Strategic Communications Leader

Stacy Smith

Strategic Communications Leader

832-***-**** **************@*****.*** linkedin.com/in/stacy-m-smith Summary

Strategic communications leader with extensive experience in developing and managing comprehensive marketing and communications strategies. Proven record of accomplishment in:

• developing thought leadership content for C-suite and executive communications to strengthen and advance brand narratives;

• transforming technical data into compelling stories;

• managing crisis, change management, and employee communications;

• establishing strategic partnerships and enhancing stakeholder engagement. Skills

Leadership Collaboration Strategic Planning Problem Solving Team Building Project Management Negotiation Conflict Resolution Data Analysis People Management AI Content Development Adaptability Experience

Climatebase Fellow Climatebase Houston, TX Aug 2024 to Present

• Participating in Cohort 6 of the Climatebase Fellowship, focused on enhancing expertise in climate-related sectors, including renewable and sustainable energy, carbon removal, food and agriculture, nature-based solutions, and other critical areas.

• Notable results include developing content for a website and podcast to help end-users understand AI; editing a book written by a former airline pilot to educate consumers on their carbon footprint for flying. Director of Communications Houston Advanced Research Center The Woodlands, TX May 2022 – Apr 2024

• Led the work and activities of the communications team including content planning and development for print and digital channels, graphic design, project management (including timelines and budgets), and staff development, leading to enhanced team productivity and project completion rates.

• Handled media relations, working with reporters and journalists to arrange interviews and op-eds for consistent media coverage in local, regional, and national publications, resulting in increased media visibility and positive public perception.

• Served as primary message strategist, company spokesperson, and senior communications advisor for executive leadership, providing guidance on speeches, talking points, briefing notes, and other internal and external communications, resulting in improved message consistency and clarity.

• Notable results include a thought leadership piece published in a targeted international newspaper; newly developed strategic plan, mission and vision statements; updated brand voice and tone; new social media strategy that increased the company’s presence and engagement among targeted audiences. Communications Consultant Freelance Houston, TX Mar 2019 – Apr 2022

• Worked with clients to create tailored communications plans, managing projects from concept to delivery, working with writers, graphic designers, and SEO specialists, and adhering to timelines and project budgets.

• Developed social media and digital communication strategies, established brand guidelines, wrote change management and thought leadership pieces, and created messaging to improve employee engagement.

• Provided strategic advice on C-suite communications, diplomatic relations, and stakeholder engagement to enhance organizational reputation and relationships.

• Notable results include implementing a media relations strategy that significantly increased a company’s media presence; establishing an internal communications plan for a CEO, creating multiple channels for communication with staff.

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Head of Content EC English Language Centers St. Julian’s, Malta May 2017 – Feb 2019

• Led the team responsible for creating internal and external content across all departments and subsidiaries for 29 schools in eight countries, highlighting each school’s unique attributes, including location, academics, environment, and accommodations, aligned to the company’s overall marketing objectives.

• Directed content development and distribution for marketing and PR campaigns, overseeing website content for both B2B and B2C audiences, social media engagement (Facebook, LinkedIn, X/Twitter), mergers and acquisitions (C-suite messaging, press releases, talking points, video scripts, marketing collateral), and large- scale print initiatives (annual academic brochures, corporate brochures, and subsidiary publications).

• Worked with senior leadership, including the Executive Chairman and the CEO, to develop their internal and external messaging, including writing speeches, presentations, articles, commentaries, crisis communications, and change management directives.

• Notable results include drafting over 100 internal and external change management messages for C-suite executives within a two-week time period regarding the acquisition of a rival brand; managing diplomatic relations for the country’s president and ambassador to Japan. Head of Internal Communications National Bank of Abu Dhabi Abu Dhabi, UAE Sep 2014 – Mar 2017

• Managed communications for senior executives including the Group CEO, Deputy Group CEO, and other C- suite leaders, developing and editing speeches, presentations, talking points, and briefing materials.

• Managed quarterly all-staff conference calls, bi-annual town hall meetings, and executive roundtable discussions with the Group CEO and chief officers.

• Provided strategic counsel to the corporate communications and investor relations teams on corporate publications and marketing materials, including press releases, brochures, fact sheets, quarterly performance reports, the Corporate Sustainability Report, and the crisis communications strategy.

• Notable results include developing and implementing a robust internal communications program, resulting in open, two-way communication between executives and staff as envisioned by the CEO; collaborating with HR and C-suite to write and edit all internal change management communications for the bank’s merger with another entity.

Manager of Communication Strategy Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi, UAE Mar 2013 – Dec 2013

• Collaborated with the lead speechwriter to draft and revise speeches, presentations, internal memos, op-eds, and forewords for the CEO and senior executives.

• Wrote and edited content for various platforms including the monthly employee newsletter, press releases, the Corporate Social Responsibility Report, and high-profile award submissions.

• Managed the communications team of the partner airline in Seychelles, providing direction on content creation, strategic planning, publication standards, operational procedures, and media relations aligned with industry best practices.

• Notable results include writing an award-winning submission for a national corporate excellence in service award.

Sr. Editor/Corporate Affairs Sr. Specialist Emirates Nuclear Energy Corp Abu Dhabi, UAE Mar 2011 – Feb 2013

• Collaborated with the General Counsel and Legal Affairs Counsel to write and edit internal and external reports, performance initiatives, MOUs, policies, and procedures, enhancing document clarity and compliance with legal standards.

• Liaised with the senior management team to oversee approval of the company's governing documents and expenditures, ensuring efficient implementation of directives and alignment with organizational goals.

• Negotiated and reviewed contractual terms for consultancy and procurement agreements, housing and tenancy contracts, and employment agreements, safeguarding the organization's interests and ensuring compliance with legal requirements.

• Notable results include developing a comprehensive style guide and writer’s reference manual for the startup company responsible for establishing the first nuclear energy program in the Middle East, aligning with regulatory requirements and ensuring consistency in organizational terminology and stylistic conventions for all company documents and standard operating procedures. 3

Sr. Publications and Communications Consultant Dascam Consulting Abu Dhabi, UAE Oct 2008 – Nov 2010

• Provided strategic recommendations regarding content, format, design, and production schedules, and delegated tasks to writers and graphic designers to ensure project completion on time and within budget.

• Reviewed and approved all print and digital publications, including the monthly magazine, brochures, training manuals, and digital content to ensure quality and consistency before distribution.

• Worked with the media relations team to draft press releases, speeches, talking points, and briefing notes for interviews, ensuring effective communication with the public and external stakeholders.

• Notable results include building the communications team for the startup government entity responsible for protecting the country’s critical infrastructure, training all team members, and establishing and implementing communications policies, procedures, standards, and guidelines. Affiliations

Climatebase Fellow, Cohort 6, 2024

Woodlands Area Economic Development Partnership Board Member, 2023-2024 Education

Kansas State University Manhattan, KS Master of Arts Stephens College Columbia, MO Bachelor of Arts Software

Microsoft Office Suite Adobe Creative Suite WordPress SharePoint Google Docs AI LLMs

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