Communications and Engagement Expert

STEVE KAUS

OVERVIEW

Innovative and optimistic communications expert with over 15 years of experience in employee communications, executive communications, benefits communications, crisis communications, culture initiatives, brand storytelling, and employee engagement. Adept at strategic planning, change management, brand development, and project management. Recognized for ability to develop and deploy innovative solutions and creatively leverage existing tools to meet obstacles head-on. Motivated by a compelling desire to learn new things and apply unique skill set to challenging projects.

STRENGTHS

• Exceptional Communicator: Superior written, verbal, and visual communication skills including copywriting, editing, electronic content development, communication platform management, graphic design, and photography.

• Innovative Problem-Solver: Adept at developing practical, logical solutions for atypical challenges, demonstrating resourcefulness and strategic thinking.

• Broad Software Expertise: PC and Mac proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Creative Suite, video production software, communication platforms (including EmailOpen, Dynamic Signal, and Poppulo), and emerging Generative AI tools (including GPT-4o, Claude 3.5, Gemini 1.5 Pro and Copilot Pro).

RECOGNITION

• Gold SABRE Award from PRWeek for an employee communications campaign for Novartis Animal Health.

• Co-led rebranding team credited as instrumental in winning PRWeek’s “Large Agency of the Year” award.

• Sports Authority’s newsletter, The Sports Page, received more than a dozen awards, including a Platinum Inspire Award for “Excellence in Employee Communication” from the League of American Communications Professionals.

• Ragan Fellowship Program in Internal Communication – conferred as Fellow in May 2008.

WORK EXPERIENCE

FLEISHMAN-HILLARD – Saint Louis, MO November 2012 – June 2025

Director of Internal Communications

Led the corporate internal communications function, reporting directly to the Chief Talent Officer and providing strategic counsel and support to the CEO and other C-suite and senior leaders on communications, employee engagement and culture. Developed, implemented and managed communication platforms (intranet, email and social) and delivered strategic and tactical communications to all FleishmanHillard employees across 85 offices in 31 countries.

Developed and executed internal communications strategies for high-impact projects, resulting in a measurable increase in employee engagement and brand alignment, including:

- Global town hall webinars and monthly leadership updates (live and pre-recorded) featuring the CEO, executive leadership team, regional presidents, and practice leads.

- Employee Engagement Survey process improvements and reporting enhancements.

- Global brand refresh with broad change implications.

Led a team in restructuring and rebranding the corporate intranet, vastly improving information discovery and giving prominence to internal and external news, and internal social channels.

Deployed and managed an internal email measurement platform and used metrics to inform decision making.

Member of Artificial Intelligence task force, focused on exploring and implementing Generative AI solutions.

Member of Culture Refresh task force, charged with updating the firm’s Guiding Principles, developing a new Values statement, and assessing impact on Vision and Mission. Led subgroup on communication strategy.

Member of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion task force, contributing to the office of the CDIO with impactful communications strategy in support of their dynamic goals and objectives.

Developed internal communications cascade model for standardizing information flow from the CEO, down through multiple levels of leadership, for final delivery to a global employee audience, while also establishing additional channels for employees to respond and engage in ongoing dialogue with leadership.

During peak periods, redirected as much as 50% of my time to client consultation for FleishmanHillard’s Internal Communications practice group. Clients included:

- AT&T: Development and execution of strategy for an employee health ambassador program supporting a culture of wellness, as well as support for benefits annual enrollment activities.

- Elanco: Development and execution of employee communication strategy leading up to “day one” of Elanco and Novartis Animal Health operating as a merged organization. (PRWeek Gold SABRE Award)

- Energizer: Development of internal positioning and educational materials for a confidential product launch that would bring the company’s culture of innovation to the forefront.

SPORTS AUTHORITY, Englewood, CO October 2005 – October 2012

Group Manager Internal Communications (December 2009 through October 2012)

Led all aspects of strategic employee communications for the nation’s preeminent full-line sporting goods retailer, with over 465 stores nationwide, approximately $3B in annual sales and 15,000 employees.

Advised and supported Human Resources in driving overall communication culture.

Developed and oversaw strategic, company-wide communications, drafted content for executive team and advised on timing and delivery channels.

Developed and oversaw methods for measuring employee engagement and facilitating informed decision-making across the organization.

Developed and oversaw strategy, design, and functionality for corporate intranet.

Developed and oversaw strategy, creative direction, content development, production, leadership approvals, print purchasing, and distribution for company newsletter.

Developed and implemented crisis communication guidelines and acted as core member of Business Continuity team in crisis situations.

Acted as liaison/partner to field communications, marketing, and public relations teams.

Created and managed expense and capital budget for Internal Communication function.

Communications Manager (October 2005 through November 2009)

Managed all aspects of strategic employee communications within the Human Resources function.

Supported HR Business Partners in all benefits and talent development communications

Developed and deployed Sports Authority’s corporate intranet.

Brought design and production of company newsletter in-house, reducing overall cost by 50%.

Optimized email channels and distribution lists to reduce email overload.

Identified feedback mechanisms and technological innovations to better engage employees and encourage collaboration and dialogue.

ADDITIONAL WORK EXPERIENCE

GART SPORTS, Denver, CO

Training & Communications Lead

Design & Production Manager

SUPERVALU, Aurora, CO

Graphic Artist

EDUCATION

Seton Hall University – Master of Arts in Strategic Communication & Leadership

Fields of study: Strategic Communication Planning and Delivery; Leadership Strategies and Development; Engagement through Listening and Analyzing Feedback; Organizational Culture and Leading Culture Change; Leadership in a Diverse and Multicultural Environment

University of Wisconsin at Madison – Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design

Fields of study: Graphic Design; Visual Communication; Photography; Typography

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