Katy Houston
Castle Rock,CO
Summary
Motivated strategic communicator with a passion for building relationships. Leveraging more than a decade of experience in communications, public relations, community engagement and marketing to craft compelling narratives, drive meaningful engagement and create authentic connections.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Communications and Engagement Manager
Cohere
Castle Rock
10.2023 - Current
- Planned and executed engagement initiatives that fostered a vibrant, purpose-driven community.
- Created content for website, weekly newsletters, and social media as well as supplemental marketing collateral (brochures, calendars, flyers, signs, etc.)
- Provided guidance and support to junior team members throughout the lifecycle of projects including website build, community planning and events, service contract management, budgeting and expense reporting.
- Secured vendors, negotiated contracts and rates to maximize budget efficiency.
Communications Specialist
Town of Castle Rock
Castle Rock
11.2022 - 10.2023
- Managed comprehensive communications strategies to integrate traditional and digital channels reaching maximizing reach and impact.
- Analyzed KPI's using Google Analytics, Hootsuite, Meta Business Suite to identify areas of improvement.
- Designed content for Town of Castle Rock communication channels, including quarterly magazine newsletter, recruitment brochures, web content, and social media and video. Ensured alignment with brand standards, AP style, and accessibility requirements.
- Served as a liaison between Town departments to facilitate information sharing and drive successful campaign development.
Digital Marketing Manager
Downtown Partnership of Colorado Springs
Colorado Springs
08.2017 - 11.2022
- Leveraged creative storytelling and strategic campaign planning to promote Downtown Colorado Springs as the civic, economic and cultural heart of the city across digital and traditional communication channels.
- Launched Downtown's first mobile "app" for locals and visitors to access events, attractions and a shopping and dining directory with over 100 discount offers. With over 10,000 downloads, patronage to the Downtown core saw a 40% increase in the first year.
- Worked with the City of Colorado Springs and the Small Business Development Center to offer tangible solutions for small businesses during COVID-19 shutdowns including a centralized hub for local, state and federal resources, grants, and an online shopping portal.
- Utilized Hootsuite and Meta Business Suite to manage social media accounts and editorial calendars for platforms including Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn. Tracked KPI's in monthly reports.
- Supported website redesign optimizing for accessability, SEO and user experience.
- Created content for website, blogs and email newsletters. Proficient in WordPress, Mail Chimp and Constant Contact.
- Managed media relations including press releases, interviews, photography requests.
- Negotiated contracts with vendors such as web designers, software developers, photographers, videographers and marketing agencies.
Marketing and Event Manager
Red Energy PR
Colorado Springs
09.2019 - 06.2020
- Collaborated with the PR team to ensure integrated communication strategies, develop compelling content for press releases and social media, and manage media relations.
- Developed and implemented event plans, including budgets, venues, catering, décor, entertainment and special guests.
Communications & Media Relations Intern
University of Colorado
Colorado Springs
01.2017 - 05.2017
- Supported media outreach efforts: Drafted press releases, pitched stories to local media outlets, and assisted with media monitoring.
Communication and Marketing
TRG Arts
Colorado Springs
05.2016 - 11.2016
- Provided communication support to craft press releases, manage media inquiries, and draft website content to enhance brand awareness and community outreach.
Gift in Kind Coordinator
Springs Rescue Mission
Colorado Springs
06.2010 - 07.2014
- Management of all aspects of the Gifts-in-Kind (GIK) process to ensure full and accurate tracking and recording of GIK. Authored and executed training program for inventory control producing relevant documentation to support annual audit.
- Increased outgoing Gift in Kind donations by over 30 percent over four years.
- Lead successful endeavor to obtain four-star rating with Charity Navigator.
- Developed strategies to improve operational procedures and reduce costs.
- Strengthened established relationships with local partner agencies and fostered new partnerships.
- Plan/execute annual events to include Christmas, Thanksgiving & Easter banquets 2010-2014.
Education
Bachelor's degree - Strategic Organizational Communications
University of Colorado
05.2017
Skills
- Cross-team project management
- Omnichannel Digital Marketing
- Data-driven decision maker
- Social Media Management: Hootsuite, Meta Business Suite, Sprout Social
- Website development: WordPress
- Graphic design: Adobe Creative Suite, Canva
- Google Analytics
- Email marketing: MailChimp, Constant Contact
- Project Management: Asana
- Government: Civic Plus, Archive Social
- Event management
- Public Relations
- Media Relations
Personal Information
Work Permit: Authorized to work in the US for any employer
Certification
- Google Analytics for Beginners, 2024
- Advanced Google Analytics, 2024
- Figma Essentials, 2024
- Digital Marketing Certification Course, HubSpot Academy, 2024
Timeline
Communications and Engagement Manager
Cohere
10.2023 - Current
Communications Specialist
Town of Castle Rock
11.2022 - 10.2023
Marketing and Event Manager
Red Energy PR
09.2019 - 06.2020
Digital Marketing Manager
Downtown Partnership of Colorado Springs
08.2017 - 11.2022
Communications & Media Relations Intern
University of Colorado
01.2017 - 05.2017
Communication and Marketing
TRG Arts
05.2016 - 11.2016
Gift in Kind Coordinator
Springs Rescue Mission
06.2010 - 07.2014
Bachelor's degree - Strategic Organizational Communications
University of Colorado
- Google Analytics for Beginners, 2024
- Advanced Google Analytics, 2024
- Figma Essentials, 2024
- Digital Marketing Certification Course, HubSpot Academy, 2024
Similar Profiles
Jessica BaruaJessica Barua
Data Quality Specialist at CohereData Quality Specialist at Cohere
Patrice EdwardsPatrice Edwards
Intake Specialist at CohereIntake Specialist at Cohere
Rozana SawaieRozana Sawaie
Front Desk Ambassador at CohereFront Desk Ambassador at Cohere