Kenny Reilly
New York,NY
Summary
Professional public relations specialist with proven track record in media engagement, event coordination, and client relationship management. Strong focus on team collaboration and achieving measurable results. Skilled in crafting compelling press releases, managing social media campaigns, and handling crisis communication. Adaptable and reliable, capable of meeting dynamic client needs and driving impactful publicity outcomes.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
Junior Publicist
MS NOW (formerly MSNBC)
11.2023 - Current
- Handled day-to-day public relations across MSNBC Dayside Programming and MSNBC Digital, including MSNBC.com and MSNBC social media.
- I wrote social content for MSNBC’s public relations social media platforms.
- Organized press with major trade publications and organizations for show launches and major programming events, including Deadline, 92NY, and more.
- Engaged in new media and influencer content to expand the audience and drive social engagement across major platforms.
- Collaborated with talent and other organizations on promotional materials for show launches, breaking news events, digital award competitions (such as the Webbys), and more.
- Led grassroots guerrilla promotion for MSNBC Live, a first-of-its-kind premier audience event for a news organization.
- Cultivated media relationships to enhance brand visibility and drive engagement.
- Developed press releases and media kits to support promotional campaigns.
Legislative Aide
Wisconsin State Assembly
01.2023 - 08.2023
- Worked for two legislators simultaneously: Rep. Kristina Shelton (Green Bay) and Rep. Lee Snodgrass (Appleton).
- Performed the duties of Communications Director, including operating social media, and direct-to-constituent outreach.
- Worked on the following policy areas: campaigns and elections, education, environment, small business, and workforce development.
- Other duties included constituent services, in-office management of interns, and organizing and assisting with the Representative's schedule.
- Drafted and analyzed legislation to support policy initiatives within Wisconsin State Assembly.
- Collaborated with stakeholders to gather input on proposed bills and amendments.
Finance Assistant
Democratic Party of Wisconsin
05.2022 - 12.2022
- Research and communicate with donors to DPW at all levels, both in-state and out-of-state.
- Assist the Finance Director and Party Chair with finance-related tasks, staffing at events, and call time.
Borough Manager Intern
Borough of Forest Hills
05.2021 - 08.2021
- Establish a comprehensive communications plan for the Borough of Forest Hills. Duties included: identify communication techniques and options appropriate to the needs of the Borough, developed social media performance metrics. Additionally, assist the Environmental Advisory Committee in research/planning for future enhancements and programs.
Field Director
Emily Kinkead for State Representative
02.2020 - 06.2020
- Designed and operated the on-the-ground grassroots movement to elect Emily Kinkead in the city and suburbs of Pittsburgh. Managed interns and volunteers in an effective and joyful manner that will foster a positive environment and campaign. Used traditional, digital, and unique tactics in an effort to elect a progressive candidate running on Pittsburgh’s North Side.
Field Organizer
Pete for America
10.2019 - 02.2020
- Built an on-the-ground organization that reached people where they are, both offline and online, and was committed to organizing communities and supporters in an authentic and innovative way.
Intern and Canvasser
Ross Barkan for State Senate
06.2018 - 08.2018
- Canvased across South Brooklyn. Assisted with data entry and turf cutting.
Press Intern
U.S. Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer
05.2017 - 08.2017
- Wrote press releases and talking points for Senator Schumer to prepare for Sunday press conferences. Scoped out locations for press conferences and assisted in event planning. Conducted detailed research and located statistics about various issues such as healthcare reform and infrastructure projects. Multi-tasked between assignments to the press department and constituent services department.
Education
Master of Arts - Public Administration
University of Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, PA04-2022
Bachelor of Arts - History/Political Science
University of Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, PA04-2019
Skills
- Public relations
- Social media strategy
- Press release writing
- Media relationship building
- Event planning
- Grassroots campaigning
- Audience engagement
- Content creation
- Communication strategy
- Creative storytelling
- Speech writing
- Legislative analysis
Timeline
Junior Publicist
MS NOW (formerly MSNBC)
11.2023 - Current
Legislative Aide
Wisconsin State Assembly
01.2023 - 08.2023
Finance Assistant
Democratic Party of Wisconsin
05.2022 - 12.2022
Borough Manager Intern
Borough of Forest Hills
05.2021 - 08.2021
Field Director
Emily Kinkead for State Representative
02.2020 - 06.2020
Field Organizer
Pete for America
10.2019 - 02.2020
Intern and Canvasser
Ross Barkan for State Senate
06.2018 - 08.2018
Press Intern
U.S. Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer
05.2017 - 08.2017
Master of Arts - Public Administration
University of Pittsburgh
Bachelor of Arts - History/Political Science
University of Pittsburgh