Krystal Branton
Washington
Summary
Innovative and insightful professional with a proven track record of highly effective planning, organizing, and implementing multiple initiatives and concurrent programs, yielding positive results. Dynamic team player with proven success in community engagement and support services. Expertise in strategic partnerships and event coordination drives impactful initiatives and enhances resource accessibility.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
3
3
Certifications
Work History
Supervisory Outreach and Engagement Specialist
Child And Family Services Agency
Washington
02.2022 - Current
- Developed and launched a thriving family resource site at the District of Columbia Superior Courthouse - Family Level. 3,500+ essential items have been distributed to date and supported by Partners for Kids and Families Program.
- Coordinated and hosted over 15 community-engaging events, featuring more than 75 exhibitors, aimed at increasing support for local neighborhoods and community members.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to ensure alignment of engagement activities with overall organizational goals.
- Cultivated and maintained relationships with key stakeholders, including community leaders and local.
- Established and maintains an active partnership portfolio comprised of 50+ non-profits, for-profits, and District government agencies.
- Facilitates team meetings to discuss internal operations, family referrals statuses, and service connections.
- Led the Mayor's Services Liaison Office's formal transition to a digital needs assessment and client referral system for core team members and connectors.
- Analyzes program effectiveness to optimize workflows.
- Designed and implemented office policies, frameworks, and toolkits to support revised administrative processes.
- Oversees team reporting, performance and quality assurance for 10 personnel.
- Develops benchmarks for measuring and monitoring strategic changes and organizational goals.
- Coordinates social and community supportive service connections for individuals and families referred by Child and Family Services Agency, Office of the Attorney General, and DC Family Court.
- Designed the Office of Thriving Families' feedback mechanisms for continuous improvement in programs and external engagement activities.
- Creates brochures and marketing materials to enhance internal communication, increase internal and external awareness, and expand the Office of Thriving Families and the Mayor's Services Liaison Office's reach.
Community Engagement Specialist
AARP
Washington
03.2021 - 02.2022
- Devised public relations strategies to engage with and influence general public in support of accomplishing business objectives and boosting revenues.
- Implemented Experience Corps DC strategic priorities to support 9 program sites, optimizes program quality, and expands partnerships.
- Collected, consolidated, and analyzed qualitative and quantitative data received from corps members and partners.
- Provided direct oversight and management of 70 volunteers to include pre-service training, scheduling, and placement.
- Assisted in the implementation of progressive literacy curricula at engaged community organizations and Title 1 schools.
- Oversaw mid-year and end-of-year reviews for tutors and team leaders.
- Ensured program assessment tools were implemented and completed by relevant stakeholders, community partners, and site liaisons.
- Communicated and ensured adherence to program guidelines, standards, and reporting requirements.
- Maintained positive working relationships with all stakeholders and community partners to ensure productive and satisfying experiences.
- Communicated with program leadership about issues that could have an impact on the program’s quality and/or reputation.
- Secured media interviews to help raise awareness of Experience DC to strengthen brand recognition and recruitment efforts.
- Worked successfully with diverse group of coworkers to accomplish goals and address issues related to our products and services.
- Established positive relationships with community groups, stakeholders and volunteers to coordinate strategic efforts.
Community Outreach Manager
WHUT / PBS
Washington
01.2018 - 03.2021
- Secured $175,000 from PBS to support educational initiatives in Wards 7 and 8 within 5 months of hire.
- Acquired supplemental grants totaling $50,000 to sponsor and support community film screenings.
- Attained in-kind sponsorships to support off-site events valued at $15,000.00.
- Managed partners portfolio that included the District of Columbia Department of Corrections, Smart From the Start, District of Columbia Public Library, Homeless Children's Playtime Project, Department of Parks and Recreation, Community of Hope, District of Columbia Public Schools and the United Planning Organization.
- Led digital event transition and increased community screenings by 30%.
- Co-managed social media platforms (Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter) and website.
- Launched weekly early learning educators newsletter.
- Developed engagement strategies to market station sponsored educational and special events.
- Updated records and accounting reports, including organizing budgets and documentation.
- Coordinated and produces segments for on-air promotion highlighting the station’s community outreach events and local initiatives.
- Recruited volunteers and schedule staff assignments to maximize the outreach department's impact, efficiency, and program effectiveness.
- Collaborated with team members to deliver project requirements, develop solutions and meet deadlines.
- Member of the Howard University Community Collaborative.
Creative Services Contractor
DCTV
Washington
06.2014 - 12.2020
- Appointed Course Instructor.
- Produced content for on-air broadcasts.
- Recruited crew members for in-studio and field productions.
- Edited footage for scheduled segments.
- Facilitated DCTV Members-Meet-up to increase and retain membership, encourage peer-to-peer learning, and promote networking.
Community Relations Specialist
Department of Aging
Washington
03.2014 - 06.2017
- Appointed team lead for the Mayor’s Annual Senior Symposium for 900+ attendees, included 20 workshops, and 60 workshop facilitators.
- Facilitated relationships with local government agencies, non-profit organizations, Advisory Neighborhood Commissions, Civic Associations, faith-based organizations, and community groups.
- Facilitated on-site community outreach efforts in Wards 6, 7 and 8.
- Coordinated Ambassador Academy workshops to provide supplemental training sessions for community volunteers.
- Co-developed preliminary External Affairs' Communications Plan.
- Authored press releases and communications materials to share vital information and promote intended messages.
- Appointed team lead to revamp agency’s website to increase usability.
- Revised newsletter template to enhance visibility and increase readership.
- Coordinated professional staff retreat for 70+ employees.
- Led local marketing campaigns reaching over 200,000+ households.
- Co-managed social media sites.
Director of Communications
Council of the District of Columbia
Washington
03.2013 - 03.2014
- Monitored and co-managed interagency coordination of services to ensure social and community support provided to residents, business owners, and stakeholders.
- Provided Advisory Neighborhood Commissions, Civic Associations, and community organizations meeting reports.
- Developed press releases.
- Coordinated media inquiries and press interviews.
- Prepared media advisory and daily news reports.
- Developed speeches and talking points.
- Maintained all social media accounts. Increased followers by 80%.
Education
M.S.W. - Community, Administration, Policy
Howard University
Washington, DCM.Ed - Human Development And Family Studies
Howard University
Washington, DCBachelor of Arts - Criminal Justice
Clark Atlanta University
Atlanta, GASkills
- Support Services and Resource Coordination
- Campaign Development
- Strategic Partnerships and Collaborations
- Volunteer Recruitment and Management
- Community Outreach
- Donor and Stakeholder Engagement
- Event Planning and Coordination
- Data - Assessments - Surveys Analysis
- Verbal and Written Communication Skills
- Microsoft Office
Certification
* Project Management
* Event Coordination
* Event Coordination
Timeline
Supervisory Outreach and Engagement Specialist
Child And Family Services Agency
02.2022 - Current
Community Engagement Specialist
AARP
03.2021 - 02.2022
Community Outreach Manager
WHUT / PBS
01.2018 - 03.2021
Creative Services Contractor
DCTV
06.2014 - 12.2020
Community Relations Specialist
Department of Aging
03.2014 - 06.2017
Director of Communications
Council of the District of Columbia
03.2013 - 03.2014
M.S.W. - Community, Administration, Policy
Howard University
M.Ed - Human Development And Family Studies
Howard University
Bachelor of Arts - Criminal Justice
Clark Atlanta University