Kyrsten Braun
Greater Minneapolis-St. Paul, MN 651-***-**** ************@*****.*** kyrstenbraun.com
PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY
Communications Manager with 10+ years of experience leading internal communications, brand messaging and employee engagement across financial services, banking, technology and insurance industries. Skilled in executing multi-channel communication plans that align with business goals and strengthen culture. Expertise includes Human Resources communications, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, executive messaging and content development across email, SharePoint, video and presentations. Accomplished writer and published author known for translating complex information into clear, compelling messages that inspire alignment and action.
CORE COMPETENCIES
Internal Communications: Corporate + HR Messaging Executive Editing DEI Campaigns Employee Engagement
Content Development: Copywriting Editing SharePoint PowerPoint Email Campaigns Video Editing
Strategic Planning: Communication Planning Brand Alignment Campaign Metrics Audience Targeting
Marketing Communications: Product Launch Messaging Digital Assets Web Content Case Studies E-Brochures
Stakeholder Collaboration: Cross-Functional Teams Executive Alignment Agency Partnerships Project Management
Media & Digital Channels: Social Media Content Media Relations Support Publishing Multi-Channel Delivery
SELECTED ACHIEVEMENTS
Companywide Communications Strategy: Strengthened employee alignment and engagement across 1,400+ employees by co-leading enterprise-wide internal communications initiatives, developing strategic messaging for organizational updates, HR programs, DEI campaigns and executive announcements.
Multi-Channel Content Development: Increased reach and message clarity by creating compelling, audience-focused content across diverse formats and platforms, including SharePoint, PowerPoint, email, video and infographics—tailored to support cross-functional initiatives and companywide campaigns.
Recognition & Engagement Programs: Drove employee morale and participation by helping launch and manage Bremer Bank’s comprehensive employee recognition program, integrating communications across internal platforms and aligning messaging with company values and culture initiatives.
Marketing Campaign Execution: Generated high-value leads across key industries such as financial services, government, healthcare and education by managing multi-touchpoint marketing communications at HID Global—developing email campaigns and digital collateral to support product launches and sales.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
BREMER BANK, Saint Paul, MN 2015 – Present
Communications Manager
Lead internal communications for 1,400+ employees, partnering with HR and leadership to shape strategic messaging and engagement while overseeing content across SharePoint, email, video and more to support culture, recognition and companywide initiatives.
Enterprise Messaging: Increased companywide alignment by co-leading strategic internal communications that supported HR, DEI and leadership initiatives.
Content Development: Improved message clarity and engagement by producing targeted content across SharePoint, email, PowerPoint and video.
Program & Executive Communications: Boosted participation in benefits and cultural programs by developing messaging for Open Enrollment, DEI and executive announcements.
Recognition & Culture: Strengthened employee morale and connection by co-leading Bremer’s companywide recognition program and spearheading related communications.
Media & Performance Optimization: Enhanced outreach and communication impact by supporting media relations and social media while monitoring content performance metrics to refine content.
HID GLOBAL, Eden Prairie, MN 2014 – 2015
Marketing Communications Manager
Directed North American marketing communications, managing strategy, execution, budgeting and performance tracking while partnering cross-functionally to drive lead generation, support product launches and deliver high-impact content.
Campaign Strategy: Drove qualified lead generation by executing multi-touchpoint campaigns tailored to key industries and buyer segments.
Digital Content: Increased product awareness and engagement by creating targeted digital assets—emails, webinars, videos, apps, white papers, case studies and e-brochures.
Product Launch Support: Enabled effective go-to-market rollouts by developing launch communications such as landing pages, datasheets, customer letters and sales bulletins.
Event Marketing: Elevated brand presence and event ROI by leading tradeshow messaging strategy and managing cross-functional execution teams.
Performance Optimization: Improved campaign effectiveness by tracking metrics, analyzing results and refining messaging based on engagement data.
AMERIPRISE FINANCIAL, Minneapolis, MN 2005 – 2013
Communications Manager
Led development of client and advisor communications across digital, print and social platforms, including award-winning publications, while collaborating with internal experts and external agencies to ensure content quality, brand alignment and regulatory compliance.
Editorial Strategy: Strengthened client relationships as managing editor for high-quality publications, including a monthly newsletter, quarterly mailers and an award-winning magazine.
Social Media Management: Expanded advisor marketing capabilities by overseeing subscription-based social media tools and developing relevant post content.
Digital Content: Enhanced web experience and client education by producing informative content in partnership with legal, tax and subject matter experts.
Brand Standards: Improved consistency and brand voice across channels by developing and implementing brand messaging and style guidelines used across the organization.
Collaborative Development: Accelerated content delivery and ensured compliance by working with cross-functional teams, including legal and external agencies.
EDUCATION
Concordia College, Moorhead, MN – Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Communications
Brown Institute, Minneapolis, MN – Broadcasting Certificate
TECHNICAL SKILLS
Content & Document Tools: Microsoft Office Suite PowerPoint Word Outlook Teams
Internal Communications Platforms: SharePoint Intranet Publishing Tools Email Platforms
Design & Multimedia Tools: Adobe Creative Suite Video Editing Tools Script Writing & Formatting
Web & Digital Channels: Web Content Management Systems Social Media Platforms Basic HTML Familiarity
AWARDS
Magnum Opus Award – Best Editorial Ameriprise Financial Magazine
Mutual Fund Education Alliance STAR Award Ameriprise Financial Magazine
Communicator Award Ameriprise Financial Magazine
Insurance Marketing Communications Association Award Travelers Brochure
American Society of Professional Communicators Award Travelers Presentation
Published Author Author of a Published Book and Articles for Key Trade Publications