Open To Work
Kelly Murphy
EducationDynamics/RW Jones Agency
DeKalb,Illinois
Work Preference
Job Search Status:
Open to work
Desired start date:
Immediately
Desired Job Title
Account DirectorDirector of Communication and Public RelationsAssociate Director of Communication and Public RelationsVice President of Communications
Work Type
Full TimeConsulting
Location Preference
Remote
Important To Me
Work-life balanceCompany CultureFlexible work hoursWork from home optionPaid time off401k match4-day work weekCareer advancementPersonal development programsHealthcare benefits
13
years of professional experience
Dynamic communications and client relationship leader with over 12 years of experience advising senior executives, managing complex communications challenges, and enhancing organizational reputation. Expertise in higher education within both agency and institutional environments, specializing in executive counsel, media strategy, thought leadership, crisis communications, reputation management, and integrated communications. Proficient in navigating complex organizational landscapes, anticipating potential issues, and facilitating clear communication for leaders during periods of change and heightened visibility. Recognized as a trusted partner with sound judgment, strong relationship-building abilities, and a collaborative approach that drives measurable results.
Work History
Account Director
1 Year 8 Months- Serve as senior communications counselor to university presidents, cabinet leaders, and executive teams, advising on executive messaging, media strategy, thought leadership, and reputation management.
- Collaborate with client leadership and internal agency teams to align messaging, priorities, deliverables, and campaign execution; use performance data and media analysis to refine strategy.
- Developed and managed proactive and responsive communications strategies, creating talking points, briefing materials, media statements, op-eds, press releases, and crisis communications to enhance institutional visibility.
- Develop and manage proactive and responsive communications strategies, including talking points, briefing materials, media statements, op-eds, press releases, and crisis communications.
- Secured national media coverage in The New York Times, The Washington Post, Associated Press, NPR, and Inside Higher Ed, positioning institutional leaders, research, and initiatives at the forefront of public discourse.
- Collaborated with client leadership and internal agency teams to align messaging, priorities, and deliverables, refining campaign execution through performance data and media analysis.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of industry trends and best practices, offering valuable insights to clients seeking competitive advantages.
- Managed key client accounts, ensuring alignment with agency goals and fostering long-term relationships.
Account Manager
1 Year 3 Months- Managed day-to-day communications activities for four to six higher education clients, serving as a consistent point of contact and coordinating timely delivery across multiple workstreams.
- Conducted daily media monitoring and reputational analysis, identifying risks and opportunities to provide actionable recommendations that informed client strategies.
- Prepared briefing materials and coordinated interviews for institutional spokespeople, ensuring clear key messages and strong media readiness.
- Developed and pitched targeted story angles to local, regional, and national media, enhancing visibility of faculty research, student success, institutional leadership, and strategic initiatives.
- Drafted strategic press releases, op-eds, and digital toolkits, tracking placements and reach to showcase impact on client communications.
Director of Communication and Public Relations
1 Year 5 Months- Enhanced media visibility by 113% through strategic planning and execution of a media relations initiative aligned with institutional goals.
- Cultivated relationships with 96 subject matter experts, fostering proactive media engagement and expanding avenues for expert commentary and op-eds.
- Cultivated interdepartmental dialogue to support collaborative efforts on institutional projects and initiatives.
Associate Director of Communication and Public Relations
4 Months- Served as a strategic advisor to senior leadership on media strategy, thought leadership, crisis communications, messaging, and reputation management.
- Cultivated media relationships across local, regional, and national levels, securing coverage in Associated Press, CNN, Newsweek, U.S. News & World Report, and The 19th.
- Advised senior leadership on media strategy, thought leadership, crisis communications, messaging, and reputation management, enhancing organizational communication efforts.
Assistant Director of Communication and Public Relations
3 Years 8 Months- Produced compelling media pitches and press releases, focusing on digital content to strengthen brand recognition and support organizational goals.
- Curated and implemented social media content and campaigns across diverse platforms, focusing on follower growth and engagement enhancement.
- Facilitated transition to new media monitoring system, ensuring successful vendor negotiations and seamless implementation.
Manager of Media Relations
1 Year 1 Month- Directed university media relations strategy, increasing positive coverage by 20%, and served as the primary liaison for media inquiries.
- Ghostwrote speeches, articles, and letters for University president while developing crisis communications plans and institutional statements to enhance institutional messaging.
- Created newsroom content strategies that increased website traffic by 78% and expanded social media engagement through organic efforts, driving greater audience connection.
Media Relations Specialist
2 Years 4 Months- Developed integrated communications campaigns that boosted positive media coverage by 30%, aligning with the University's mission and values.
- Established internal team with department chairs and campus stakeholders to identify and package compelling stories for external media.
- Developed and executed strategic media outreach plans to enhance university visibility.
- Cultivated relationships with local and national media outlets to secure coverage for university initiatives.
- Crafted compelling press releases and communication materials to effectively convey key messages.
Technical Media Operator
1 Year 7 Months- Directed live television newscasts and managed master control operations in fast-paced newsroom, ensuring seamless coverage of NBC's 2014 Winter Olympics.
- Operated studio equipment for live broadcasts, ensuring optimal audio and visual quality.
- Monitored transmission systems to prevent disruptions and maintain broadcast standards.
- Collaborated with production team to execute seamless live events and program recordings.
Education
Master of Business Administration - Digital Marketing
Bachelor of Arts - Communication, Minor in Journalism
Skills
Crisis management
Reputation Management
Media Relations
Strategic Communications
Executive Communications
Brand Strategy
Content Strategy
Thought Leadership
Stakeholder Engagement
Client Relations Management
Media Training
Communications Analysis
HIGHLIGHTS
- Executive Counsel: Advise presidents, cabinet leaders, and executive teams on communications strategy, reputation, media engagement, and high-profile issues.
- National Visibility: Secured earned media coverage in The New York Times, The Washington Post, Associated Press, NPR, CNN, Newsweek, and other leading national outlets.
- Measurable Growth: Increased earned media placements by 113% as Director and 117% as Associate Director at North Central College.
- Thought Leadership: Built and managed a 96-member faculty expert network, expanding opportunities for expert commentary, proactive media engagement, and institutional visibility.
TECHNOLOGY & PLATFORMS
Media Intelligence: Meltwater, Cision, Critical Mention, TVEyes, CoverageBook
Digital & Analytics: Google Analytics, Adobe Experience Manager, Drupal, WordPress
AI & Project Management: ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, Asana, Monday.com, Basecamp, Jira
Content & Engagement: Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, Emma, Constant Contact, LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X
Timeline
Account Director
EducationDynamics/RW Jones Agency
12.2024 - CurrentRead More
Account Manager
EducationDynamics/RW Jones Agency
09.2023 - 12.2024Read More
Director of Communication and Public Relations
North Central College
04.2022 - 09.2023Read More
Associate Director of Communication and Public Relations
North Central College
12.2021 - 04.2022Read More
Assistant Director of Communication and Public Relations
North Central College
04.2018 - 12.2021Read More
Manager of Media Relations
Saint Xavier University
03.2017 - 04.2018Read More
Media Relations Specialist
Saint Xavier University
11.2014 - 03.2017Read More
Technical Media Operator
KWQC-TV (NBC Affiliate)
04.2013 - 11.2014Read More
Saint Xavier University
Master of Business Administration from Digital Marketing
Read More
Monmouth College
Bachelor of Arts from Communication, Minor in Journalism
Read More