Karen C.

Important Note: it's come to my attention that I received a 1-star rating from someone I didn't work for. Upwork is looking into it. I have excellent references and am happy to provide them. am a results-driven public relations and marketing executive with 22 years of experience in the performing arts and an extensive track record aligning institutional vision with media relations and reputation management. Known as a “change agent” for the successful implementation of entrepreneurial and creative ideas that generate buzz, news coverage, and goodwill, I embrace the challenge of taking an unprocessed vision, sculpting it to perfection, and changing hearts and minds. For me, the work that I am so fortunate to have done for more than two decades comes down to two things: Relationships and Storytelling. I’ve learned over 20 years that the energy and time I put into my professional relationships correlate with my results and the results of the teams I lead. How can I help my colleagues and leadership shape and convey their message? How can institutions and companies be more relevant to the audience/consumers they are seeking? How do we give their work and their vision a deeper, more authentic sense of purpose? How do I ignite that spark in a journalist and always bring them the most compelling stories and pitches? In a constantly changing media landscape, it’s more critical than ever to think big and broadly. That’s why I bill myself not as a PR Professional but instead as a Chief Storyteller. Landing news coverage isn’t always the answer, nor is it always the best way to effectively communicate to your most important audience. The fast-moving 21st-century evolution of media leaves us with many more tools at our disposal, and my m.o. is to customize an integrated campaign that delivers on unique goals and audience reach. Introducing brand journalism into the mix of earned and social media, finding influencers to proselytize on your behalf, and generating custom storytelling content for target audiences is the new recipe for success. I’ve worked with 90% of local and national media and trade publications. I have a gentle, inclusive management style, while fiercely protecting my clients and their reputations. I began my career as a consultant for Booz, Allen & and Hamilton, then switched to national news reporting. SKILLS Devise and implement critical communications plans, press strategies, and materials to secure impactful coverage in trade and business media outlets surrounding CBS Stations initiatives, executive activities, and tentpole events. Develop media strategies and communications plans to amplify linear and digital successes across the Stations. Elevate messages around our workplace culture and the company’s commitment to the culture, DEI, and workplace matters. Support clients and Communications Executives in the day-to-day writing of press releases and in pitching story ideas that align with the company’s priorities, Develop proactive and reactive key messaging and talking points to be used for media interviews and speaking engagements. Build and maintain strong media relationships with top-tier press. Additional Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills Proven ability to develop executive messaging and press releases. Ability to develop PowerPoint decks and other presentation and pitch materials. Skilled in articulating complex content and concepts in a clear, concise, and compelling manner Motivated and confident self-starter who can take initiative with minimal oversight Hardworking and passionate teammate with the ability to work freely Great at organizational navigation and cross-functional collaboration at all levels Thrives in a fast-paced, hybrid environment while remaining diligent and committed to deadlines Creative and strategic problem solver who exercises sound judgment Strong organizational, project-management and problem-solving skills Proven understanding of the Television, media, journalism, digital and streaming landscape CURRENT MEDIA TOOLS Media training programs. Local and National media lists and media contacts. Cision Social Listening Program. PR Newswire Reporter Database. EDUCATION I received my Bachelor of Arts in Communication from the University of the Pacific, Stockton, California. MEDIA ASSETS Executive Media training programs. Local and National media lists and media contacts. Cision Social Listening Program. PR Newswire Reporter Database. Crisis Communications Planning and Training Programs. Working on best-in-class influencer programs. Developing SEO content that doesn’t read like a bot wrote it. Branding companies to create growth and customer loyalty.