Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
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Websites
Fun Facts
Accolades
Timeline
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Kathy Smith

Chicago,IL

Summary

Dynamic strategic advisor with a proven track record at Litknit, Inc., excelling in brand strategy and creative ideation. Spearheaded campaigns that drove significant engagement growth, while leveraging SEO optimization and team collaboration to enhance project outcomes. Recognized for developing innovative content strategies that align with market trends and company goals.

Overview

23
23
years of professional experience

Work History

STRATEGIC ADVISOR - SOCIAL MEDIA & CREATIVE

Litknit, Inc.
Chicago, IL
06.2024 - 07.2024
  • Executed competitive analysis and formulated brand guidelines for Instagram soft launch.
  • Facilitated cross-functional collaboration to improve project outcomes and engage stakeholders.
  • Analyzed industry data to inform decisions and identify growth opportunities.
  • Developed strategic plans aligned with company goals and market trends.
  • Created website strategy focusing on content structure and visual layout.
  • Established comprehensive social media content calendar integrating evergreen and timely concepts.
  • Authored SEO-optimized copy and selected imagery, launching Instagram account with unique followers.
  • Conceptualized mood boards and campaigns 'Socks and the City' and 'Live like a SOCKstar' to differentiate brand.

SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER

Writing Pad L.A. | Rise Nation Dallas
05.2019 - 06.2024
  • Originated 'Solidarity with the WGA' campaign, integrating social media and grassroots efforts for 217% engagement growth.
  • Devised social media strategies, crafting compelling copy, and managing photo/video shoots to enhance brand presence.
  • Analyzed performance metrics to refine content strategies, boosting lead generation and follower acquisition.
  • Created engaging content and managed online advertisements, gaining followers and sustaining audience interest.
  • Managed daily social media postings and interactions with followers.

FREELANCE WRITER, TELEVISION

NBC, Pop TV, 20th Century Fox
Los Angeles, CA
01.2014 - 04.2023
  • Established strong connections with top TV writers' rooms, including NBC and Pop TV, along with production companies and award-winning director/producers.
  • Pitched concepts that garnered interest from producers, enhancing project visibility.
  • Authored scripts while developing unique characters and story arcs for various genres.

PUBLIC RELATIONS & BRAND MANAGER

Simantel
Peoria, IL
10.2011 - 10.2013
  • Elevated agency brand positioning, resulting in promotion within two months.
  • Secured global recognition for Simantel and clients through award-winning case studies published internationally.
  • Achieved record for acquiring 75% of total awards, including Ad Age Small Agency Award.
  • Spearheaded website launch in three weeks, leading team meetings and overseeing digital strategies to boost client leads.

ACCOUNT MANAGER

Simantel
08.2011 - 10.2011
  • Led Caterpillar Inc.’s award-winning “Say Thanks” campaign, generating 30,000 unique site visitors and capturing 100,000 new leads.
  • Authored award submission materials, resulting in two MarCom Awards.
  • Managed client relationships to ensure satisfaction and retention.

TEAM LEADER & DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY OUTREACH

Lululemon
Chicago, IL
08.2010 - 08.2011
  • Executed innovative concepts for regional marketing campaigns to drive engagement.
  • Increased sales by 20% through new partnerships and relationship cultivation.
  • Supervised a team of 12, delivering strategic guidance and mentorship.
  • Generated awareness using grassroots marketing, in-store advertising, social media, and community events.

STRATEGIC PLANNING COORDINATOR

Cartoon Network
Chicago, IL
01.2009 - 08.2010
  • Managed multimillion-dollar accounts, exceeding purchased impressions through strategic placement in high-rated programming.
  • Analyzed data using Nielsen to derive actionable insights.
  • Recognized as top presenter during company-wide meetings.
  • Delivered presentations on marketplace trends, competitor analysis, and internal client performance.

Account Manager

Brandimage (now SKG)
Chicago, IL
05.2008 - 01.2009
  • Spearheaded Healthy Choice’s first product launch and rebranding campaign in 20 years.
  • Conducted in-store audits and analyzed marketplace trends to inform strategic decisions.
  • Organized brainstorming sessions to develop impactful brand messaging.

Account Manager

Michael Walters Advertising Agency
Chicago, IL
10.2005 - 01.2008
  • Developed ROI-focused client proposals to enhance campaign effectiveness.
  • Directed campaign kickoff meetings to align stakeholders and establish objectives.
  • Executed multiplatform media buys to maximize reach and engagement.
  • Coordinated photo shoots for ad campaigns, managing talent, stylists, and locations.
  • Led casting sessions to select suitable talent for various projects.
  • Authored copy and vignettes for TV, radio, print, and digital advertisements.

AD SALES ASSISTANT

ABC & ESPN Radio Network
Chicago, IL
03.2004 - 10.2005
  • Assisted in coordinating promotional events for local radio broadcasts.
  • Collaborated with sales team to prepare presentations and client proposals.

CREATIVE ASSISTANT

Sparrow Records, now EMI Recording Label
Nashville, TN
08.2002 - 02.2004
  • Assisted in coordinating creative projects for recording artists and album releases.

ASSISTANT PHOTO EDITOR

Soap Opera Digest Magazine
New York, NY
05.2001 - 08.2002
  • Curated photo selections for feature articles and cover stories.
  • Collaborated with photographers to coordinate image submissions and approvals.
  • Organized digital image archives for easy access and retrieval.

Education

B.A. - Public Relations, Creative Writing Minor

Bradley University
Peoria, IL

Skills

  • Creative ideation and content development
  • Brand strategy
  • Strategic planning
  • Public relations
  • Copywriting and communication skills
  • Campaign management
  • Team collaboration
  • SEO optimization

<Enter your own>

Title: Creative Writer & Marcom Strategist

Fun Facts

  • The Price Is Right contestant
  • 5x Marathoner
  • Outperformed LeBron James in a fitness class

Accolades

  • 2017-2024, Writing courses in Copywriting, Scriptwriting, Humor, and NY Times Personal Essay.
  • 2017, Quarterfinalist, 'Best TV Comedy' | Final Draft’s Big Break TV Pilot Writing Competition.
  • 2002 & 2012, Published in Soap Opera Digest Magazine and Bradley University’s 'Hilltopics.'

Timeline

STRATEGIC ADVISOR - SOCIAL MEDIA & CREATIVE

Litknit, Inc.
06.2024 - 07.2024

SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER

Writing Pad L.A. | Rise Nation Dallas
05.2019 - 06.2024

FREELANCE WRITER, TELEVISION

NBC, Pop TV, 20th Century Fox
01.2014 - 04.2023

PUBLIC RELATIONS & BRAND MANAGER

Simantel
10.2011 - 10.2013

ACCOUNT MANAGER

Simantel
08.2011 - 10.2011

TEAM LEADER & DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY OUTREACH

Lululemon
08.2010 - 08.2011

STRATEGIC PLANNING COORDINATOR

Cartoon Network
01.2009 - 08.2010

Account Manager

Brandimage (now SKG)
05.2008 - 01.2009

Account Manager

Michael Walters Advertising Agency
10.2005 - 01.2008

AD SALES ASSISTANT

ABC & ESPN Radio Network
03.2004 - 10.2005

CREATIVE ASSISTANT

Sparrow Records, now EMI Recording Label
08.2002 - 02.2004

ASSISTANT PHOTO EDITOR

Soap Opera Digest Magazine
05.2001 - 08.2002

B.A. - Public Relations, Creative Writing Minor

Bradley University