Wilson Rivera
Public Affairs Specialist
Nashville,TN
Summary
Dynamic Public Affairs Specialist with the Department of the Army, skilled in digital content creation and media relations. Successfully managed a $450,000 budget to enhance recruitment marketing efforts, driving significant engagement through targeted social media strategies. Proven ability to lead teams and foster positive community relations through impactful communication campaigns.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
Public Affairs Specialist
Department of the Army
Nashville, TN
05.2023 - Current
- Executed annual marketing budget of $420,000 to enhance enlistment efforts across 39 recruiting stations in six states.
- Managed local advertising and direct fund accounts for event marketing and recruitment initiatives.
- Oversaw A&PA Government Purchase Card program, ensuring compliance with procurement processes.
- Directed section operations during vacancy of A&PA chief position to maintain productivity.
- Promoted public awareness through targeted communication campaigns and engaging social media content.
- Crafted high-quality written articles detailing recruiting processes and local events for community outreach.
- Published media advisories and coordinated recruiter-media interviews to foster positive relations with press.
Public Affairs Specialist (social media)
Department of the Army
San Antonio, TX
02.2019 - 01.2022
- Developed high-quality content for 42 U.S. Army recruiting stations to generate enlistment leads.
- Enhanced multimedia content across social media platforms to target key demographics.
- Maintained engaging social media forums, analyzing effectiveness using Sprinklr software.
- Promoted public awareness through articles and posts about recruiting processes and events.
- Oversaw section operations during vacancies in A&PA specialist and chief positions.
- Wrote media advisories for news agencies and coordinated recruiter-media interviews.
- Managed $450,000 budget for TAIR program, scheduling, and distribution of assets.
- Ensured compliance with regulatory requirements of the Center of Influence program.
Editor
Department of the Army
Fort Gordon, GA
11.2009 - 12.2018
- Oversaw compilation and distribution of command information for weekly newspaper, The Globe, enhancing community understanding of Army missions.
- Planned articles, layout, and design of The Globe, managing weekly production with contracted publisher.
- Coordinated communication with higher headquarters and unit public affairs to synchronize article priorities and information release.
- Authored articles and provided photographic support for The Globe and various social media platforms, including Army.mil and DVIDS.
- Assigned tasks to three staff members and one contractor, focusing on writing and multimedia coverage of post activities.
- Delivered training in writing techniques, newspaper format, layout, and interviewing skills to enhance team expertise.
- Established guidelines for print submissions and website publishing, ensuring proper archiving of stories and photographs.
- Conducted final edits on text and images per Army standards before public distribution through print or online channels.
Public Affairs Non-Commissioned Officer In Charge
U.S. Army Reserve
Fort Gordon, GA
12.2009 - 03.2011
- Maintained and updated website content showcasing brigade mission and achievements of over 1,500 soldiers across eight states.
- Researched, prepared, and disseminated news releases, articles, and photographs regarding Army civic projects and community relations.
- Conducted public affairs training for unit representatives using PowerPoint to develop audio-visual productions for ceremonies.
- Assisted media relations by preparing soldiers for interviews with local, national, and international outlets.
- Escorted media personnel as a liaison to facilitate military support requests for community events.
- Produced official military portraits for ceremony programs and command displays.
- Prepared news statistics on local media coverage of the brigade's Army Reserve mission for briefings and community meetings.
- Held additional roles as Duty Appointed Retention NCO and Equal Opportunity Officer.
Editorial Assistant
Department of Army
Fort Bliss, TX
03.2005 - 10.2009
- Provided copy editing support to hit target dates for editorial and design productions with print and digital material.
- Organized material, determined area of emphasis and wrote according to prescribed editorial style and format standards.
- Proofread manuscripts and other forms of copy for general grammatical correctness.
- Prepared PDF tables, listings, and figures for electronic publishing.
Education
Public Affairs Communications Course - Journalism And Mass Communication
Department of Defense, Defense Information School
Fort George G Meade, MD03.2005
Advance Public Affairs Supervisor Course - Public Affairs Strategic Management
U.S. Army Cyber Center of Excellence
Fort George G Meade, MD03.2005
Military Historian Certification - Military Heraldry
Army Reserve Readiness Training Center & U.S. Army War College
Carlisle, PA03.2005
Skills
- Digital content creation
- Media relations
- Recruitment marketing
- Budget management
- Policy writing
- Social media strategy
Languages
English
Native/ Bilingual
Spanish
Native/ Bilingual
Accomplishments
Department of the Army, Achievement Medal for Civilian Service; – Recruiting Marketing (2022), Social Media Management (2019), Journalism Excellence (2009)
Timeline
Public Affairs Specialist
Department of the Army
05.2023 - Current
Public Affairs Specialist (social media)
Department of the Army
02.2019 - 01.2022
Public Affairs Non-Commissioned Officer In Charge
U.S. Army Reserve
12.2009 - 03.2011
Editor
Department of the Army
11.2009 - 12.2018
Editorial Assistant
Department of Army
03.2005 - 10.2009
Public Affairs Communications Course - Journalism And Mass Communication
Department of Defense, Defense Information School
Advance Public Affairs Supervisor Course - Public Affairs Strategic Management
U.S. Army Cyber Center of Excellence
Military Historian Certification - Military Heraldry
Army Reserve Readiness Training Center & U.S. Army War College