Keisha Kirkland
Public And Community Relations
Charleston,SC
Summary
Enthusiastic Head of Public Relations with 12-year record of shaping public opinion of grant programs, local government agencies, and non-profits through creative use of press releases, printed materials and online resources. Friendly approach to media personnel and social influencers built strong relationships that kept company front and center of many news cycles. Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Public and Community Relations Manager
International African American Museum
Charleston , SC
03.2022 - Current
- Spearhead and key developer of overall communications strategy for the museum's grand opening in January 2023.Conduct market and public opinion research related to the museum's reputation and positioning among key stakeholder audiences. Defined and achieved project and overall organizational vision, strategies, and tactics. Responsible for raising brand awareness through consistent marketing efforts and product campaign launches. Collaborate with media to encourage company and product coverage and promote brand mission and values. Consult with advertising agencies to arrange promotional campaigns in various types of media. Represent the museum to community partners, public, government officials, and other external sources enhancing collaboration opportunities by 20% in 7 months. Develop key and valued relationships with customers, public, government officials, and other external sources by resolving issues quickly. Develop innovative marketing and PR strategies. Design and create campaign e-mail invitations, articles, and marketing videos. Collaborate with external PR firms, as well as internal marketing managers, to determine branding, organization positioning, and media messages. Manage internal, external, and crisis communications. Manage press releases and handle press inquiries. Develop innovative marketing and PR strategies. Communicate with media weekly to build relationships and optimize press coverage. Raised brand awareness by 36% in 7 months through consistent marketing efforts and product campaign launches. Stay within budget for marketing expenses
Public Affairs Officer
DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER & REGULATORY AFFAIRS
WASHINGTON , DC
06.2016 - 03.2022
- Coordinated all service media campaigns increasing community knowledge of agency services by 65%. Developed and maintained positive relationships with internal/external stakeholders. Coordinated specified service campaigns increasing positive public perception of agency by 45%. Deployed well-coordinated campaigns, events and public relations strategies to facilitate smooth and successful customer service innovation projects. Maintained proactive media relations program by distributing news releases for placement, building strong relationships and monitoring media. Managed service projects from start to finish by finding partners, making detailed plans and executive projects. Executed social media plans to create cohesive online presence. Assisted with marketing strategy development to increase public awareness and customer engagement.
PROCESS & COMMUNICATION CONSULTANT
THE UNIVERSITY OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
WASHINGTON, DC , DC
07.2011 - 04.2016
- Created, managed, and tracked comprehensive communications strategies. Increased program awareness by developing marketing collateral and presentations, public relations campaigns, articles and newsletters expanding services by 25%. Monitored effectiveness of various campaigns and communication strategies. Drafted press releases detailing relevant newsworthy information and supporting brand image, and worked with news media to spread positions. Analyzed previous processes for inherent flaws, avoiding similar pitfalls in subsequent process development lifecycles. Presented process improvement plans and new process proposals to Principal Investigator of grant.
Communications and Outreach Coordinator
University Of The District Of Columbia
WASHINGTON, DC , DC
08.2009 - 07.2011
- Managed agency’s Expungement Program including all community outreach with DHS TEP vendors Increased employment partnerships by 40%. Developed and implemented program’s strategic communications and outreach plan. Established and implemented sustainable and diverse funding strategies to support financial and operational objectives of organization. Developed network relationships with industry professionals to enhance community awareness and promote services.
Education
Master of Science - Public Administration And Services
University Of The District Of Columbia
Washington, DC05.2011
Bachelor of Science - Broadcast Journalism
Norfolk State University
Norfolk, VA05.2008
Skills
- Campaign management
- Public and Media Relations
- Strategic Planning
- Brand development
- Government Relations
- Managing Digital Media
- Social media coordination
- Adobe PageMaker & CANVA
Timeline
Public and Community Relations Manager
International African American Museum
03.2022 - Current
Public Affairs Officer
DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER & REGULATORY AFFAIRS
06.2016 - 03.2022
PROCESS & COMMUNICATION CONSULTANT
THE UNIVERSITY OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
07.2011 - 04.2016
Communications and Outreach Coordinator
University Of The District Of Columbia
08.2009 - 07.2011
Master of Science - Public Administration And Services
University Of The District Of Columbia
Bachelor of Science - Broadcast Journalism
Norfolk State University
Similar Profiles
Alejandra ChongoAlejandra Chongo
Visitor Experience Associate at International African American MuseumVisitor Experience Associate at International African American Museum
James WilliamsJames Williams
Genealogy Research Assistant at International African American MuseumGenealogy Research Assistant at International African American Museum
Trinity CaldwellTrinity Caldwell
Summer Camp Staff at African American History Museum Summer CampSummer Camp Staff at African American History Museum Summer Camp