Experience

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  Pre-K 4 SA

  • San Antonio, Texas, United States

  • Head of Communications and Engagement

    • Sep 2022 - Present
    • San Antonio, Texas, United States

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  Jill Byrd Public Relations

  • San Antonio, Texas Area

  • Owner and Practitioner

    • Mar 2017 - Present
    • San Antonio, Texas Area

    • Strategic public relations planning and execution• Media relations (local, national, trade media)• Media training• Social media planning and content development• Grassroots outreach and partnerships• Employee / leadership communications• Crisis communications

• 

  USAA

  • San Antonio, Texas

  • Senior Communications Partner

    • Jun 2015 - Mar 2017
    • San Antonio, Texas

    • Responsible for the development and execution of strategic communications campaigns to align with USAA priorities and the business objectives of the Financial Advice and Solutions Group, while creating opportunities for integration across the enterprise and lines of business• Manages integrated message development and communication channels to ensure products, services and business initiatives are effectively positioned with internal and external audiences, including collaboration with marketing, change management, legal and compliance to promote and sustain USAA’s brand• Drafts press materials and conducts ongoing media relations with local, national and trade media for the Investments and Financial Readiness teams, including quarterly media tours and the annual Financial Follies event• Provides counsel to senior leaders, business partners and subject-matter experts for effective communication to support business objectives, including media and presentation coaching • Conducts risk assessments and drafts risk mitigation messages to protect and enhance USAA’s brand• Supports leadership communication to Executive Council, Board and line of business team• Manages the relationship with the public relations agency of record• Measures effectiveness of communication campaign strategies and tactics

• 

  KGBTexas Public Relations / Advertising

  • PR Director

    • Sep 2010 - Jun 2015

    • Responsible for the management of more than 30 clients across various industries and a staff of 14 full-time employees• Attends client meetings and conducts client / media evaluations• Provides proactive strategic planning and oversight on all accounts• Develops crisis communications plans• Generates media coverage and organizes special events • Manages social media execution for the agency and clients• Oversees the management and production of publications• Creates strategic partnerships between clients, stakeholders and community• Provides guidance on client newsletter and print publications• Conducts public / media relations on behalf of the agency• Writes and executes internal communications for the agency• Maintains working relationships with members of the media and business community• Drafts estimates, proposals and responses to RFPs on behalf of new business development• Manages all account budgets as well as the department budget• Creates operational protocols for internal communication, client / account management, and human resources

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  CTRC at the University of Texas Health Science Center-San Antonio

  • Director of Public Information / Assistant Marketing Director

    • Jun 2006 - Sep 2010

    • Responsible for the organization’s media relations, marketing and advertising efforts• Improved the frequency and quality of earned media• Generated a dramatic increase in media coverage (both local and national) which created an improvement in target audience awareness of CTRC according to Target SA reports• Expanded relationships with members of the local media, as well as made new relationships with national and international media as a result of managing the SABCS press room• Wrote and assisted in the development and implementation of all crisis communication plans• Assisted with public affairs outreach• Coordinated and hosted elected officials visits and tours• Created news events as appropriate for announcing government grant awards• Organized and managed special events including news conferences, photo shoots, rallies, clinic openings, employee events and focus groups• Supported Development Office to promote and generate awareness of fundraising efforts and capital campaign through media relations and event planning • Served on Speakers Bureau• Developed presentations to Board for CEO and VP of Development • Wrote and implemented strategic marketing campaigns for consumer and physician markets• Produced copy for all web-based activity, including social media outlets• Developed internal communication policies and assisted in execution of employee e-blasts; employee team meetings and employee relations activities• Served as an editorial board member and feature writer for the School of Medicine FUTURE magazine, CTRC resolve magazine and employee e-newsletter, as well as copy writer for advertising efforts• Created and managed the department budget

• 

  TaylorWest Advertising and Public Relations

  • Account Manager

    • Nov 2004 - Jun 2006

    • Began as an account coordinator and was quickly promoted to account executive then account manager• Served on account service and public relations teams, working collaboratively with creative and media teams to provide full service strategic communications to successfully meet the goals and objectives of the client • Developed strategic public relations and marketing plans for clients in the healthcare, manufacturing, residential/commercial development, transportation, hospitality and telecommunication industries• Wrote media materials including press releases, media advisories and fact sheets • Pitched to local, regional and national media and conducted media relations• Managed and hosted special events including press conferences and launch parties • Compiled comprehensive media distribution lists• Developed and maintained client information binders, which included client media coverage, competitor information and media recaps• Assisted in the development of new business pitches and submissions of RFPs• Managed client billing and budgets