Cathy K. Donovan

**** ********* ******, ********, ** 19038

856-***-**** (cell) • acwfuu@r.postjobfree.com

Conscientious and resourceful communications leader with experience promoting complex material to diverse audiences. Excellent interviewing, writing, and editing background. Strong crisis management, event planning, and media relations capabilities. Digital marketing, social media, publications, and web writing skills.

EXPERIENCE

Rutgers University, Camden, NJ

Assistant Dean for Rutgers Law School Communications 2015-now

Director of Law School Communications 2013-2015

Assistant Director of Communications 2007-2013

Public Relations Specialist 2004-2007

Public Information Coordinator 2002-2004

Manage the marketing communications and public relations efforts for Rutgers Law School. Oversaw the communications strategy during the merger of Rutgers’ two law schools through its university approval process and American Bar Association approval process. Showcase the accomplishments of faculty, students, staff, and alumni to external audiences, with the goal of improving enrollment and reputation. Led a team of colleagues and vendors on the website development process for the newly launched, and on schedule, law.rutgers.edu. Hired vendors and staffed photo and video shoots for first-ever Rutgers Law School viewbook and video campaign series. Draft copy on the quick and with more deliberation, from photo advisories to magazine-length pieces. Field calls on a regular basis from media outlets like The New York Times, Associated Press, and Wall Street Journal.

• Develop collateral to support law admissions during a national crisis in legal education.

Highlights: managed the design and drafted copy for myriad publications; developed content for eblasts to thousands of recipients; overhauled designs of a comprehensive law school brochure and admissions guide.

• Manage the communications effort for a proposed merger of Rutgers law schools.

Highlights: developed public talking points and confidential talking points for senior leadership; researched and developed FAQs; formed working committees on marketing and web development; identified constituency groups and prepared copy on merger for email blasts; served as spokesperson on merger related inquires.

• Edit web content on several key campus websites, inputted from multiple users and feeds.

Highlights: key player in overhaul of core campus website; organized header information for various users and provided content; solicited focus groups; and tested applications pre-launch and problem-solved post.

• Draft stories on faculty, student, and alumni scholarship, from neuroscience and the law to new aps on domestic violence to art gallery exhibitions. Post stories online and pitch to media.

Highlights: Coverage in The Philadelphia Inquirer, The Star-Ledger, and NPR.

• Manage campus crises communication efforts.

Highlights: work with police to develop talking points; field media inquiries on crises; serve as spokesperson; work with affected campus groups; and implement emergency management training.

• Supervise video production and photo shoots.

Highlights: developed video series for law school, “Why Law, Why Rutgers Law,” campus’ 60th anniversary; and short film shown for live audience at sporting events; received training on video editing; and researched and purchased video equipment for communications office.

Thomas/Boyd Communications, Mount Laurel, NJ

Account Supervisor 2001-02

Account Executive 2000-01

• Coordinated public relations efforts for diverse client base, from nonprofit to Fortune 500 companies.

• Managed agency’s top accounts and garnered coverage in media outlets like The New York Times.

• Planned major events, like the grand opening of the Battleship New Jersey and NJ Korean War Memorial.

• Answered requests for proposals and assisted in new business development.

• Pitched media on daily basis that resulted in broadcast and print features.

• Drafted press releases, media advisories, calendar listings, and internal communications.

• Planned promotional events, focus groups, product launches, and community outreach programs.

Barton Gilannelli & Associates, Philadelphia, PA

Account Coordinator 1999-2000

• Drafted pitch letters, press releases, and campaign proposals for national clients in tourism industry.

• Edited scripts for B-roll and VNRs and oversaw photo shoots for comprehensive media tours.

• Assisted in media coaching to spokespeople on national promotion tours.

• Supported client in hosting major trade show.

EDUCATION

Rutgers University

Master of Arts, English, 4.0 GPA, graduated with thesis of distinction

University of New Hampshire

Bachelor of Arts, English (Honors Program), graduated with honors

TECHNICIAL SKILLS

Microsoft OS, including all Microsoft Office applications; Macintosh OS, including iPhone and tablet; CMS (Drupal, WordPress); Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, InDesign); photography; video; and social media (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, Flickr, YouTube)

AWARDS

Honorable Mention, CASE Programming Award Rutgers Law School Alumni Reception Series

Nomination, President’s Recognition Program for Communications Certificate Program Outstanding Service Award, President’s Recognition Program for all-campus reunion Series named “Best Place to Learn a Lesson Without Going to School” by South Jersey Magazine Pepperpot Award, International Public Relations for Thomas/Boyd Communications Pepperpot Award, Special Events and Observances for Thomas/Boyd Communications

ACTIVITIES

Rutgers University Emergency Management Committee

Rutgers University 250th Anniversary Committee

Rutgers–Camden Sustainability Cabinet Member

Philadelphia Olympic Triathlon and Marathons

Newbery Medal Book Reader Challenge

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