 Oversee all research staff under the auspices of CGFA, including researchers, librarians, individuals tracking federal grant and state board and commission appointees, and LRU support personnel. Advise on and approve of all correspondence between research unit staff and lawmakers and legislative staff. Identify proactive ways to market research unit materials to the General Assembly and relevant staff. Pinpoint and implement practical solutions to increase awareness and availability of Research Unit services and publications. Supervise distribution of nonpartisan, confidential research for Illinois state legislators and legislative staff, ensuring content is pertinent, accurate and timely. Direct compilation, editing and distribution of statutorily-mandated publications and other periodicals.

Manage a diverse staff of up to 30 employees, guiding strategic communications on concurrent projects relating to earned and paid constituent and media outreach efforts by utilizing traditional media pitches and press releases, as well as social media platforms, targeted mailings, informational public forums, power point presentations, web-based communications and video, photography and graphic content.Conceptualize and implement messaging strategies for Republican members of the Illinois Senate, including development of tactical communications plans in all 21 Senate Republican districts, as well as departmentally.Review effectiveness of media and public outreach initiatives through public participation and feedback, successful media placement and secured interviews, positive-to-neutral coverage and senator and legislative staff satisfaction. Spearhead the caucus branding initiative, overseeing and guiding creation of an organization logo, typography and color palettes, and associated graphics across all digital assets, internal and external documents and correspondence.Manage contracts and maintain relationships with outside vendors.Design, create content and distribute a weekly email newsletter sent statewide to 100,000+ recipients.Supervise and help maintain the organization’s website and social media accounts.Oversee and edit a weekly document on timely legislative and state government issues that is distributed statewide to media outlets and constituents.Write press releases, columns, editorials and letters to the editor for submission to media outlets in Chicago, suburban and downstate media markets.Schedule and organize press conferences, statewide media tours and editorial board visits.Experience using Adobe Creative Suite, specifically Adobe InDesign and Photoshop, PowerPoint, Meltwater Media Intelligence Platform, Cision, and TV Eyes.

* Designed and composed campaign literature and direct mail pieces for State Senate candidates.* Researched and compiled information public policy and legislation used in campaign literature, direct mail pieces, candidate Web sites, and Senate campaign operations across Illinois.* Assisted in the development of campaign strategies used to advance a predetermined agenda.