Leo A. Jilk
Arlington
Summary
Dynamic communications and public relations manager with a robust background in strategic planning and operational oversight. Expertise in leading teams to execute initiatives that enhance organizational effectiveness while fostering strong relationships with key stakeholders. Proven track record in crisis communications, media relations, social media management, and resource management, ensuring seamless communication and engagement across all platforms. Committed to driving impactful results through innovative strategies and collaborative efforts.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
Work History
Public Diplomacy Officer (Diplomat)
U.S. Department of State
Washington, DC
01.2024 - Current
- Briefed Department Spokesperson weekly on regulatory and policy changes for televised press pool briefings.
- Translated complex policy changes in immigration and tourism into plain language for broad public audiences.
- Managed 24-7 crisis/task force comms during emergency evacuation of U.S. citizens from Middle East.
- Pitched, facilitated, coached senior Department officials for media interviews on immigration and tourism.
- Addressed urgent inquiries from press (CNN, BBC, Fox, etc.) in coordination with leadership and lawyers.
Educational and Cultural Affairs
Strategic Communications Office
Washington, DC
01.2022 - 01.2024
- Co-organized in-person Meridian International Center event on global U.S. cultural heritage preservation initiatives.
- Wrote keynote speech for former U.S. Assistant Secretary for Educational and Cultural Affairs.
- Developed strategic messaging on U.S. sustainable cultural heritage preservation efforts, to distinguish U.S. from China, Russia, other competitors.
- Managed public-private partnership with Google Arts & Culture. Organized launch event at Google headquarters.
- Led contract team to organize international conference on U.S. cultural heritage preservation initiatives.
- Created and managed Department-wide messaging campaigns through Bureau’s social media and web platforms.
Exchange Program Director
Cultural Affairs Office
Jakarta, Indonesia
01.2020 - 01.2022
- Built strategic relationships with leaders in government, civil society, and educational institutions as Embassy Spokesperson and Director for Department’s professional exchange programs.
- Managed recruitment and selection process for Indonesian government and private sector exchange participants.
- Implemented top-level U.S. cultural events and performances. Secured minister-level government participation.
- Traveled regionally for TV, radio, and in-person public events to promote multimillion dollar U.S. grant programs.
Consular Officer
Consular Office
Yerevan, Armenia
01.2017 - 01.2019
- Shaped immigration policy by conducting travel data validation studies. Adjudicated 20,000 visa applications.
- Developed public outreach materials in three languages for Armenian, Russian, and Iranian audiences.
- Created nationwide education and tourism outreach strategy. Hosted “Ask the Consul” webcast.
Management Specialist
Regional Security Office
Algiers, Algeria
01.2014 - 01.2016
- Advised 85 U.S. companies in Algeria on security. Organized Overseas Security Advisory Council meetings.
- Enhanced Embassy Emergency Action Plan, in coordination with Executive Office and senior leadership.
Management Specialist
Political Office
Kyiv, Ukraine
01.2011 - 01.2013
- Led parliamentary election observation, local government coordination, and reporting in northwestern Ukraine.
- Created new Embassy human rights vetting policy and trained all American and Ukrainian staff in procedures.
- Arranged travel, scheduled and facilitated meetings for Ambassador, Deputy, and Political Officers.
Security Consultant, UN Capital Master Plan
Sayar Consulting, United Nations
New York, NY
01.2010 - 01.2011
- Liaised with UN Special Investigation Unit to complete background checks and vet required legal documents.
- Supervised access and grounds pass procedures and maintained security compliance records for 10,000+ staff.
English Instructor
University of Nevada at Las Vegas English Department
Las Vegas, NV
01.2007 - 01.2009
- Developed curriculum and taught two undergraduate English writing classes of twenty-five students per semester.
Marketing and Publicity Manager
Alexander Gorlin Architects
New York, NY
01.2002 - 01.2007
- Represented firm at city government meetings, national conventions project interviews, and cultural events.
- Wrote and designed all proposals and marketing materials for institutional and private architectural projects.
- Facilitated publication of design projects with magazine and news editors (e.g. NY Times, Architectural Digest).
Education
Master of Fine Arts - Writing
University of Nevada at Las Vegas
B.A. - English
Columbia University, Columbia College
New York, NYCritical Language Scholarship - undefined
U.S. Department of State
Tomsk, RussiaSkills
- Team collaboration
- Writing Speeches and Talking Points
- Supervising Diverse Project Teams
- Program Management and Event Planning
- Clear and concise report drafting
- Long-term strategic planning
FOREIGN LANGUAGE SKILLS
Professional-level proficiency in Russian, Armenian, Indonesian (Bahasa Indonesia).
Conversational in French and Spanish.
Timeline
Public Diplomacy Officer (Diplomat)
U.S. Department of State
01.2024 - Current
Educational and Cultural Affairs
Strategic Communications Office
01.2022 - 01.2024
Exchange Program Director
Cultural Affairs Office
01.2020 - 01.2022
Consular Officer
Consular Office
01.2017 - 01.2019
Management Specialist
Regional Security Office
01.2014 - 01.2016
Management Specialist
Political Office
01.2011 - 01.2013
Security Consultant, UN Capital Master Plan
Sayar Consulting, United Nations
01.2010 - 01.2011
English Instructor
University of Nevada at Las Vegas English Department
01.2007 - 01.2009
Marketing and Publicity Manager
Alexander Gorlin Architects
01.2002 - 01.2007
B.A. - English
Columbia University, Columbia College
Critical Language Scholarship - undefined
U.S. Department of State
Master of Fine Arts - Writing
University of Nevada at Las Vegas