Experience

Stacks Open Internet Foundation

• United States
• Technology, Information and Internet
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Head of Content

  • Nov 2022 - Present



Cove Group

• United States
• Public Relations and Communications Services

• Founder & Communications Lead

  • Jan 2016 - Present

  Greater Seattle Area Cove Group is a Communications agency specializing in PR, communications, and content strategy. Since founding Cove in 2016, I’ve worked with numerous startups, midsize companies, and nonprofits. Services and responsibilities include: -Set strategic direction within communications, press, and brand for startups, scaling companies, and international non-profits -Develop targeted strategies for press outreach with vetted, detailed media lists and well-researched, compelling pitches… Show more Cove Group is a Communications agency specializing in PR, communications, and content strategy. Since founding Cove in 2016, I’ve worked with numerous startups, midsize companies, and nonprofits. Services and responsibilities include: -Set strategic direction within communications, press, and brand for startups, scaling companies, and international non-profits -Develop targeted strategies for press outreach with vetted, detailed media lists and well-researched, compelling pitches -Craft and execute detailed communications plans with quarterly themes, talking points, core campaign messages, and activation opportunities -Lead workshops around brand exploration and build out -Create detailed editorial calendars that include daily, weekly, and monthly content topics across blog, media placements, social media, and advertising -Produce an average of 10 blog posts and long-form articles for each client every month -Establish new relationships with media; maintain existing relationships with over 80 business, tech, and lifestyle journalists -Conduct weekly media outreach with original creative pitches to over 200 contacts on average -Manage 5+ writers and edit all content produced for various clients -Oversee ad strategy, campaign concepts, and copy for individual ads (Google Adwords, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn) -Identify and manage influencer relationships through Instagram and blogging platforms Show less



Claire Topalian, Communications & Public Relations

• Communications & PR Consultant

  • Jan 2016 - Jan 2018

  Seattle, WA I work with independent professionals, executives, and marketing leads at emerging and established companies with an emphasis on tech, business, and the outdoor industry. My work supports the creation and growth of dynamic PR, content, and communications strategies through media relations and pitching, industry research and positioning, messaging development, content production/editing, speaking opportunities, and social media guidance. I help my clients focus on implementing efficient… Show more I work with independent professionals, executives, and marketing leads at emerging and established companies with an emphasis on tech, business, and the outdoor industry. My work supports the creation and growth of dynamic PR, content, and communications strategies through media relations and pitching, industry research and positioning, messaging development, content production/editing, speaking opportunities, and social media guidance. I help my clients focus on implementing efficient strategies to reach new audiences while building loyalty with their existing community. Clients include Startup Angels, THIRA Health, Taqtile, JP Morgan Chase, BackShield, Raleigh America, Denali Fitness, PATH, Adecco, Lighter Capital, The University of Oregon, Barokas PR, and a number of tech startups and independent professionals. More information: http://clairetopalian.com/ Show less



Transpose Technologies Inc.

• United States
• Technology, Information and Internet

• Director, PR and Communications (Consultant)

  • Jul 2015 - Jan 2016

  Greater Seattle Area As a consultant, I supported a 7-person tech startup in PR and Communications strategies, including preparation for Series A. Responsibilities included: media relations, communications and PR strategy, editorial oversight and writing/editing, thought leadership guidance through concept brainstorms and ghostwriting on behalf of company leaders and partnership management via collaborative articles with external industry leaders and participation as a sponsor in an international, public-facing… Show more As a consultant, I supported a 7-person tech startup in PR and Communications strategies, including preparation for Series A. Responsibilities included: media relations, communications and PR strategy, editorial oversight and writing/editing, thought leadership guidance through concept brainstorms and ghostwriting on behalf of company leaders and partnership management via collaborative articles with external industry leaders and participation as a sponsor in an international, public-facing startup contest. Developed an average of eight blog posts per month, placed CEO’s thought leadership pieces with over five different outlets, and conducted weekly outreach to over 100 outlets and contacts. Show less



