Senior Director Public Affairs

Rhiannon M. Koehler, Ph.D.

***. ***. **** *************@*****.***

SUMMARY

Highly organized, analytical, and strategic expert with 12 years of experience in public relations, communications, and media. A proven leader with the ability to engage multiple audiences, manage both internal and external communications, and establish media contacts. Possesses a strong understanding of and experience with managing large budgets, overseeing teams of 10+ and working cross-functionally.

RECENT EXPERIENCE

01/2022-present SENIOR DIRECTOR, MARKETING AND STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONS

University of Chicago - LSTC Chicago, IL

Developed and executed comprehensive communications strategies that

blended PR, content marketing, social media, and data, resulting in a 20%

increase in brand awareness and a 15% growth in audience engagement.

Led and motivated cross-functional teams of 15+. Successfully managed writers,

editors, and communication professionals, driving projects to successful

completion within deadline and budget constraints.

Consulted on University of Chicago’s succession plan.

Co-wrote the 2025 Strategic Plan for the University of Chicago’s affiliate programs.

Wrote executive speeches for the Dean of Students, VP of Academic Affairs, and President of the institution.

Managed B2B SaaS acquisitions for emerging distance learning program.

Provided coaching, leadership development training, and media training.

Led the successful ATS accreditation committee effort in 2024.

Secured media coverage in top-tier outlets, increasing client exposure by 40%.

Managed web presence for internal client groups across the University of Chicago consortium.

10/2020-01/2022 DIRECTOR, CONTENT STRATEGY

TDH Creative Co. Chicago, IL

Acted as a strategic thought leader for the development of content serving clients in the branded and unbranded space.

Directed and developed qualitative research programs for fintech clients.

Created strategic communications plans for clients including Devon Bank, National Louis University, and Loyola.

Wrote long and short form copy for publication on internal and external channels.

Managed social coverage, analytics, and provided strategic content for client campaigns.

Produced and directed commercial coverage for corporate clients.

Developed a strategic social media plan for telling the TDH brand story across major social networks.

02/2019-12/2020 COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER

Columbia College Chicago Chicago, IL

Acted as an account manager for various business units and client groups across the institution.

Secured media placements for external coverage with Chicago Tonight, Chicago Tribune, FOX 32, ABC, USA Today, DownBeat, WTTW, CBS, and The Chronicle of Higher Education, among others.

Created strategic communications plan to elevate the college’s rankings and reach fundraising goals.

Generated and wrote media coverage for high-profile clients.

Managed social coverage, analytics, and provided strategic content for institutional YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn channels.

Pitched and executed advertising campaigns aimed at recruitment and retention for Vanity Fair, Hollywood Reporter and MovieMaker magazines.

3/2017-02/2019 COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER

Flow & Moment Chicago, IL

Drove strategic planning, core messaging, and positioning.

Planned, executed, and produced client promotional videos.

Created press releases, backgrounders, and talking points.

Wrote client speeches.

PUBLICATIONS

BOOK

Comics and Conquest: A Radical Retelling of the Navajo-Hopi Land Dispute (Johns Hopkins University Press, 2023).

ARTICLES

“Ghosts.” Biostories. July 2022. 1-10

“Yoga in the Time of Quarantine.” Literate Ape. April 2, 2020. A-1.

“A Conversation with Jack Ahasteen.” Navajo Times. May 6, 2021. A-1.

“Hostile Nations: Quantifying the Destruction of the Sullivan-Clinton Genocide of 1779.” American Indian Quarterly 42, no. 4 (2018): 427–53.

“Two Nations, Indivisible: Unity, Discord, and the Cartoons of the Navajo-Hopi Land Dispute, 1973-1974.” The Journal of Arizona History 60, no. 2 (2019): 183–216.

SKILLS

Skilled oral and written communicator

Effective storyteller

Proficient in Cascade CMS

Proficient in Cision

Demonstrated leadership skills

Capability to rapidly learn new technologies

SAAS writing

Tech fluency

Crisis communication expertise

Executive presence coaching

Media Trainer

EDUCATION

UCLA/LSE MA/PhD, History 2018

LOYOLA MARYMOUNT BA, History 2012

Complete professional history available upon request and on LinkedIn

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