Natalie Russell
Indianapolis,IN
Summary
Experienced communicator with over seven years of experience in industries where I am required to communicate effectively. I have an excellent reputation for resolving problems, improving customer satisfaction, and driving overall operational improvements. I have been recognized for inspiring management team members to excel and encouraging creative work environments. I seek a position where I can utilize my experience as a former reporter and liaison between the media and state legislators, along with my experience as a current business owner. My ability to work in a fast paced environment, connect with people and communicate effectively has prepared me for my next position. I am driven, outgoing and dedicated to working in a field where I can bring my talents to life.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
Communications Manager
Indiana Hospital Association
Indianapolis, IN
02.2021 - Current
- Work directly with the Vice President of Communications and Public Policy to develop and implement internal and external communication strategies.
- Produce material and write our membership publication, Harmony, that goes out to members of all 175 of the hospitals we represent.
- Lead public relations and communications team.
- Develop communications strategies throughout COVID-19 to drive a message surrounding hospitals' efforts
- Produce video content to go along with membership magazine.
- Write engaging and successful press releases to control information and public opinion.
- Draft speeches for company executives and advise on media talking points.
- Constantly learning new skills and apply them to daily tasks, improving efficiency and productivity.
- As a former lobbyist, I also assist in some of the government affairs duties.
- Coordinated advocacy relations meetings and prepared necessary materials in advance.
- Built and maintained relationships with key clinicians, spokespeople, advocates and opinion leaders.
- Authored fresh and engaging press releases and prepared complete press kits.
Owner
Modern Spindle Clothing Company
Indianapolis, Indiana
01.2019 - Current
- Created and monitored promotional approaches to increase sales and profit levels
- Established and administered annual budget with effective controls to prevent overages, minimize burn rate and support sustainability objectives
- Managed day-to-day business operations, including accounting, finance, marketing and public relations
- Reduced budgetary expenditures by effectively negotiating contracts for more advantageous terms
- Evaluated suppliers to assess quality, timeliness and compliance of deliveries, maintain tight cost controls and maximize business operational efficiency
- Aligned branding initiatives and sales strategies with client goals
- Stayed current with market trends to determine optimal pricing of goods and services and to capitalize on emerging opportunities
- Remained up-to-date on current needs and attended numerous trade shows per year to view and purchase items for resale
Executive Associate (Mat Leave Cover)
Project Lead The Way
Indianapolis, IN
07.2020 - 11.2020
- Handled highly confidential information and drafted agendas, communications, announcements and slides.
- Worked directly with board of directors to manage tasks and meet quotas.
- Streamlined operations and prioritized tasks, allowing senior staff to increase productivity.
- Wrote reports, executive summaries and newsletters.
- Managed mail and both incoming and outgoing correspondence, mail, email and faxes.
- Worked with senior management to initiate new projects and assist in various processes.
- Collaborated with media to encourage company and product coverage and promote brand mission and values.
- Coordinated with subject matter experts for interviews and topic generation.
