Brian S.

Experience

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  Marine Corps Recruiting

  Apr 2012 - Jun 2014

  Photojournalist

  Worked as a photojournalist to produce content for base paper as well as other online publications. Served as a Marine Corps liaison to the local government, military and public. Successfully published Marines’ stories picked up by national news publications.• Full-time staff reporter (and photographer) for base paper and online publications that covered a range of areas (e.g., politics, sports, business, education and travel) • Trained with Armed Forces Network on news anchoring and hosting a morning radio show• Monitored all public affairs operations for favorable or adverse trends• Supervised junior Marines and ensured proper training in occupational specialty • Delegated tasks to junior Marines and monitored the quality of their work • Earned repeated commendations for excellence in writing, reporting, photojournalism and broadcast journalism Show less

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  United States Marine Corps

  Apr 2014 - Jun 2017

  Marketing and Public Affairs Manager

  Served as the public affairs liaison between the recruiting command, local media, government and academic stakeholders. Developed communication and marketing strategies resulting in policy changes for each of the 15 recruiting substations. Trained command members and recruiters on best social media practices and managed all recruiting social media platforms including Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and LinkedIn.• Served as spokesperson to key stakeholders and media on behalf of Marine Corps Recruiting in Central Florida during times of crisis• Developed messaging for unprecedented or controversial problems • Monitored all public relations and marketing operations for favorable or adverse trends• Analyzed current media relations and developed a new media program across Central Florida with tangible objectives that resulted in positive coverage of Marine recruiting activities• Gathered information from stakeholders resulting in policy changes that enhanced Marine Corps recruiting operations• Developed strategic communication plans for all 15 recruiting substations with stated objectives and measurable outcomes• Advised command on adequate messaging in response to crises, such as recruiter misconduct• Developed a Public Affairs Guidance (PAG) as a proactive approach to crisis management• Developed press releases for all major Marine Corps recruiting activities such as Semper Fi Bowl selections and Educators Workshop• Provided content creation support for command messages, speeches, talking points, newsletters and event brochures • Developed a new direct mail that resulted in 500 new leads generated and more than 100 new Marine recruits within a year• Managed marketing budget and worked with local vendors to ensure the success of every onsite recruiting event• Sought out speaking engagements for recruiting command members and established key talking points for them • Copy edited a variety of both internal and external products to ensure appropriate messaging Show less

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  US Army

  Feb 2021 - Jan 2022

  Public Affairs Specialist

  Served as a member of the command information team responsible for creating news story packages in video, photographic and print form. Assisted in the redevelopment of command communication strategies. Developed social media strategies that maximize growth and reach. • Developed communication strategies for command information with measurable outcomes• Assisted in the redevelopment of crisis communication plan resulting in policy changes• Produced and edited a variety of products for internal and external release such as speeches, fact sheets, talking points, news articles, crisis communication and broadcast packages • Produced daily media report for command highlighting all news coverage that could impact operational efforts• Assisted in the development of Public Affairs Guidance (PAG) for the command team • Developed official responses to all media queries• Monitored all public affairs operations for favorable or adverse trends• Served as assistant editor, reviewed command information to ensure it aligns with Army messaging before release to internal and external audiences • Managed all social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube)• Developed graphics to enhance command information messaging• Served as web content manager for Army Fort Lee home page• Developed and conducted public affairs and social media training for subordinate commands • Produced Fort Lee podcast Show less

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  FEMA

  Jan 2022 - now

  External Affairs Officer

  Serving as an External Affairs Officer (EXAO) for FEMA. Responsible for directing and supervising the work and staff of Emergency Support Function #15 (ESF 15). Coordinate with the Federal Coordination Officer, Regional External Affairs (EA) Director, and OEA Leadership to develop and implement strategic plans, communication strategies, and protocols to measure the effectiveness of FEMA initiatives. • Develop goals, objectives, and policies for subordinate supervisors, staff, and organizations related to ESF15• Serve as a technical expert for the FCO and the primary liaison/spokesperson with media representatives, congressional offices, local elected officials, FEMA Headquarters, and agency stakeholders • Lead for all federal messaging related to disaster response and recovery by coordinating what other federal agencies such as Small Business Administration, Department of Energy, Environmental Protection Agency, and US Army Corps of Engineers• Ensure that EA initiatives are consistent with regional, FEMA and Department of Homeland Security program goals throughout supported organizations• Monitor operations, analyze messaging data, media reports and other information for favorable or adverse trends.• Analyze information and data from all components of EA to develop messaging techniques for communication with all internal and external stakeholders• Coordinate with EA counterparts to implement messaging and identify alternative communication methods to clarify complex information on agency programs• Provide authoritative external/public affairs and outreach advice and technical expertise for programs, projects, and initiatives• Provide planning, direction, and oversight for implementation and/or application of evolving and innovative messaging methods and techniques • Oversee and serve as final arbitrator of all personnel actions recommended by subordinate supervisors, including performance evaluations Show less