Jodie Orzechowski, APR
Delmar,USA
Summary
Communications executive with background in leadership and operational excellence, ready to drive strategic initiatives and streamline processes. Known for fostering team collaboration and delivering consistent results, adapting effectively to evolving demands. Expertise spans public relations, strategic planning and stakeholder communication. Possesses strong problem-solving abilities and proactive mindset, ensuring organizational goals are met efficiently and effectively.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Assistant Director, Engagement & Development Services
Capital Region BOCES
06.2021 - Current
- Communications executive driving professional growth, new business development, service evolution and delivery innovation, with vertical oversight of six managers and 70 communications professionals serving more than 100 public school districts in New York.
- Cultivated new service relationships with15 school districts in St. Lawrence and Lewis Counties, including onboarding five new staff for the region and adding more than $400K in revenues.
- Principally responsible for execution of five-year strategic plan action plan and evaluation in the areas of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and Service Model, leading to shifts in culture and significant infrastructure changes to balance client-employee expectations, and recruitment and retention.
- Crisis communications adviser to chief school leaders in the Greater Capital Region and beyond, including navigating complex legal, employment, cybersecurity and social justice issues to preserve public perception, credibility and trust.
Communications Manager
Capital Region BOCES
01.2018 - 05.2021
- One of four middle management supervisors leading a team of nine public relations specialists in 17 client school districts.
- Developed and implemented a five-year strategic plan that led to new teaming infrastructures, hiring and onboarding practices and specialized professional development.
- Communications adviser for executive searches resulting in successful placement of five new superintendents.
- Provided strategy, coaching and support for more than 65 school budget votes, bond referendums and merger votes for public sector clients across New York.
- Built strong working relationships with client superintendents leading to substantial growth and more than $115K in new business.
- Refined and established 10 online learning modules for all new hires in communications, leading to more effective and efficient professionals trained in media relations, crisis communications, digital accessibility, video, photography, storytelling and public relations ethics.
- Delivered responsive communications strategy and services to public school districts resulting in positive, mutually beneficial outcomes that strengthened trust and reputation.
- Co-wrote, edited and coached staff through annual strategic communications plans leading to support for school budgets, capital projects, public transportation programs, school attendance campaigns, redistricting, COVID-19 school reopening and social justice initiatives.
Public Information Specialist
Capital Region BOCES
08.2013 - 12.2017
- Principal responsibility in developing and executing a strategic communications plan supporting Cohoes City School District’s five-year strategic plan which led to a new public transportation program and improving access to education.
- Chief crisis communications adviser to the Cohoes City School District superintendent.
- Primary media relations adviser, resulting in successful story pitches, print press coverage and on-air interviews.
- Primary digital content manager and storyteller (writing, editing, video production and photography) that led to substantial growth in followers and engagement on district social media channels.
- Project manager and grant writer for education policy, district and BOCES initiatives resulting in legislative funding for mental health support in schools and securing more than $500K in public school grant funding.
Public Relations & Marketing Specialist
Cooperative Educational Services
09.2007 - 07.2013
Communications Associate
New England Board of Higher Education
06.2005 - 08.2006
Education
Master of Arts - Communication
Suffolk University
01.2006
Bachelor of Arts - Communications
State University of New York At Geneseo
01.2003
Skills
- Creative direction
- Brand messaging
- Strategic planning
- Internal communications
- Project management
- Crisis management
- Content development
- Media relations
- Recruitment and hiring
- Strategic projects
- Problem-solving
- Team leadership
- Active listening
- Staff management
Accomplishments
- Planned and facilitated community conversations on a variety of education-related issues to build consent and understanding for decision-making in New York public schools.
- Hired four communications managers, two assistant managers into new positions to create a career ladder for industry professionals.
- Led a team of 80 creatives in communications.
- Collaborated with a team of 11 in the development and execution of a five-year strategic plan.
- Presented at statewide, national and international conferences.
Certification
- Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the Workplace Certificate, University of South Florida (2021)
- Accreditation in Public Relations (2013)
Publications
- Building a Team Begins With Investing in People
- The Never-ending Journey of the PR Professional
- Speaking up - or not - during times of social unrest
- Meeting expectations: Communicating with today’s families
Timeline
Assistant Director, Engagement & Development Services
Capital Region BOCES
06.2021 - Current
Communications Manager
Capital Region BOCES
01.2018 - 05.2021
Public Information Specialist
Capital Region BOCES
08.2013 - 12.2017
Public Relations & Marketing Specialist
Cooperative Educational Services
09.2007 - 07.2013
Communications Associate
New England Board of Higher Education
06.2005 - 08.2006
Master of Arts - Communication
Suffolk University
Bachelor of Arts - Communications
State University of New York At Geneseo
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