Communications Leader

Laurie Vuoto

portfolio: authory.com/LaurieVuoto

Scottsdale, AZ 85266 202-***-**** ******@***.*** LinkedIn: laurie-vuoto-communications/

communications leader

Master of Arts, Communications Savvy Communicator & Storyteller

Talented communications and marketing strategist with expertise conceptualizing and driving communications strategy to promote organizational mission and drive brand recognition. Exceptional writing skills with strength turning obscure issues into a story that is compelling, engaging, and easy to understand. Trusted advisor to senior leadership, applying superior writing and editing strengths to design key internal and external messaging. Develop and nurture a network of internal contacts and key external partners to deliver an aligned and robust communications strategy.

—Writing & Editing: Talented writer and editor with a background drafting clear and concise public communications on behalf of high-profile politicians and business leaders. Experienced writer and editor versed in Associated Press (AP) and American Medical Association (AMA) style. Journalism expert whose work has been published in several national publications. Noted public speaker with experience in media and public relations and as a spokesperson.

—Marketing Specialist: Strength developing a powerful marketing strategy with consistent branding and storytelling. Effective in increasing advertising and sales revenue for target audiences.

—Communications Program Development: Builder of high caliber communications programs. Align branding and messaging strategy across all communications channels through design of editorial and brand guidelines.

Areas of Expertise

Communications Strategy • Multi-Channel Marketing • Press Releases • Speech Writing/Talking Points • Social Media Platforms • Internal Communications • Promotional Materials • Media Plans • Web Communications • Editorial Calendar • Data Analytics • SEO Strategy

Fluency in English, Italian, French, Basic Spanish • Technical Skills: WordPress, HTML, Content Management Systems (CMS), Sprout Social, Brandwatch, Adobe Creative Suite, InCopy, MailChimp, Constant Contact, Cision, Quark, MS Office Suite

Communications Experience

PROGRESS RESIDENTIAL Scottsdale, AZ December 2024 - Present

Communications Marketing Manager

One of the largest providers of high-quality, single-family rental homes in the United States with over 85,000 homes across 30 fastest growing metro areas

Recruited to support internal and external communications across a variety of media

•Spearhead internal and external communications strategies across diverse media platforms, ensuring alignment with organizational goals.

•Develop compelling, human-centric storytelling to create engaging content across multiple channels, including monthly newsletters, customer journeys, ad hoc emails, SMS campaigns, FAQs, phone scripts, and internal communications.

•Deliver strategic content planning by ideating and executing comprehensive communications plans, leveraging omnichannel approaches to maximize reach and impact.

•Translate complex processes and updates into clear, engaging messages tailored for diverse internal and external audiences.

•Utilize data-driven insights and lessons learned to optimize content strategies and refine communication processes for continuous improvement.

ACUMED Scottsdale, AZ 2022 – 2024

Communications Director

Designer and manufacturer of innovative orthopaedic fixation for the global healthcare community.

Recruited to lead communications across social media, website, newsletters, fliers, brochures and trade show materials. Partnered closely with cross-functional teams and business leadership to promote products and generate sales. Supported product launches via multichannel communications to increase public visibility and drive customer engagement.

•Contributed to the successful launch of ~6 new products. Developed a sales playbook for each product, utilizing story-based sports analogies to replace cumbersome multi-page technical manuals.

•Amplified Sales Representative engagement by 25% by revamping brochures, newsletters and fliers to provide concise, easy-to-read and aesthetically appealing information.

—Converted newsletter from monthly to weekly, partnering with the graphic design team to create a new template. Introduced engaging content on training opportunities and product information.

•Increased social media followers by 10% and engagement by 15% by showcasing unique product content and highlighting human stories behind product usage. Additionally, showcased philanthropic and volunteer contributions of Acumed employees to engage customers with the people behind the product.

•Saved $5K annually and advanced analytics driven digital advertising strategy by recommending and leading the transition from Brandwatch consumer intelligence platform to Sprout Social.

•Integral contributor in development of the annual product catalog. Interviewed and gathered content across multiple departments and partnered with the graphic design team in visual features and layout.

•Instituted editorial and brand guidelines to deliver consistent messaging, style, and tone across all communications and marketing collateral.

