Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Websites
Pronouns
Certification
Interests
Timeline
Generic

KT Hawbaker

Chicago,IL

Summary

Adaptable and creative individual with knack for crafting compelling messages and engaging diverse audiences. Possesses solid understanding of communication strategies and digital marketing techniques, including content creation and social media management. Aims to drive impactful communication initiatives that enhance brand visibility and foster positive public relations.

Overview

8
8
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Communications Manager

Builders Vision
04.2022 - Current
  • I lead executive communications, DEI programs, and internal branding to drive impact and streamline operations
  • From managing cross-team collaboration and high-impact campaigns to facilitating storytelling workshops and culture initiatives, I help align internal values with external messaging
  • I also oversee social media and event communications to keep branding consistent and engaging

Freelance Journalist
02.2018 - Current
  • I cover arts, entertainment, and LGBTQ+ culture
  • My work has appeared in the Chicago Tribune, Chicago Reader, and Artforum, where I’ve interviewed creatives like John Waters and John Cameron Mitchell
  • I’m passionate about highlighting queer voices and exploring the intersection of art, identity, and culture

Communications Associate

CAASE
03.2020 - 04.2022
  • I planned and implemented communication strategies to promote CAASE’s four pillars, developed editorial calendars with the Communications Manager, and wrote engaging interview-based blog pieces
  • I also drafted media releases and public materials while executing a multimedia social media plan across platforms

Marketing Manager

Emerald City Theatre
05.2019 - 12.2019
  • I managed and engaged with online communities, created content, secured targeted ad buys, and maintained a detailed marketing calendar
  • I organized timelines, set key deadlines, and scheduled promotional and influencer appearances within budget

Arts & Entertainment

Chicago Tribune
05.2017 - 02.2019
  • I covered emerging stories in arts and entertainment, wrote a weekly gallery column on Chicago’s contemporary scene, and coordinated exclusive stories with theaters, museums, and creative institutions
  • I also pitched features for fashion, lifestyle, and food, managed PR communications, and ran social media for the theater section across Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram

Education

M.A. - New Arts Journalism

School of the Art Institute of Chicago
Chicago, IL
01.2017

B.A. - Creative Nonfiction, Gender Studies

University of Iowa
Iowa City, IA
01.2013

Skills

  • Interdepartmental Collaboration Leadership

  • Narrative Crafting

  • Online Community Building

  • Inclusive Communication Strategies

  • Project Management (Airtable, Asana, Trello)

  • Design Tools (Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, Figma)

  • Social Media Management (Hootsuite, Buffer, Sprout Social)

  • Communication Tools (Slack, Zoom, Microsoft Teams)

  • Strategic Brand Messaging

  • Inte Communications

  • Visual Storytelling

  • Creative Direction

  • Marketing Campaigns

Websites

Pronouns

they/them/theirs

Certification

DEI Leadership, 2023, Northwestern University

Interests

  • Drawing Comics
  • Marathon Running
  • Plant-Based Cooking
  • Art and Film Criticism
  • Podcasting

Timeline

Communications Manager

Builders Vision
04.2022 - Current

Communications Associate

CAASE
03.2020 - 04.2022

Marketing Manager

Emerald City Theatre
05.2019 - 12.2019

Freelance Journalist
02.2018 - Current

Arts & Entertainment

Chicago Tribune
05.2017 - 02.2019

B.A. - Creative Nonfiction, Gender Studies

University of Iowa

M.A. - New Arts Journalism

School of the Art Institute of Chicago

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KT Hawbaker