Social Media Manager

Richard G. Barnes

Greater Philadelphia

267-***-**** · adbfqv@r.postjobfree.com

www.linkedin.com/in/rgbarnes

PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY

A versatile, seasoned writer gifted in weaving various methods of communications into a clear narrative to inform and influence internal and external audiences. A former journalist and radio personality with more than 15 years of wide-ranging experience in television, radio, newspapers, media relations, and social media. Adept at developing and implementing complex strategic plans, prioritizing multiple tasks, thinking creatively, and performing under strict deadlines. A proven leader and a calm communicator in crisis with a track record of discovering talent and building teams. Passionate about collaborating with groups and individuals in fast-paced organizations focused on impacting society.

CORE COMPETENCIES

Executing detailed strategic communication plans in many aspects including government affairs, corporate communications, non-profit organizations, and academia

·Cultivating, drafting and promoting engagement through traditional media and emerging social media platforms

·Excellent writing acumen (long form, technical, short form, features), proficient in Microsoft Office programs and detail oriented

·Commanding presentation skills

·Authoritative narration and voiceover talent

·Precision video editing direction

·Ability to maintain and develop local and national media connections

·Providing media training and coaching

·Leading direct reports and driving team members to success

·Developing and mentoring talented employees

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Manager, Media Relations & Communications 2018 - 2019

Arkema Inc.

Create and implement national media relations outreach to position Arkema as a leader in the specialty chemicals industry

Work with President & CEO and other corporate executives to develop speeches and presentations for internal and external audiences

Provide company with 24/7 communications expertise to mitigate crisis situations that could impact operations or reputation

Execute media relations training to prepare dozens of company officials for crisis management

Plan events and craft and execute media outreach plans for events in support of numerous multi-million dollar capital investments

Corporate Communications Manager 2016 - 2018

American Water (Corporate office)

Implemented successful communications plan of American Water culture survey and conversion of enterprise software systems for a multi-state organization of more than 6,800 employees

Exceeded target participation rate by 10% and increased employee participation rate year-over-year in successive internal communications culture survey campaigns

Created and launched a detailed 60-minute communications training module for approximately 950 company leaders

High-level influencer on specialized teams to streamline and make company data accessible resulting in a new online portal to house hundreds of thousands of data records

Developed and executed strategic plans for community engagement during corporate acquisitions, cybersecurity breaches, and SAP product rollouts

Recorded and edited videos for internal and external audiences including after earnings messages from CEO, and consumer-oriented video blogs from American Water technical experts

Reported and wrote stories monthly for company’s intranet and for a quarterly magazine that reached more than 20,000 current employees and retirees

Advised and prepared C-level executives for presentations including speeches, PowerPoint slides, talking points, FAQs, and official letters

Supervised and directed contractual relationships with third-party vendors

Built employee support for company’s digital transformation and human resources campaigns through compelling story telling

External Affairs Manager 2008 - 2016

New Jersey American Water (State subsidiary)

Media spokesperson for issues impacting the company, customers and stakeholders including during Hurricane Irene, Super Storm Sandy, and the dayslong failure of a vital water treatment plant impacting 29 municipalities and 120,000 customers

Spearheaded communications strategy and prepared executive leadership for rollout of a $3 million geothermal project

Played key roles in several multi-million dollar acquisition strategies

Created and administered a SharePoint site for American Water’s communications and government affairs team

Served as chief spokesman during American Water’s proposed $85 million acquisition of the Trenton, New Jersey water system

Initiated and led New Jersey American Water’s community outreach team, planning events in more than 100 communities in New Jersey

Built and responded to interactive social media content which helped maintain high customer satisfaction scores

Assistant Director of Communications 2006 - 2008

Drexel University’s LeBow College of Business

Served as associate editor and senior writer for LeBow College’s LEAD alumni magazine, interviewing executives of Fortune 500 companies

Placed hundreds of stories featuring LeBow College experts on issues such as the 2008 financial crisis in national publications and trade magazines

Vital contributor on the communications team winning Drexel’s 2008 President’s Award for outstanding communications services

Recorded more than 40 podcasts and videos to promote university initiatives and events

Lead and assisted with marketing campaigns to enhance LeBow’s brand reputation and student recruitment

Supervised more than 50 television vignettes with the college’s media partner, Comcast Spotlight

EDUCATION

Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Mass Media, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, New Jersey

PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS

Business Executives Networking Group, Media (Pa.) Chapter Leader

Public Relations Society of America Member

Non-Profit Development Center of Southern New Jersey, Former Board Member

Big Brothers Big Sisters

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