Resume

Jennifer Praats

A versatile & creative executive communications professional with an emphasis in the public sector dedicated to sharing timely, engaging, and impactful information strategically as demonstrated though my decade + experience.

Education:

  • BA Political Science and Mass Media |Valdosta State University
  • MA | Johns Hopkins University
Core Competencies:
  • Brand Management
  • Content Creation
  • Copywriting
  • Crisis Communications
  • Internal Communications
  • Speech Writing
  • Media Relations
  • Public Relations
  • Social Media Strategy
  • Internal Communications
  • User Analytics
  • Writing and Verbal skills
  • Search Engine Optimizations (SEO)

    • Experience

    Communications & Media Manager; Public information officer City of Wilmington, NC | Sept 2017 - present

    • Serve as communications advisor and strategy lead on key issues like bridging the digital divide, addressing affordable housing, reducing barriers to public service, and other organizational priorities. As the Communications & Media Manager, I am responsible for media relations, public information, digital communications including social media and public engagement, and internal communications. In 2021, my work garnered 5.6 million+ impressions, nearly 100,000 clicks to the city website, and 25,000 inbound messages from customers. Furthermore, my work in 2021 included publishing 1,633 pieces of content to social media, hosting 41 press outreach events, publishing 28 press releases and 38 media advisories, responding to 500 media inquiries, writing talking points for 20+ topics to guide executive leadership’s messaging.
    • Launched the online newsletter, The Wilmington Current, and the weekly digest version while direct the Digital Engagement Coordinator on digital outreach efforts. Provide training to ~60 website content managers on the content management system and ensure adherence to brand guidelines to optimize online messaging and alignment with communication objectives.
    • Write and release internal communications to all employees to foster a healthy, inclusive, and transparent working environment.

    Strategic Communications Consultant

    Camp Horizon | Jan. 2020 - July 2021

    Meddling Minds Marketing Agency

    Camp Horizon | Jan. 2020 - July 2021

    Journalist

    BH Media | Sept. 2016 - Sept. 2017
    Community Newspapers Holding Inc (CNHI) | Jan. 2016 - Sept. 2016

    Certificates

    • Crisis Communications & Media Response, Center for Advanced Media Studies
    • Google Analytics Power and Advanced User
    • Media and Public Relations, FBI-LEEDA
    • Media in Emergency Management & PIO Awareness, FEMA