Nordstrom

• United States
• Retail
• 700 & Above Employee

• Communications Specialist

  • Oct 2014 - Jul 2015

  Seattle, WA On the corporate communications team, my responsibilities included writing, editing, and distributing company-related articles on topics including seasonal business updates, employee benefits, corporate events, nation-wide sale and store event guidelines, and new opportunities for employees, alongside an average of five blog posts every month and branded content. All materials were distributed among Nordstrom’s 70,000+ employees (in-store and corporate). I also supported PR crises at the… Show more On the corporate communications team, my responsibilities included writing, editing, and distributing company-related articles on topics including seasonal business updates, employee benefits, corporate events, nation-wide sale and store event guidelines, and new opportunities for employees, alongside an average of five blog posts every month and branded content. All materials were distributed among Nordstrom’s 70,000+ employees (in-store and corporate). I also supported PR crises at the corporate level as well as the production and management of monthly press releases regarding store openings, business updates, and seasonal news. Show less



UP Global

• Communications, Startup Women Initiative Manager

  • Jul 2012 - Oct 2014

  Greater Seattle Area Led all internal and external communications efforts, including managing global media relationships and serving as editor-in-chief for the internationally-read company blog with an average of 15,000 monthly visitors (100,000 visitors per month to the homepage). Developed thought leadership content and white papers as lead for the “Startup Research” arm of the organization. White papers included The Entrepreneur’s Journey, The Science of Team Spirit, and a study on the participation of women… Show more Led all internal and external communications efforts, including managing global media relationships and serving as editor-in-chief for the internationally-read company blog with an average of 15,000 monthly visitors (100,000 visitors per month to the homepage). Developed thought leadership content and white papers as lead for the “Startup Research” arm of the organization. White papers included The Entrepreneur’s Journey, The Science of Team Spirit, and a study on the participation of women across startup events. Led the production of monthly reports and assets for corporate partners, who included Coca-Cola/Vitamin Water, 3M, Microsoft, and the Gates Foundation, as well as the globally-distributed annual report project. Set strategy and implementation tactics for all internal communications strategies, including quarterly goals and themes, and supported all email marketing campaigns, which went out to over 120,000 community members. Developed a new program for the organization designed to support women entrepreneurs internationally. As part of this initiative, I wrote and acquired two grants for UP Global, totaling over $175,000.

• Communications Manager

  • Jun 2012 - Oct 2014

  Greater Seattle Area UP Global is dedicated to empowering entrepreneurial communities and building networks that drive collaboration and strengthen entrepreneurs worldwide. With a platform offering action-based learning programs, resources, and networks for entrepreneurs and leaders, UP Global aims to be the leading organization strengthening/transforming communities through entrepreneurship. With reach in over 110 countries, UP Global is a rapidly-growing, impact-based organization made possible by support… Show more UP Global is dedicated to empowering entrepreneurial communities and building networks that drive collaboration and strengthen entrepreneurs worldwide. With a platform offering action-based learning programs, resources, and networks for entrepreneurs and leaders, UP Global aims to be the leading organization strengthening/transforming communities through entrepreneurship. With reach in over 110 countries, UP Global is a rapidly-growing, impact-based organization made possible by support from The Kauffman Foundation, Google for Entrepreneurs, the Case Foundation, Microsoft, and The Coca-Cola Company.



Techstars Startup Weekend

• United States
• Civic and Social Organizations
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Communications Manager

  • May 2012 - Oct 2014

  Greater Seattle Area Startup Weekend in a non-profit organization that supports the development and expansion of entrepreneurship through events worldwide that educate aspiring entrepreneurs by immersing them in the process of moving an idea to market. Startup Weekend has built a network of more than 100,000 alumni, thousands of volunteer organizers and 100 trained facilitators spread across more than 400 cities in more than 100 countries. Kauffman Foundation, Gates Foundation, Google For Entrepreneurs and… Show more Startup Weekend in a non-profit organization that supports the development and expansion of entrepreneurship through events worldwide that educate aspiring entrepreneurs by immersing them in the process of moving an idea to market. Startup Weekend has built a network of more than 100,000 alumni, thousands of volunteer organizers and 100 trained facilitators spread across more than 400 cities in more than 100 countries. Kauffman Foundation, Gates Foundation, Google For Entrepreneurs and Microsoft are sponsors. Show less



English Time

• Türkiye
• Education Administration Programs
• 400 - 500 Employee

• TESL Instructor

  • Aug 2011 - Oct 2011

  Istanbul, Turkey Taught intermediate and beginning English courses to Turkish-speaking students Developed and coordinated workload and assignments for students