Venyke C. Payton

Director Communications & Change Management

Cincinnati, OH • 513-***-****

ad4ca9@r.postjobfree.com

Analytical, dynamic, and goal-oriented communications professional and administrative technician with a proven track record of utilizing creativity and a proactive approach to deliver innovative ideas. Keen and multi-faceted learner with expertise in media relations, communications, public relations, brand development and management, marketing, promotional strategies, and advertising. Proficiency in copywriting and the strategic implementation of marketing and public relations initiatives. Experienced in developing engaging narratives and creative strategies to achieve success across a wide range of communication channels. Achieved proficiency in change management, excelled as an extraordinary communicator and storyteller, demonstrated outstanding public speaking skills, and established a track record as a persuasive influencer.

Areas of Expertise

•Strategic Communication

•Stakeholder Management

•Internal Communications

•Team Leadership

•Change Management

•Public Relations

•Content Development

•Media Planning

•Community Outreach

•Training Facilitation

•Media Relations

•Brand Management

•Press Releases

•Public Speaking

•Advertising

Professional Experience

Administrative Technician Communicator, Department of Public Services/City of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 2011 – Present

Orchestrate development of promotional materials and PowerPoint presentations, and strategize, author, revise, and disseminate marketing content in both print and digital formats for the department. Curate PowerPoint presentations for diverse community gatherings, create meeting talking points, design flyers, and capture photographs for the quarterly departmental newsletter and electronic message boards. Engage in collaborative efforts with drivers to conduct dry runs, address data discrepancies, and validate routes. Research relevant primary and secondary source materials and aid in creating written content, such as phone scripts, postcard notifications, and speeches, for various neighborhood organizations and the City Council. Supervise and consistently update training adherence and support the Public Information Office in ongoing outreach efforts. Develop a variety of communication materials such as a quarterly employee newsletter and monthly electronic message boards for each district.

●Formulated and delivered employee training initiatives, including compliance training, and provided training assistance to the management team.

●Efficiently provided technical and administrative support to the Director and senior management.

●Facilitated communication regarding upcoming changes to solid waste workers, collaborating closely with the union to develop appropriate messages.

●Successfully oversaw customer service duties for both internal and external customers, frequently interacting with external customers to address specific concerns.

●Effectively delivered weekly Route Smart presentations to community councils over a six-month period.

●Achieved the role of being the primary contact for Route Smart inquiries on the customer service phone tree tier.

●Functioned as the department's on-the-job injury liaison and established expertise as a subject matter authority in media relations.

Administrative Technician Metropolitan Sewer District of Greater Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 2010

Conducted research projects and crafted correspondence on behalf of the Department Head, including reports, memoranda, and responses to requests from City and County Managers, City Council, staff, and the public. Safeguarded the confidentiality of information in accordance with federal, state, and county regulations and undertook intricate secretarial and administrative tasks. Facilitated community meetings and oversaw the organization and delivery of presentation materials. Compiled and prepared information and specialized reports in response to requests from citizens, City Council, departmental needs, or other sources. Ensured the efficient flow of information and responses, overseeing the handling of all correspondence and directing items to the appropriate staff for review or action. Oversaw incoming calls and contributed to the creation of many documents, including letters, reports, and publications.

●Successfully authored and revised a diverse range of routine documents, including correspondence, forms, reports, minutes, memoranda, and more, often starting from raw materials, drafts, or alternative sources, verifying content, precision, and entirety, and enhancing or resolving inconsistencies.

●Masterfully crafted original correspondence and various materials based on general directives, records, or departmental guidelines, proficiently collecting, and organizing data to produce comprehensive reports.

HR Analyst Communicator, City of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 2008

Initiated and sustained connections with human resource personnel from other City departments and external human resource entities and groups, fostering collaboration in support of agency initiatives and ventures. Offered comprehensive workforce strategies and employment insights to all tiers of the City's personnel, as instructed, to facilitate the attainment of City government goals. Created written materials for the dissemination of departmental initiatives and programs both internally and externally, contributed to public relations efforts, and served as a valuable point of contact for individuals seeking information about departmental services, activities, and programs. Conducted research and expertly crafted a range of materials for various media releases and publications.

●Ensured the continual provision of current data for departmental internet and intranet platforms.

● Collaborated closely with the Public Information Office to synchronize initiatives, press releases, and the strategic dissemination of information across diverse mediums and delivered a weekly newsletter for distribution among City employees.

●Demonstrated competence in developing, designing, composing, and circulating printed materials related to City of Cincinnati departments, encompassing brochures, newsletters, web content, and assorted City publications.

Additional Experience

HR Analyst Communicator, City of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH

Director of Corporate Communications First Transit, Cincinnati, OH

Director of Marketing and Key Initiatives Urban League of Greater Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH

Communications Specialist Piedmont Municipal Power Agency, Greer, SC

Public Relations Specialist Spartanburg Water System & Sanitary Sewer District, Spartanburg, SC

News Reporter/Anchor WCTI-Channel 12, New Bern, NC

Video-Public Information Specialist South Carolina Department of Corrections, Columbia, SC

News Anchor WBTW-TV, Florence, SC

News Reporter and Traffic Reporter, WTMA-RADIO, Charleston, SC

WSPA-Radio, Spartanburg, SC

Education

Master of Arts in Organizational Management and Ethical Leadership, Thomas More University, Crestview Hills, Kentucky

BA in Communications, Carson-Newman College, Jefferson City, TN

Affiliations

1996-Present Public Relations Society of America

2002-2004 Member WCPO-TV Advisory Board

2002-2004 Member of the American Public Power Association

2005 Featured in Who’s Who in Black Cincinnati

2004 Member of the American Public Transportation Association

1996 – 2000 United Way Speakers Bureau

1999 Recognized by Spartanburg Technical College as Woman of the Year

1999 Graduate of the Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership Spartanburg Class

Young Careerist of the Year of the Business and Professional Women of SC

1993 – 1999 Member Subcommittee Chairman of the Spartanburg County Human Relations Commission

1993 United Way Loaned Executive

(References available upon request)

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