LEISURE WORLD Mesa, AZ 2018 – 2022

Communications Director

Gated community with 958 acres, 2,664 homes, a golf course, recreation center and a variety of clubs and activities.

Oversaw print and digital marketing and communications including serving as Editor-in-Chief and Managing Editor of LW News, the monthly community newsletter. Managed a department consisting of a Journalist, Social Media Coordinator, Web Developer and Graphic Designer, and recruited and oversaw a team of 10 volunteer journalists in execution of editorial calendar and content for the monthly newspaper.

•Reached 10% growth YoY through savvy marketing and advertising strategy in the monthly newspaper.

•Reinvented the monthly newspaper, expanding content by 50% with a traditional newspaper design for 4000 residents. Introduced compelling community stories highlighting residents and community activities.

—Attained a 5% increase in advertisers YoY by incorporating advertorials to showcase business services.

—Incorporated a new format with 3 distinct sections; lifestyle and fitness, community, and a newsflash section.

•Transformed a 50+ page Conditions, Covenants and Regulations document into a 10-page glossy brochure covering main points in an easy-to-read format.

MARICOPA COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT Tempe, AZ 2017 – 2018

Communications Specialist

One of the largest community college districts in the US with 10 regionally-accredited colleges serving 100,000+ students with post-secondary education and certifications.

Brought on board to define and execute communications and marketing strategy through news releases, social media campaigns, newsletters and website. Managed a team of Graphic Designers and served as strategic partner to college and community stakeholders in story development and key messaging. Called upon to write speeches and other public statements for the Chancellor and other high-level administrators.

•Drove a 10% increase in student enrollment by transforming generic messaging to personal stories of student success focusing on students from diverse socioeconomic and ethnic backgrounds.

•Established brand consistency and reduced editorial errors by developing and rolling out an Editorial and Brand Style Guide with style and tone guidelines.

•Grew media presence by 10% through an increased focus on pitching news stories and by proactively representing the district’s view on controversial issues via news releases.

COMMIT ADVERTISING AGENCY Chandler, AZ 2016 – 2017

Digital Content Manager

Full service creative agency that partners with businesses to build brands and launch disruptive campaigns.

Charged with writing blog content for clients in hotel and hospitality industries, luxury home building, executive recruiting, and nonprofit organizations. Hired and oversaw a team of freelance writers in communications strategy using SEO best practices to increase visibility.

•Directed development and editing of blog content for 25 agency clients including the agency’s top businesses and entrepreneurs.

ALLIANCE DEFENDING FREEDOM Scottsdale, AZ 2012 – 2016

Senior News Writer & Editor

Legal advocacy group that works to expand religious liberties and practices within public schools and in government.

Wrote news releases, blogs, website and social media content, and marketing material on social issues for domestic and international audiences. Developed key messaging across communications channels and reinvented marketing strategy, translating complex legal briefs into digestible dialogue that showcased the impact of legal decisions on individual freedoms. Authored speeches and op-eds for the CEO.

•Captured a 5% increase in media coverage by advancing outreach and fostering relationships with media outlets to pitch news stories.

ELOQUENCE Washington, DC 2006 – 2012

Communications Consultant

Founded and operated a freelance consulting business serving the Washington DC community.

Utilized deep connections and superior reputation in the political community to provide communications services for high-profile public figures. Wrote speeches, op-eds and press releases. Trained and guided clients on speech writing, storytelling, and the art of writing.

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Washington, DC 2004 – 2006

Speech Writer

Cabinet-level executive branch department of the U.S. federal government created to protect the health of the U.S. people and provide essential human services.

Defined and executed communications strategy and messaging for speeches, op-eds and news releases on complex and controversial topics including human trafficking, adoption, and foster care. Served as agency representative at public affairs events and press conferences.

THE WASHINGTON TIMES Washington, DC 2002 – 2004

Assistant National Editor

American daily newspaper delivering breaking news and commentary.

Authored news articles and editorials on a variety of national issues. Covered White House, Congress, national security and social issues, including story ideation, reporter coverage, and editing news articles.

education

Master of Arts, Communications – Concordia University, Canada

Bachelor of Arts, English Literature – McGill University, Canada

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