Samantha G. Gordon
Jersey City,NJ
Summary
Dynamic communications leader with extensive experience in executive positioning, driving brand reputation and crisis management for top-tier clients. Expert in media outreach and narrative development, I excel in proactive strategy, stakeholder engagement and community advocacy, delivering campaign-like tactics that elevate organizational goals. Proven ability to train executives and manage high-stakes communications effectively.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Communications and Strategy
Salvation and Social Justice
Trenton, NJ
03.2025 - Current
- Leads strategic communications planning, brand management and traditional media outreach
- Builds and drives messaging campaigns; rapid-response tactics and mobilization strategies
- Counsels CEO and executive Board on C3 and C4 organizational objectives and approach
- Partners on public affairs and government relations outreach
- Oversees creative development of organizational assets: website, message docs, videos, infographics
- Leads event planning including press conferences, board retreats, concerts, and more
- Supports Executive Eminence positioning, including media training and thought-leadership opportunities
- Manages social media platforms and digital platforms including website and a nearly 10,000-follower email list.
Communications Consultant
Kempsey Strategies
01.2019 - Current
- Trusted advisor to lead branding and strategic communications efforts for high-profile politicians, advocacy organizations and non-profits
- Mayor Ras Baraka of Newark, NJ: relevant work includes helped manage the communications outreach during the lead in water pipe crisis: launched a Statewide Listening Tour in all 21 Counties of New Jersey to engage with voters; Liaison to nonprofit organizations, foundations, anchor institutions and other key community funders on behalf of the City of Newark: Audible, Prudential, Mars, PSEG
- Salvation and Social Justice: headquartered in Trenton, leads strategic communications; community engagement planning and government affairs outreach
- Mac Arthur Foundation (Newark, NJ): leads narrative development and media outreach
- Communications advisor overseeing message development (traditional and social media platforms), press opportunities and crisis communications/rapid response events
- Conducts media training for media interviews, board presentations “Main Stage” conference opportunities conferences and more
- Leverages extensive contacts among national print, radio and broadcast for new and/or deeper media relationships.
- Communications
Senior Vice President, Corporate Communications
BCW Global
New York, New York
01.2022 - 01.2024
- Led, cultivate and secure new business opportunities with clients such as AutoZone, The Elton John Foundation, NorthFace and more
- Drove crisis communications efforts to “build and protect”top brands facing political, sustainability and labor force threats
- C-Suite positioning and stakeholder engagement for domestic and international clients including Bank of America, AutoZone and more
- Drafted speeches, op-eds, talking points, rapid response content and other memos for various audiences
- Conducted media/message trainings and other forms of preparation for top executives and other high-profile figures
- Managed teams (ranging from 5-15 individuals) to create and drive successful strategy plans within budget and in a timely fashion.
- Corporate Communications
Vice President, Corporate Communications
MWWPR
New York, New York
01.2015 - 01.2019
- Developed strategic communication plans, crisis management, public engagement and other campaign strategies that demonstrate a creative approach to surpass client goals
- Effectively led and managed multiple accounts of public clients which include Deloitte, Atkins, Amicus Therapeutics, The Washington Post and other private, crisis clients
- Steered brand reputation efforts for a Presidential campaign in Liberia, Africa and the government of the Dominican Republic
- Drafted speeches, op-eds, talking points, rapid response content and other memos for various audiences
- Conducted media/message trainings and other forms of preparation for C-Suite executives and other high-profile figures
- Leveraged extensive relationships among national print, radio, broadcast and international media
- Managed teams to create and drive successful strategy plans within budget and in a timely fashion.
- Corporate Communications
Communications and Public Affairs Director
NARAL Pro-Choice America
Washington, DC
01.2012 - 01.2015
- Key spokesperson for national non-profit organization advocating for women’s health, appearing on MSNBC and personally quoted in more than three dozen news stories including The Daily Show, Washington Post and The LA Times
- Led narrative development for the national organization’s president and state affiliates
- Managed rapid response and crisis communications efforts
- Built strong relationships with reporters from national, regional, local, trade and other media outlets
- Drove messaging for donors/ investor and fundraising outreach
- Developed and delivered communications presentations for board members and donors
- Engaged high-level, nonprofit and community stakeholders across a wide range of advocacy causes including sustainability, LGBTQ+, social justice and more.
