Kayla Choate, Mcl Email & Phone Number

Waukee, Iowa, United States

Develop and implement the communications strategy for Waukee Community School District, the fifth-largest school district in Iowa, including managing budgets, strategic campaigns and initiatives, crisis communications, open records requests, sponsorships and vendor agreements, and internal and external communications. Lead the communications team in effectively communicating to the district's audiences; managing the brand identity; and sharing inspiring stories of our students and staff through all available channels. Serve as a member of the Senior Leadership Team, in addition to counseling the district administration and Board of Directors on communications strategies and best practices. Oversee public relations and serve as the district's point of contact to the media and community. Responsible for achieving the district's annual strategic priorities related to connection, communication, and advocacy.

Ames, Iowa, United States

Led the Marketing & Communications Team in creating, promoting and sharing mission-driven marketing content through various digital and print platforms. Developed and implemented marketing strategy to engage audiences, expand YSS's reach and support strategic priorities. Oversaw YSS's marketing projects from start to finish, including budgets, timelines, objectives and analytics. Wrote and edited impact stories, newsletters, video scripts, annual reports, email and direct mail campaigns, press releases and other marketing projects. Oversaw public relations, coordinated media placements, and supported CEO and other designated spokespersons for YSS. Managed social media marketing and oversaw expansion of YSS's digital marketing strategy. Provided expertise and consultation on marketing strategy and brand identity to CEO and senior leadership. Oversaw marketing efforts for all YSS events and supported event planning and execution. Created and launched new YSS publications, including Connections (YSS's quarterly print newsletter), YSS Off the Press (YSS's monthly e-newsletter) and Donor Digest (YSS's quarterly donor e-newsletter). Led the public announcement for YSS's new 50-acre Ember Recovery Campus.

Des Moines, Iowa

Developed and executed communications and messaging strategies to promote new products, programs and initiatives. Built strong relationships with business partners and maintained keen understanding of their goals and priorities. Served as communications expert on project teams; maintained editorial calendar; and advised on communication vehicles, best practices and timelines to achieve business objectives and meet deadlines. Wrote and edited persuasive, action-oriented content. Oversaw projects through deployment across multiple channels. Explored and developed innovations to more effectively reach target audiences and establish Nationwide as an industry leader. Managed the communications strategy for a new initiative that involved partnering with Amazon to give away 1M Amazon Echo Auto devices—attracting new auto customers and positioning the company as an innovator.

Des Moines, Iowa

Created and implemented Drake Law School's strategic marketing and communications plan from the ground up. Provided vision, expertise and leadership for the law school’s brand identity and marketing best practices. Coordinated long-term, complex communications and marketing projects such as videos, photography, viewbooks, brochures and mailings to reach prospective students, donors, alumni, business partners and other audiences. Created and executed a strategic social media strategy, increasing Facebook followers by 250%, building an Instagram page from 0 to 1K+ followers and establishing a place on LinkedIn for 4,500+ alumni to stay connected. Launched new mobile-first website, managed on-going web content strategy and led training on content management system to all website administrators. Wrote eLaw—the quarterly alumni e-newsletter—as well as spotlight stories that showcased students, faculty and alumni. Led efforts to utilize blogs, vlogs and social media to highlight faculty expertise and build brand awareness nationwide. Hired, mentored and supervised communications intern.

Minneapolis, Minnesota

Served as communications liaison to the college’s Student Services Office; consulted on messaging strategies and coordinated complex projects. Wrote the weekly CSE Student News e-newsletter, press releases and student feature stories. Managed the college’s social media and digital signage content strategy. Advised student groups and provided training on marketing and branding best practices. Developed the first-ever mobile app for the annual College of Science and Engineering Career Fair.

Des Moines, Iowa Area

Wrote and copy-edited content for Kampgrounds of America, Inc.’s annual directory publication. Coordinated workflow and content changes for more than 180 clients. Researched and fact-checked content and infographics; reviewed design proofs. Provided expertise in AP Style, grammar and tone.

Ames, Iowa

Helped execute marketing and communication plans for Iowa State alumni events and programs, including the Centennial Homecoming celebration, alumni awards ceremony and Cardinal and Gold Gala. Managed the ISU Alumni Association’s website and social media platforms. Wrote ISU News Flash and Young Alumni News e-newsletters, as well as articles for VISIONS, Iowa State’s alumni magazine. Served as communications liaison on the ISU Young Alumni Council; brainstormed and executed strategies to enhance young alumni engagement with the University and ISU Alumni Association.

Ames, Iowa

Wrote feature stories for ACCESS Iowa State, the exclusive newsletter for Order of the Knoll Campanile Society members. Composed more than 100 scholarship recipient biographies for a scholarship stewardship book. Wrote and copy-edited content for major communications projects directed at donors.

Ames, Iowa

Covered the city of Ames for the daily student newspaper at Iowa State University. Attended Ames City Council meetings, researched information and interviewed sources to write articles and feature stories. Contributed weekly story ideas to editors.

Master'S Degree, Communication Leadership

Capstone: Conducted research on Best Buddies Iowa and created comprehensive, innovative recommendations to enhance the organization's.

Bachelor Of Science (Bs), Journalism And Mass Communication, Spanish, And International Studies

Activities and Societies: Kappa Tau Alpha and Cardinal Key honor societies, Pi Beta Phi sorority's Policy and Standards Board chair, ISU.