Director, Internal Communications
Resume:
Valerie D. Merritt
C-Suite Communications Professional & Administrator
Summary
A seasoned communications professional with extensive experience in storytelling, media relations, and community outreach. Proven ability to craft compelling narratives that resonate with diverse audiences and amplify organizational goals. Expertise in community engagement, partnership development, and brand awareness. Skilled in utilizing both traditional and digital platforms to tell impactful stories, enhance community involvement, and achieve measurable outcomes. Adept at navigating high-pressure environments with strong project management and leadership skills, consistently delivering creative solutions that inspire action.
Core Competencies
• Stakeholder Engagement
• Community Outreach
• Internal and External
Communications
• Relationship Building
• Non-Profit Management
• Media Training and Coaching
• Project Management
• Strategic Planning
• Website and social media
content creation
Professional Experience
Communications & Media Relations Consultant Girl Scouts Heart of New Jersey June 2024 - Present
• Designs comprehensive PR campaigns aimed at raising awareness of the upcoming Girl Scouts Leadership Center in Newark, NJ currently under construction. The vibrant hub will serve 13,000 Girl Scouts and 9,000 volunteers across the GSHNJ Council.
• Provides guidance, strategy, and technical input to the leadership team to ensure consistent messaging and storytelling to amplify the brand of the organization’s brand.
• Facilitate media training to council leadership to build strengthen and improve the GSHNJ brand while creating opportunities for leadership to tell their stories.
• Pitch key stories and events to local and national media outlets to secure positive placement and airtime to share and promote the vision of the GSHNJ CEO.
Communications & Media Consultant Human Impact Solutions March 2021 - October 2023
• Provided communications consulting to key business partners and clients to secure positive media coverage that increased awareness and understanding of client’s goals and objectives.
• Generated informational content for stakeholders through publications including newsletters, press releases, email campaigns, videos, op-eds, special events, and website content to ensure client retention.
• Provided media coaching, mentoring and training to C-Suite leadership to ensure cohesive and consistent messaging to local, regional, and national press.
Chief of Staff Campaign for Black Male Achievement October 2018 - December 2020
• Served as key advisor to the CEO while implementing internal and external communication strategies and tactics to ensure effective communications with membership, funders, and business partners.
• Prepared the CEO for critical meetings by producing briefings, talking points and research analysis on potential partnering companies, leaders, potential funders, and other external stakeholders to ensure mission alignment.
• Managed the leadership team and a membership of 7,000, while overseeing and supporting board members.
• Planned and executed an annual leadership retreat and saved agency over $5,000 by leveraging professional caché and cultivating relationships with external service providers.
• Built strategic partnerships with civic associations, academic institutions, and government agencies to build membership.
Cherry Hill, NJ 08002 Cell: 973-***-****
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Communications & Media Consultant Nassan’s Place September 2014 - September 2018
• Served as consultant and communications advisor to the CEO of a 501(c)(3) local nonprofit to ensure clear and concise messaging to external audiences.
• Planned and executed special programs and events to broaden public awareness and understanding of Autism.
• Designed and delivered communication strategies that both supported the organization to meet its community objectives and fostered long-term community support, funding, and engagement.
• Planned and executed community meetings and served as CEO proxy.
• Drafted press releases and responded to media inquiries in a timely manner to encourage press interest and coverage.
Communications Director Newark Public Schools February 2006 - August 2014
• Directly managed a one-million-dollar budget and led a staff of ten communication and media professionals responsible for all internal and external communication activities.
• Strategized and executed a strategic plan that helped leadership and staff elevate the district’s brand across various audiences both internally and externally.
• Managed the work of public relations firms, contract vendors, consultants and printers to advance the goals of the Superintendent’s office and the district’s communications program.
• Planned and facilitated monthly board meetings and community town halls to ensure the voices of diverse stakeholders were heard and concerns addressed.
• Engaged with various community groups to understand their needs and perspective.
• Attended meetings and events to foster strong community ties to ensure that district policies were understood.
• Established and nurtured partnerships with academic institutions to support educational initiatives and collaborative projects.
• Engaged with student government to highlight unique stories and pitched them to the press.
• Worked with the Board Relations Office and a 9-member advisory board to provide advice, counsel, and support to ensure strong governance and oversight of a 40,000 student K12 district. Education
• MBA, Management – Centenary College, 2006
• BS, Business Administration – Centenary College, 2004 Certifications & Training
• Dare to Lead™ Trained, 2020
• Momentum Education NYC, 2017
• Leadership Newark Public Policy Fellow, 2008
Skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication
• Team leadership and mentorship
• Proficient in conflict resolution and mediation strategies
• Microsoft Suite (Word, PowerPoint, and Excel)
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