- Communications and Public Affairs Director
Industrial Midwest Regional Political Director
Democratic National Committee (DNC)
Washington, DC
01.2009 - 01.2012
- Monitored and analyzed political activity in Ohio, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Missouri, Indiana, Illinois, New Jersey, West Virginia, Kentucky and Kansas
- Prepped and staffed DNC Chairman Tim Kaine for regional visits and press opportunities
- Top liaison on behalf of the DNC to state-based constituents
- Served as key staff lead for in-state visits from high-profile and national influencers.
- Industrial Midwest Regional Political Director
Organizing for America New Jersey State Director
Democratic National Committee
Jersey City, New Jersey
01.2009 - 01.2011
- Served as New Jersey spokesperson for President Obama’s grassroots organization.
- Executed strategic state plans for community engagement, advocacy, and supporter mobilization.
- Managed all social media platforms, including Facebook, Twitter, and blog content.
- Directed organizing efforts for America as New Jersey State Director (DNC).
Campaigns & Policy Lead
National Education Association
Albuquerque, New Mexico
01.2008 - 01.2009
- Regularly traveled to various states to monitor targeted Presidential, Senate and House races
- Developed and implemented an innovative campaign program using internal polling data
- Coordinated with national headquarters to develop appropriate messaging and mailers for targets.
- Campaigns & Policy Lead
New Jersey Political Director/National Campaign Staff Member
Hillary Clinton for President Campaign
, New Jersey
01.2007 - 01.2008
- Served as a liaison for the national campaign and state/local elected officials, coordinating key fundraising events for the principle and key representatives
- Effectively represented the campaign as a spokesperson for debates and interviews
- Collaborated directly with national Presidential campaign staff on the New Jersey delegate selection process and candidate petition filings.
- New Jersey Political Director/National Campaign Staff Member
Traveling Assistant to Governor Jon S. Corzine
State of New Jersey Governor’s Office
, New Jersey
01.2005 - 01.2007
- Effectively managed the Governor’s daily schedule in a fast-paced environment
- Served as primary liaison for the Governor to the Governor’s office, Cabinet and elected officials while traveling
- Meticulously edited and typed talking points for numerous speaking engagements while also coordinating and recording press opportunities with various media markets.
- Traveling Assistant to Governor Jon S. Corzine
AmeriCorps Member
NJ Secretary of State's Office
Trenton, NJ
01.2004 - 01.2005
- Delivered keynote speech for organization’s 20th anniversary, inspiring community engagement.
- Collaborated with New Jersey-based nonprofits to strengthen programming and strategic initiatives.
- Contributed as an AmeriCorps Member, supporting various community service projects.
- Advocated for underserved populations, including environmental and homeless communities.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Broadcast Journalism
Rider University
Lawrenceville, NJSkills
- Communications/Marketing Director
- Public Affairs
- Media Outreach
- CSR/ Strategic Planning/Positioning
- Brand Reputation Management
- Spokesperson
- Media Training
- Executive Eminence
- International Experience
- Narrative Development
- Stakeholder Outreach
- Community Engagement
- Campaign Lead
Timeline
Director of Communications and Strategy
Salvation and Social Justice
03.2025 - Current
Senior Vice President, Corporate Communications
BCW Global
01.2022 - 01.2024
Communications Consultant
Kempsey Strategies
01.2019 - Current
Vice President, Corporate Communications
MWWPR
01.2015 - 01.2019
Communications and Public Affairs Director
NARAL Pro-Choice America
01.2012 - 01.2015
Industrial Midwest Regional Political Director
Democratic National Committee (DNC)
01.2009 - 01.2012
Organizing for America New Jersey State Director
Democratic National Committee
01.2009 - 01.2011
Campaigns & Policy Lead
National Education Association
01.2008 - 01.2009
New Jersey Political Director/National Campaign Staff Member
Hillary Clinton for President Campaign
01.2007 - 01.2008
Traveling Assistant to Governor Jon S. Corzine
State of New Jersey Governor’s Office
01.2005 - 01.2007
AmeriCorps Member
NJ Secretary of State's Office
01.2004 - 01.2005
Bachelor of Arts - Broadcast Journalism
Rider University