David M. Phelps

Experience

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  Special Olympics

  May 1990 - Aug 1997

  International Communications Director & Deputy Director, Public Affairs

  Responsible for the development and implementation of communications programs for more than 100 countries associated with Special Olympics International. First person to hold this position. Traveled extensively outside of the United States.Official spokesperson for three Special Olympics World Games (1991, 1993, 1995)Developed first Special Olympics International Web site: 1995Speech-writer for SOI Founder and Chairperson, Eunice Kennedy Shriver

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  Software & Information Industry Association

  May 1997 - Nov 1999

  Director, Public Relations

  Directed all marketing communications efforts for the leading trade association representing software and online providers (1100 member companies). Positioned the Association as the go-to credible resource for information on software piracy in the United States and globally. Presented marketing communications seminars at the Association's two yearly conferences and at other external panels. Generated significant media awareness of the work of the Association and its role in the growing online sector. Show less

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  Hill & Knowlton

  Nov 1999 - Aug 2000

  Managing Director, Technology Practice (Los Angeles)

  Built and managed all aspects of the Technology practice in California for a global marketing communications agency. Established relationships with emerging businesses in the online, software, hardware and B2B sectors. Led a small time in positioning clients in a highly competitive marketplace. Oversaw combined monthly account billing revenues of $600,000.

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  David Phelps & Associates

  Jan 2001 - Jan 2006

  Political Campaign Consultant

  Political campaign consultant in Southern California and South Florida. Managed one Congressional campaign (2002) -- CA 45 -- and local city council, commission and mayoral campaigns.

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  Best Friends Animal Society

  Jan 2006 - Jan 2007

  Director, Community Programs & Services

  Engaged to spearhead development of organization’s premiere online-outreach efforts, transitioning engagement approach from traditional to digital community-building environment. Identified opportunities to optimize use of emerging technologies and social-media platforms to raise awareness of core mission across domestic outlets. Directed 34 resources in daily operations across Community Programs, Humane Education, Rapid Response, and Best Friends Online Network to create powerful brand awareness at internal and external levels. Managed and monitored allocation of $11M annual budget. Drove membership levels 300% within 10 months by expanding network of activists and authoring new marketing content.Expanded member outreach and increased organizational advocacy efforts for key strategic initiatives across coalition of domestic rescue and animal-advocacy groups. Show less

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  John Edwards for President

  Apr 2007 - Feb 2008

  Director, Online Communications

  Managed comprehensive digital-outreach communications for presidential campaign, orchestrating efforts across fundraising emails as well as blog and website content. Authored extensive and persuasive advocacy and fundraising copy to drive engagement levels across key demographics. Recruited to support Senior Communications Team, advising on daily messaging strategy and tactical opportunities. Generated $8.8M in online campaign contributions within six-month period. Consistently exceeded monthly revenue projections 28% through utilization of expert writing skills to draft compelling fundraising and advocacy content. Conceived, drafted and finalized more than 100 national e-mails for the campaign, and nearly 150 for local events. Show less

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  Democratic National Committee

  Mar 2008 - Aug 2008

  Online Marketing Manager

  Led all online-fundraising and email-outreach efforts for DNC during election cycle, identifying key subject materials and national themes for communication. Authored detailed marketing and outreach copy, organizing distribution of all messaging platforms. Engaged as digital liaison with Obama for President campaign for six weeks, implementing multiple outreach strategies to drive overall engagement.Increased online-fundraising totals 37% month-over-month during engagement period by authoring extensive content to drive public awareness and campaign interest. Raised $7 million + online between March 2008 and Democratic national convention in August 2008 to support "50-state" strategy and eventual Democratic nominee. Show less

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  Clean Water Action

  Aug 2008 - Mar 2009

  National Political Director

  Directed political- and civic-engagement activities for Clean Water Action and Clean Water Fund, representing 1.2M members nationwide. Developed and implemented campaign planning, overseeing communication of mission to state affiliates. Coordinated extensive fundraising efforts across traditional and digital outlets. Generated $2.5M for CWA activities during 2008 election cycle. Achieved 81% win rate for CWA endorsed political candidates across 240 federal and state races. Optimized and maintained organization’s national voter-file data. Managed data tracking and reporting to ensure compliance with comprehensive campaign-finance, election, and tax regulations. Engaged as key liaison between organization and progressive national allies, including America Votes. Show less

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  Washington Education Association

  Mar 2009 - Jun 2012

  Director of Communications & Technology

  Developed and managed communications and tactical strategies for educators’ union representing 82K+ members. Collaborated with President, Executive Director, and Senior Management to identify road maps for raising organizational visibility, internal and external positioning, messaging, branding, and crisis communications. Authored speeches and key talking points for executive group. Implemented multiple awareness campaigns across print, broadcast, and social-media platforms. Led 11-member team within Communications and Technology centers, overseeing $3.8M annual departmental budget. Interfaced with Board members, Council Presidents, local leaders, and administrative staff on coordinating media relations, pioneering branding strategies, and building community coalitions. Traveled extensively to manage onsite training sessions while providing support and counsel. Introduced numerous social-media and technology strategies for adoption, including implementation of iPads into staff organization as key marketing and organizing tool. Expanded digital presence by driving public engagement across Facebook and Twitter, leading professional-development initiatives for staff to increase knowledge of online promotions. Orchestrated production of broadcast spots, quarterly print publication, corporate website, and advocacy website.Recognized by the WEA Board of Directors and the annual Representative Assembly for communications efforts. Show less

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  Parent Revolution

  Jul 2012 - Oct 2013

  National Communications Director

  Recruited to build comprehensive media awareness for three-year-old organization and its core mission. Engaged multiple media resources across broadcast and digital platforms to increase public and constituency awareness while expanding efforts and visibility at domestic level. Managed internal and external resources in identifying social-media and fundraising opportunities. Orchestrated media relations and online organizing, in addition to authoring extensive copy for company website, online fundraising campaigns, and marketing materials.Led two-person communications shop. Responsible for achieving coverage around Parent Revolution and parent empowerment in national and regional media outlets, including NBC (Los Angeles affiliate and national), The New York Times, Los Angeles Times. Wall Street Journal, ABC (Los Angeles affiliate and national), CBS (Los Angeles affiliate and national), Fox News (Los Angeles affiliate and national), Bloomberg Business Week, People, Time, Huffington Post, NPR, Los Angeles Daily News, San Bernardino County Sun, LA School Report, Education Week, and This Week in Education. Averaged 275+ significant media hits each month. Show less

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  Bezos Family Foundation

  Nov 2013 - May 2015

  Director of Communications

  Forward-thinking strategist directing all communications efforts for this family foundation and its different initiatives. Responsible for building and implementing focused and successful marketing communications plans, along with leading public relations and coalition-building efforts.

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  The Campaign Writer

  May 2015 - now

  Founder

  Provide digital content, fundraising, and copy-writing services to political campaigns, advocacy groups, elected officials, and forward-thinking organizations. Specialties include writing highly-effective fundraising emails (3200+ in 2018 election cycle), strategic messaging, long-form pieces (including direct mail), and online < > offline management. Work to tight deadlines with proven results.

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  Blue States PAC

  Jun 2021 - now

  Managing Partner