Melanie Smith Email & Phone Number

Lead writer and strategic comms collaborator for 5 political clients through the 2022 election. Projects include direct mail campaigns for a leading abortion rights advocate, email and direct mail for a candidate for local office, press outreach (successful pitching, op-ed writing/placement, etc) for a major ballot initiative, and running a major elected official's Twitter account.

I use strategic communications to target and boost the company/organization's goals, whether social impact, fundraising, name recognition, or recruitment. Past/current projects include political fundraising email campaigns, issue advocacy direct mail campaigns, email marketing campaigns, special promotions/events, social media campaigns (targeted and overall management), digital analytics, brand refinement/competitor analysis, and systems overhaul for acquiring and storing photo/quote assets.

*Made to Save was a timebound campaign that ended in June 2022. - Provided messaging and communications strategy support and training to a national coalition of 600 community organizations combating the COVID-19 pandemic - Promoted to lead a communications team of 4, weekly communications strategy, and all earned media outreach, including building national press relationships and placing dozens of stories in national and regional media- Produced talking points on major moments of the pandemic—Omicron, Black History Month, the Supreme Court ruling on vaccine requirements, and more, used by stakeholders and partners like the White House and national advocacy and outreach organizations

New York, New York, United States

Recruited and retained volunteers to maximize impact (known for my strong hard ask). Made 1,000+ recruitment/engagement calls, resulting in 4 new leadership teams who knocked 5,000+ doors and made 2,000+ calls.Recruited 30 volunteer leadership teams to run in-person GOTV staging locations.Drafted recruitment and confirmation texts and co-created responsive persuasion messaging.Trained volunteers and interns on effective voter contact.Logged voter/volunteer data in NGPVAN.Served as a poll site lead and poll watcher.

Greater New York City Area

I directed Sing for Hope’s social media strategy & content creation, oversaw brand guidelines and organization language, managed press (drafted press releases, grew media contact list, and liaised directly with PR agents), and led monthly staff trainings. I also updated and managed the Sing for Hope website. Supervisor responsibilities included managing the Graphic Designer’s workflow/collaborating on designs, approving colleagues' external communications, and guiding interns.

Greater New York City Area

My youth program responsibilities included running both in-house youth programs, including shaping the pilot year of a Youth Leadership Council in partnership with the NYC Mayor’s Office; and leading assemblies at new partner schools (50 new NYC school partnerships each fall, preK-12). My communications responsibilities included managing social media accounts (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram), writing blog posts, drafting monthly newsletters for senior leadership, and assisting with web edits.

I worked with local music schools and my own private clients to offer group and solo piano lessons. I also freelanced as rehearsal and performance accompanist, substitute music director, and lead performer.

Greater New York City Area

I managed all social media accounts, including Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, and drafted the newsletter and blog posts. I developed written and verbal content and campaigns, photographed and assisted with events, and helped with other program needs as necessary. I also developed and implemented a social media strategy to increase social media reach and engagement.

I conducted independent demographic research that informed a targeted marketing strategy. I presented extensive research, implications, and marketing suggestions to the Executive leadership and Trustees. I continued to assist and coordinate events as needed through the Spring, after the internship ended.

Greater New York City Area

I helped develop content for the Books that Grow program by adapting existing literature, writing and drafting original content, editing others' work, and researching Common Core Standards. The work was then leveled to meet a variety of individual grade/reading levels. I also contributed to company brainstorm sessions and helped train new interns.

Greater New York City Area

I assisted Regional Director Marie Varley, and organized three local hunger walks largely independently. I worked mostly remotely but with weekly meetings in Newark, and I built up the donor database, recruited teams of walkers and sponsors, drafted publicity materials, and attended and spoke at local meetings to publicize the events.