Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Timeline
Generic

Karolyn J. Hairston

Summary

Results-driven Communications Specialist with a proven track record in media relations, public outreach, and strategic communication. Expert in developing and executing promotional campaigns, creating educational content, and fostering community engagement. Adept at leveraging digital and traditional media platforms to enhance public understanding and build organizational reputation.

Overview

6
6
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Digital Media Specialist

WAVY-10/NEXSTAR
07.2022 - Current
  • Create and manage paid social media ads via Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok using best practices to identify precise target marketing
  • Implement AI-powered content generation strategies to produce high quality visuals and videos
  • Collaborate with account executives on best platforms to sell and develop social media campaigns
  • Monitor analytics to evaluate campaign effectiveness and guide future initiatives
  • Produce visually appealing static and video advertisements that foster engagement
  • Interact with users and respond to social media messages, inquiries, and comments

Integrated Digital Specialist III

NORFOLK STATE UNIVERSITY
09.2019 - Current
  • Write press releases, public service announcements and schedule interviews with community and business leaders
  • Plan, direct and maintain effective promotional programs by developing campaigns such as 'Gospel' (partnered with PBS), 2024 voter education campaign, 'Beats & Ballots', and bi-annual Membership Drive fundraiser
  • Maintain and update the station's website with relevant trending stories and events
  • Produce content for social media and podcast platforms

Digital Marketing Specialist

KENNESAW STATE UNIVERSITY
05.2022 - 07.2022
  • Researched, created, implemented, and analyzed goal-oriented digital and traditional marketing campaigns for colleges and business units on campus
  • Conducted market research, brand evaluation, competitive review, and customer analysis
  • Developed executive reports to ensure all marketing tactics and program messaging were accurate
  • Provided strategic marketing analysis and reporting to determine progress toward meeting university and college-level enrollment goals
  • Addressed campaign goals, developed and implemented tactical plans utilizing SEO/SEM, email, user experience, digital/traditional advertising, events, promotions, social media, web content, and other tactics
  • Oversaw and tracked spending for assigned marketing campaign budgets

Marketing Consulting Agency

KJH MEDIA SERVICES
07.2019 - Current
  • Provide consultation for clients' marketing goals
  • Design and develop customized packages for clients, including flyers, business cards, social media management, and video editing
  • Develop clients' online presence using various digital marketing strategies
  • Measure and analyze clients' weekly and monthly social media analytics
  • Edit video clips, including pictures, videos, subtitles, voiceovers, text overlay, transitions, and background music
  • Participate in civil and community observances such as Alzheimer's and American Heart Association walks, Stop the Violence Bike Ride, and Keep Norfolk Beautiful, The Great American Cleanup
  • Help coordinate on-site appearances, remotes, and events
  • Manage prize inventory, winner sheets, release forms, and conduct prize giveaways at events using VCreative
  • Prepare contest rules, waivers, and release forms for on-air, digital, social media, and other contests

Education

B.S. - Mass Communications

Norfolk State University
05.2021

M.A. - Media & Communications

Norfolk State University

Skills

  • Media Relations & Press Communication
  • Strategic Campaign Development
  • Public Education & Outreach Programs
  • Digital & Traditional Content Creation
  • Event Planning & Coordination
  • Website Management & Database Maintenance

Certification

  • Google Analytics 4
  • Meta Blueprint Certification
  • Social Media Strategy Masterclass

Timeline

Digital Media Specialist

WAVY-10/NEXSTAR
07.2022 - Current

Digital Marketing Specialist

KENNESAW STATE UNIVERSITY
05.2022 - 07.2022

Integrated Digital Specialist III

NORFOLK STATE UNIVERSITY
09.2019 - Current

Marketing Consulting Agency

KJH MEDIA SERVICES
07.2019 - Current

B.S. - Mass Communications

Norfolk State University

M.A. - Media & Communications

Norfolk State University
  • Google Analytics 4
  • Meta Blueprint Certification
  • Social Media Strategy Masterclass
Karolyn J. Hairston