design strategies for messaging and communications.
- Optimized email campaigns to increase open and click-through rates.
- Wrote and distributed press releases to increase brand visibility.
- Analyzed and reported on KPIs to validate and demonstrate success of marketing campaigns.
- Prepared and published internal communication pieces to keep employees informed.
- Created and implemented forward-thinking initiatives to improve employee engagement.
- Enhanced team workflows and employee job satisfaction by coordinating communication between managers and employees.
Associate Director of Communications
Emory University
08.2021 - 09.2022
- Led the development of research communications via social media, news outlets, and public platforms on behalf
- Wrote engaging original editorial content on behalf of leadership
- Created and implemented a strategic framework for research communications
- Provided critical support to the Senior Vice President in shaping executive eminence
- Developed original content including feature articles, editorials, and press releases on behalf of leadership
- Created weekly department-wide newsletter for Emory's researchers and stakeholders
- Developed presentations that effectively communicated data and analytics to stakeholders
- Traveled with executives to provide communication guidance and assistance in various settings
- Led and mentored a team of communications specialists and interns, fostering professional growth
- Successfully pitched stories to local media and broadcast outlets
- Prepared talking points and scripts for senior leadership and provided coaching for public engagements.
Communications Specialist
Emory University
05.2018 - 08.2021
- Acted as a subject matter expert for all photography, graphic design, and video projects
- Developed and implemented effective communications and press strategies
- Managed the graduate school’s online presence, including daily maintenance of content on the college’s website
- Produced visual content including but not limited to graphics, videos, and photography on behalf of the Laney Graduate School
- Drafted scripts, talking points, and internal communications on behalf of graduate school leadership
- Provided strategic communication counsel to Senior Vice Presidents of HR and Change Management
- Produced storytelling content to drive and promote diversity, inclusion, and equity initiatives
- Utilized data and metrics to strengthen communication strategies effectively
- Managed production schedules and processes for video productions efficiently
- Led the creation and maintenance of the crisis communications platforms for students and faculty
Multimedia Communications Specialist
Cox Media Group
06.2016 - 04.2018
- Led the production of original storytelling content focused on employee engagement and company recruitment, such as articles, newsletters, videos, photography, graphics
- Amplified the company's branding efforts to increase recognition and engagement
- Achieved a 110% increase in social media engagement
- Successfully managed web design projects for the company's intranet
- Assisted executives in establishing a professional brand and voice for enhanced public representation
- Developed themes, concepts, messaging, and distribution tactics for marketing materials for company-wide diversity and inclusion efforts
- Offered valuable creative direction to enhance project outcomes
- Provided strategic communications counsel to various business units, including HR, Legal, and IT departments
- Collaborated with HR and Change Management leaders to execute company-wide initiatives
- Leads the execution of virtual town hall meetings on behalf of the company's leadership
- Acted as a communication liaison during public appearances and speaking engagements on behalf of executive leadership.
Digital Media Assistant
Georgia State University
12.2015 - 05.2016
- Provided creative guidance for students using Adobe Cloud Applications including Photoshop, Premiere, and After Effects
- Planned and facilitated media production workshops in accordance with pre-planned curricula, employing varied methods to maximize attendance.
- Coordinated and facilitated multimedia training for students
- Scheduled students for training based on skill level and understanding of media equipment
- Documented class attendance and participation and provided feedback to management.
Student Communications Assistant
Clayton State University
08.2011 - 05.2013
- Assisted in the development and execution of marketing campaigns to promote student programming, events, and initiatives
- Managed and curated content for the college's social media platforms, including creating engaging posts, monitoring engagement, and responding to inquiries
- Led the creation of marketing materials such as flyers, brochures, and digital content to enhance the college's brand presence
- Conducted research and gathered data to assess the effectiveness of marketing efforts, providing insights for future marketing and communications strategies.
Writer & Graphic Designer
SALT Newspaper
07.2011 - 03.2013
- Wrote and edited articles, news stories, features, and editorials for the newspaper, ensuring accuracy, clarity, and adherence to editorial guidelines
- Drafted and edited B2B marketing content on behalf of the company
- Edited and reviewed content for grammar, spelling and punctuation.
- Developed creative design for print materials including newspapers and collateral.
- Built and maintained relationships with the local community, sources, and advertisers to support the newspaper's sustainability and growth
- Supported the newspaper's editorial team in brainstorming, planning, and executing special issues or themed editions
- Assisted with advertising design and layout, and collaborated with advertisers to ensure their messages aligned with the newspaper's editorial standards.
- Pitched content strategies and managed asset acquisition.
Education
Master of Science - Strategic Leadership Development
Clayton State University
Morrow, GA05.2022
Bachelor of Arts - Communications & Media Studies
Clayton State University
Morrow, GA05.2010
Skills
- Strategy Implementation
- Copyediting
- Email Marketing
- Speechwriting and Messaging
- Social Media Management
- Media Relations
- Web Content Creation
- Content Development
- Project Management
- Thought Leadership
Timeline
Senior Lead, Employee Communications
Kyndryl
04.2023 - 09.2023
Branded Content Marketer
Blavity, Inc
01.2022 - Current
Associate Director of Communications
Emory University
08.2021 - 09.2022
Communications Specialist
Emory University
05.2018 - 08.2021
Multimedia Communications Specialist
Cox Media Group
06.2016 - 04.2018
Digital Media Assistant
Georgia State University
12.2015 - 05.2016
Student Communications Assistant
Clayton State University
08.2011 - 05.2013
Writer & Graphic Designer
SALT Newspaper
07.2011 - 03.2013
Master of Science - Strategic Leadership Development
Clayton State University
Bachelor of Arts - Communications & Media Studies
Clayton State University
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