Strategic Communications Leader Across Functions

DEREK BAILEY

Commerce City, CO 720-***-**** **********@*****.*** http://www.linkedin.com/in/derekabailey

Communications Director

Strategic and innovative communications leader with over 16 years of experience driving high-impact internal messaging, employee engagement, and cross-functional alignment across Fortune 500 organizations. Adept at leading communications for complex business transformations, including mergers, IT rollouts, and cost optimization initiatives. Proven success in partnering with C-suite executives, managing integrated communications campaigns, and leveraging data and storytelling to increase readership, influence behavior, and enhance organizational outcomes.

Strategic Business Communication & Executive Alignment: Delivered measurable impact by aligning stakeholders through messaging strategies that support organizational priorities—such as securing $1.2M in savings during a cloud initiative and improving employee confidence by 35% during a merger.

Cross-Functional Leadership & Project Execution: Directed high-performing teams across IT and corporate environments to implement communication roadmaps, digital campaigns, and recognition programs that supported employee adoption, strengthened morale, and improved satisfaction by up to 22%.

Skills & Expertise

C-Suite Collaboration Graphic Design Media Relations Executive Communications

Data Analytics Public Relations Content Creation Leadership

Professional Experience

Dish Jan 2021 – Present

IT COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER

Secured $1.2M in savings by rallying executive and departmental alignment through crafting strategic messaging and storytelling, transforming skepticism into support for DISH’s cloud cost optimization initiative.

Reduced helpdesk tickets by 40% and increased employee satisfaction by 22% through designing a communications roadmap, including visual guides, video explainers, and real-time updates, amid a major corporate technology shift.

Led cross-functional teams to execute comprehensive IT communication strategies, ensuring alignment across diverse organizational levels and 3 locations in Colorado and Texas.

Fostered consistent and engaging employee experiences by directing internal messaging initiatives in support of strategic business goals and developing resources across various communication mediums.

Sprint Jan 2006 – Dec 2020

COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER

Led internal communications during the Sprint-T-Mobile merger, enhancing transparency through weekly FAQ newsletters and live town halls that addressed employee concerns. Improved employee confidence scores by 35%.

Earned over 50 media placements by collaborating with marketing and technology teams to execute a strategic media relations campaign, significantly enhancing Sprint’s brand visibility and positioning it as a 5G contender.

Leveraged diverse mediums to enhance engagement and cohesion by directing internal and external multifaceted communication programs.

Contributed to positive company culture and team morale through implementation of special projects such as internal employee recognition. Bolstered employee satisfaction by coordinating impactful programs and events.

Education

Bachelor of Science in Economics and Communications Purdue University

Technical Tools

Adobe Creative Cloud SharePoint Teams Visual Studio Poppulo Google Workspace (Analytics, Sheets, Sites, Slides)

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