Director of Comms and Government Affairs- Contract
Hallowell Consulting
Indianapolis, IN
06.2018 - 01.2019
- Determined target demographics and participated in door to door political discussions
- Completed clerical tasks such as filing, copying and distributing mail
- Performed administrative duties, including helping with the development of the newly founded Indiana Innovation and Technology Association
- Contributed to team results in fast-paced environments
- Monitored social media and online sources for industry trends
- Supported needs off the president with skill and efficiency
- Loaded, unloaded and moved material to and from meetings
- Followed all policies, regulations, dress codes and schedules
- Assisted with completion of Indiana Leadership Forum and gathering checks for the event that included over 500 attendees
Press Secretary (PR)
Indiana Senate
Indianapolis, Indiana
10.2015 - 12.2017
- Wrote press releases, speeches, acted as liaison between media and senators, built quarterly mailers, and assisted senators in day-to-day tasks
- Assisted communications director with editing and brain storming responsibilities
- Worked with multiple legislator personalities and provided guidance on how they should speak to the media
- Monitored social media and online sources for industry trends
- Resolved communications problems, improved operations and provided exceptional legislative support
- Contributed to team results in fast-paced legislative session environments
- Participated in meetings to discuss new social media opportunities
- Followed all policies, regulations, dress codes and schedules
- Resolved conflicts and negotiated mutually beneficial agreements between parties
- Handled media inquires to address inquiries and concerns
- Created a weekly podcast on updates during the legislative session
Multi-Media Journalist/Reporter
WFIE 14 News
Evansville, Indiana
09.2014 - 10.2015
- Shot video, wrote scripts, edited video, and was live in three newscasts a day
- Traveled to different communities daily, turning five to seven stories a day
- I worked in a fast-paced environment where I was constantly pitching story ideas, posting to social media, gathering content, writing and editing scripts and video, and doing all I could to stay ahead of the game
- Researched and produced daily news reports
- Interviewed guests on specific topics
- Conducted live and taped interviews to obtain information
- Investigated important community issues and put together well-received reports
- Utilized social media outlets to connect directly with public
- Partnered with media executives to produce compelling stories
- Responded to emergencies and breaking news stories with strong sense of urgency, at any hour
- Wrote and submitted accurate, engaging and fact-checked stories
- Managed all aspects of content production for digital properties
- Helped shape narrative on key issues through effective storytelling and knowledge of public opinion
- Delivered live reports from site of event and from mobile broadcast unit
- Followed through on beat sources, contacts and leads to gather information for stories
- Evaluated and followed up on news leads and news tips to develop story ideas
- Applied understanding of public opinion, social media and traditional media use to create engaging and attention-grabbing stories
- Wrote, edited and produced stories for multiple platforms, including Internet and digital channels
- Organized material, determined area of emphasis, and wrote stories according to prescribed editorial style and format standards
- Wrote pieces and news stories for online publication, coordinating images and layout to ensure proper presentation
- Pursued and developed stories independently and for assignment, covering range of topics
- Performed research and checked all facts to maintain high standard of journalistic integrity
- Utilized Adobe, Avid and Final Cut Pro to produce professional pieces
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Communications
Purdue University
West Lafayette, IN12.2013
Skills
- Public Speaking
- Public Relations
- Editorial Writing
- Sales and Marketing
- Media Coverage
- Video and script editing
- Press release, speech and script writing
- Legislative tracking techniques
- Experience editing and highlighting most important information in documents
- Legislative Lobbying
- Customer Service
- Inventory Management
- Customer retention
- Administrative support
- Team building
- Time management
- Media relations
- Communications support
- Schedule Management
- Team Leadership
- Social media coordination
- Communication planning
- Excellent media contacts
- Excellent interpersonal skills
- Special events planning
- Persuasive
- Creative and innovative
Accomplishments
Indy 500 Princess Ambassador Program: One of 33 women chosen to represent Indiana college women across the state. I organized 30 outreaches ranging from partnerships with the Damien Center to organizations helping children from low income families. I also currently volunteer with an anti human trafficking group, All Worthy of Love. We are a non-profit focused on women helping women. Every Tuesday evening, we drive the most impoverished streets of Indianapolis, handing our lunches and hygiene kits. Our goal is to help identify trafficking and prostitution victims by getting them off the streets, and into housing and jobs.
Timeline
Communications Manager
Indiana Hospital Association
02.2021 - Current
Executive Associate (Mat Leave Cover)
Project Lead The Way
07.2020 - 11.2020
Owner
Modern Spindle Clothing Company
01.2019 - Current
Director of Comms and Government Affairs- Contract
Hallowell Consulting
06.2018 - 01.2019
Press Secretary (PR)
Indiana Senate
10.2015 - 12.2017
Multi-Media Journalist/Reporter
WFIE 14 News
09.2014 - 10.2015
Bachelor of Arts - Communications
Purdue University
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