TreeHouse Foods

Communications Manager, Social and Digital Engagement

Patina Solutions

Communications Consultant

Karen Nicholas Communications

Freelance Writer & Communications Professional

Millig Design Build

I recruited and onboarded new employees and created various communication pieces to increase employee engagement. I created a Human Resources department and established internal communications best practices. I helped plan events and contributed to our marketing communications efforts.

Director of Communications & Employee Relations

Willdan Performance Engineering 

I provided communication strategy, developed content for both internal and external audiences and recruited new employees for our division. 

I created targeted communications to ensure employee engagement. I identified new ways to improve and innovate our internal and external communication practices and channels, including monthly update meetings, a branded Medium.com site, video communications, etc. 

I also recruited, hired, and onboarded new employees. I focused on furthering initiatives around Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, particularly in the hiring, recruiting, and onboarding process.

Communications & Talent Acquisition Manager

I designed presentations to share critical findings with clients, focusing on simplicity and client engagement. I also helped package our data into consumable content such as charts, graphs, etc.

University of Kansas

As the first communications person for the IT Department, I created and oversaw all communication efforts, including communications planning, crisis communications, and copywriting. I developed internal communication strategies and materials to support new launches, programs, and processes. 

I distilled complex, technical information into simple, digestible, and actional messages for diverse internal audiences, including students, faculty, and staff.  I also built relationships with other departments and team members to ensure seamless launches of new technologies and programs.

IT Communications & Media Relations Manager

David Evans and Associates, Inc.

As the first person in my role,  I created and executed a media relations program – including pitching media, writing press releases, ghostwriting bylines, and submitting applications for various awards. I ensured our external messages were consistent with our internal messages and focused my efforts on telling DEA’s brand story. 

I developed media pitches and articles to attract and engage with new talent through employee profiles in publications, company culture articles, and Best Places to Work awards. We were ranked on Fortune’s 100 Best Places to Work during my time in this role. 

I engaged with senior leadership and colleagues on media outreach opportunities and provided media training, including crisis communications guidance. 

I also assisted in various internal communications efforts, including contributions to internal newsletters and employee communication pieces.

Media Relations Manager

Edelman

Account Supervisor

Special Olympics Texas

Public Relations Coordinator

Corporate Communications | Writer | Employee & Internal Communications - Helping companies engage with their employees and clients

In our current remote/hybrid work environment, engaging and communicating with employees has never been more challenging – or essential. Creating an environment for employees to be the best versions of themselves is not only a cultural win – it’s also a business win.

A Gallup "State of the Workplace" report found that when employees are engaged at work, profitability increases by 21%. Yet, this same report shared that 65% of employees aren’t engaged at work.

We spend a lot of time talking “at” people – not necessarily “to” them. My goal isn’t just to communicate a message. My goal is to ensure those messages are delivered and digested by the audience. It’s also my responsibility to provide executive guidance and direction when messages aren’t the right voice and fit for the audience.

With a background in media relations, editorial content creation, internal communications and employee relations, I bring a range of creative skills and experience to any position. Communicating with employees and partners can be a company's greatest strength rather than its biggest weakness.

Karen Nicholas

Gravity Group

- Audit existing marketing materials and messaging for clients and develop marketing plans to grow their business 
- Examine customer behavior and trends and design media plans to get clients' messages in front of their key audience(s)
- Implement and refine company policies and processes to streamline workflow, balance workloads, and ensure projects are delivered on schedule
- Lead, guide, direct, and evaluate the work of other leaders, including directors, managers, and coordinators
- Determine ways to reduce costs, increase revenues, and improve overall company performance
- Maintain awareness of both the external and internal competitive landscape, opportunities for expansion, customers, markets, and new industry developments and standards
- Work with Gravity's President to formulate strategic plans that guide company direction, business operations and market development. Lead the execution of the strategic plan.

Vice President, Marketing Strategist

- Lead web development projects, from Discovery through to Design, Development, and Launch
- Manage digital campaigns, including paid search, social, and email
- Consult with clients on digital best practices, including SEO
- Manage media placement strategy and execution to create synergy between online and offline channels
- Collaborate with highly-skilled designers, developers, and creatives to produce web graphics, ads, videos, etc.
- Manage tools and systems to maximize efficiencies and workflow and track expenses

Digital Marketing and Operations Director

- Work with clients as a partner to build positive brands by developing integrated marketing communications strategies
- Plan and execute marketing campaigns from initial concept/brief through to content development and placement, including media placement strategy and negotiation
- Art direct designers on a variety of projects, including new brand identities, brochures, websites, TV spots, corporate videos, etc.
- Develop digital media strategies and implementation plans for clients
- Design and manage paid search campaigns
- Perform audits of clients' websites and develop search engine optimization (SEO) plans
- Write blog posts and press releases

Marketing Communications Specialist

Pure Environmental Solutions

-Design, implement and manage Google AdWords campaigns
-Develop sales and marketing training materials
-Handle customer service and sales calls
-Design informational material for customers
-Write and design a bi-monthly newsletter

Marketing

Endless Horizons

-Event planning
-Grant research
-Research and assist with the planning and implementation of corporate wellness programs and initiatives
-Organize Outlook calendars and contacts

Executive Administrator

Rosetta Stone

-Work with print media buyer to select publications in which to advertise
-Coordinate between buyer and creative team to deliver artwork to production departments
-Track sales from each ad that runs and calculate ROM
-Manage and enable promotional codes that are advertised and ensure that the proper discounts are offered
-Manage radio media: plan and organize radio tests and call routing structures
-Research and launch new initiatives
-Monitor sales calls and meet with sales agents to discuss areas for improvement
-Assist the accounting department with end-of-month accruals for print media spend

Marketing Specialist

Susquehanna Life Magazine

-Write copy and select images for use on marketing materials
-Design marketing collateral using Adobe Illustrator
-Work with printer to have marketing materials printed (involved selecting paper color, finish and weight)

Marketing Intern

Susquehanna University

-Prepare news releases about student activities and accomplishments for publication in their hometown newspapers
-Manage/update the database of student information in the Office of Communications

Communications Assistant

NuRelm

-Evaluated websites of potential clients and provided them with information on how to improve their site based on their goals and target audience
-Researched and wrote informative articles for company newsletter to opt-in subscribers
-Created and managed a Google Adwords campaign
-Designed marketing collateral using Adobe Illustrator
-Developed a portfolio of experience to show potential clients
-Edited and updated the company's Web site
-Researched and created lists of potential clients for the Director of Business Development

Marketing professional with a passion for helping brands reach their goals through honest, creative marketing. 

I began my career executing the media strategy for the direct-to-consumer division of an international software company, learning not only media negotiation, but the value of being curious, constantly learning, and building relationships.

I later found my way to Gravity Group where I immediately began helping clients with marketing strategy, campaign execution, and media placement. Over the years my role has evolved to include business operations and helping to lead the execution of the company's strategic plan.

Professional Interests: marketing strategy, interpreting brand experience for office design, content development, growth strategy, operations 

Personal Hobbies: spending time with my rescue pup, travel, photography, enjoying time outside, swimming, working on a craft/DIY project, and watching college football.

What I'm Reading / Learning Now:
- Disruptive Strategy, Harvard Business School Online
- Government for Grownups with Sharon McMahon
- Content Chemistry, by Andy Crestodina
- They Ask You Answer, by Marcus Sheridan

taplio

The Battle

Karen Nicholas

Lindsey Laughlin

Followers

Posts

Engagements

Likes

Ready to grow your LinkedIn presence?