Social Media Public Relations

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STEPHEN BRANNON

USA

***************@*****.*** / LinkedIn profile

PERSONAL SUMMARY

I am a seasoned Senior Communications Executive with over 24 years of experience in brand development, media strategy, and stakeholder engagement across global organizations. I have led high-impact branding and marketing initiatives in the Middle East, successfully managing strategic communications, PR, and digital engagement. My expertise spans public relations, content creation, brand development, social media strategy, and partnership management, driving visibility and impact for organizations like Silatech, KAUST, the Dubai School of Government, and Zayed University. Passionate about storytelling and innovation, I have launched major campaigns, produced multimedia content, and guided organizations in building strong, globally recognized brands. SKILLS

• Strategic Communications

• Brand Creation & Development

• PR & Media Relations

• Partnership Management

• Writing & Public Speaking

• Reputation Management

• Stakeholder Engagement

• Leadership & Team Development

• Cross-Cultural Understanding

• Strategic Social Media

• Event Planning & Management

• Internal Communications

• Social Media Management

• Public Relations

• Content Strategy

• Data Analysis

EXPERIENCE

Manager of Creative Services/ King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) - Thuwal, Saudi Arabia 12/2015 - 09/2018

• Oversaw design, text and photography for most primary KAUST newsletters, magazines and publications

• Was responsible for designing and creating videos that highlight the role of KAUST as a progressive scientific institution inspiring advances in the Kingdom

• Ensured that the vision and inspiration of KAUST were articulated throughout KAUST print and electronic communications, including videos and podcasts

• Worked with the heads of public relations and marketing services to prepare systems to evaluate and improve the KAUST marketing approach both within and outside Saudi Arabia.

Director of Communications / Silatech - Doha, Qatar 01/2012 - 11/2015

• Guided brand development, media strategy, and stakeholder engagement across 15 Arab countries

• Led over 100 partnerships and launched El Mashrou3, the region's first entrepreneurship-themed reality TV show

• Developed Silatech's brand as it expanded across 15 Arab countries, with 100+ active partnerships

• Created adaptable brand architecture guidelines to manage relationships between Silatech, partners, and product brands

• Designed a media strategy that secured regional and international coverage, with an average of three press releases per month

• Led branding and marketing strategies for key public-facing products like Ta3mal (youth employability network) and Narwi (Islamic crowdfunding)

• Championed 'mindset change' initiatives, including El Mashrou3, the Arab world's first entrepreneurship-themed reality TV show

• Provided creative direction for print materials, videos, animations, and digital platforms Director of External Relations / Dubai School of Government - Dubai, UAE 11/2007 - 12/2011

• Designed and implemented a public affairs strategy that positioned DSG as a premier public policy institution in the Arab world

• Managed a team of five, overseeing web, design, media relations, and translation, with a budget of USD 1.8 million

• Organized an active events calendar (five per month) to foster awareness of key policy issues

• Spearheaded DSG's research publication efforts, overseeing the production of 25 policy briefs, 42 working papers, 8 reports, 14 newsletters, 15 proceedings, and 3 books

• Established and managed partnerships with major organizations, such as Harvard University, Dubai Executive Council, and Abraaj Capital

• Expanded DSG's outreach through social media, podcasts, webcasts, and electronic newsletters

• Developed targeted marketing campaigns for DSG's executive education and academic programs

• Strengthened DSG's media presence, ensuring coverage of key research and policy initiatives

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Supervisor of Publications / Zayed University - Dubai, UAE 06/2001 - 11/2007

• Led a team of five in managing the university's advertising and branding as it tripled in size

• Co-founded the 'Women as Global Leaders' international student conference, attracting 1,000+ delegates from 87 countries

• Developed ZU's first brand guidelines, covering visual identity, writing style, and web standards

• Managed external print, web, video, and multimedia communications for the university and its affiliated institutes

• Edited and published the ZU catalog for six consecutive years, ensuring consistent branding

• Directed marketing efforts for high-profile university events and outreach programs

• Negotiated contracts with celebrity speakers and managed sponsorship promotions for international conferences

• Oversaw complex event production involving multiple vendors and tight deadlines Publications Coordinator / Georgetown University - Washington DC, USA 10/1999 - 05/2001

• Led the rebranding of the Center for Contemporary Arab Studies, enhancing its visibility

• Designed and produced a new website, newsletter, special reports, and promotional materials

• Edited academic publications and contributed content for various informational materials

• Established the center's first comprehensive contacts database to streamline outreach efforts

• Introduced electronic content delivery for government, business, and media stakeholders

• Strengthened the organization's engagement with policymakers and industry leaders

• Enhanced the center's reputation through targeted marketing and digital outreach

• Managed content strategy to improve visibility of research and policy initiatives Writer and Press Officer / Royal Hashemite Court - Amman, Jordan 11/1994 - 05/1999

• Managed international media coverage for King Hussein and King Abdullah II of Jordan

• Coordinated press conferences, arranged interviews, and drafted official press releases

• Created and maintained the official website for King Hussein, still in use today

• Researched and compiled intelligence reports for presentation to the Jordanian monarchy

• Edited daily news summaries and ensured accurate media representation

• Managed crisis communications and high-profile media engagements

• Strengthened diplomatic messaging through carefully crafted public statements

• Provided strategic communication support during key political events EDUCATION

Master of Arts: Arab Studies

Georgetown University

GPA: 3.9/4.0

Bachelor of Arts: Anthropology

University of Virginia

GPA: 3.6/4.0

LINKEDIN PROFILES

• www.linkedin.com/in/stephenwbrannon

LANGUAGES

• English, native

• Arabic, oral and written proficiency

PERSONAL INFORMATION

Citizenship: USA

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