Rachel Perrone Email & Phone Number

Washington, Dc, Us

Washington, Dc, Us

As the head of media relations University of the District of Columbia, I lead the effort to elevate the university’s mission, amplify student voices, and highlight UDC’s transformative impact on the community.In support of President Maurice Edington's new strategic plan, I help shape the university’s marketing and communications strategy, ensuring our messaging aligns with UDC's goals and values. I work closely with colleagues across the university to showcase student achievements and promote UDC as a high-quality institution that is meeting the needs of the District and its residents.In addition, I have played a key role in building the capacity of senior leadership to effectively communicate across multiple platforms by designing and delivering customized trainings on messaging and social media, ensuring consistency and alignment with the university’s strategic priorities.

Communications planning, media relations and management for progressive, non-profit organizations. Examples of projects/clients include:** Served as communications lead for longtime client Gender Justice, including strategic planning, message development, and outreach on a wide range of campaigns, impact litigation and policy initiatives. ** Provided department audits, technical assistance and reports to State Innovation Exchange and Abortion AF.** Social media management and content development for Stand Up to ALEC, Educational Fund to Stop Gun Violence and other organizations.

Washington, Dc, Us

Managed a team across traditional, social and entertainment media, digital marketing and campaigns. Developed a wide range of messaging documents, editorial calendars and work plans. Strengthened department infrastructure to improve internal and external communications.Key highlight: stewarding communications efforts amid the historic overturn of Roe v. Wade, leveraging my extensive experience in abortion rights and Supreme Court messaging to boost the organization's preparedness and outreach. With Power to Decide's entertainment media consultant, pulled together an emergency meeting of 30+ industry professionals to provide updates and coordinate rapid response. Guided the design of new online graphics and outreach tactics spotlighting the organization's expertise and resources like AbortionFinder.org. Efforts like these led to media hits for Power to Decide increasing more than 400% and for Abortion Finder increasing 1000% compared to the previous year.

Mclean, Virginia, Us

Established new communications department, from media planning and strategy to day-to-day processes. Increased average monthly media mentions more than three-fold over three years. As part of the management team, steered the publication through a time of tremendous growth, a rebrand and website redesign, and launch of a multimedia program including a documentary and podcast network. Provided regular media training, message assistance and interview prep to Rewire.News staff.

Washington, District Of Columbia, Us

As media director for health and reproductive rights department, increased media mentions more than five-fold over three years. Spearheaded first outreach plan for gender wage gap data targeting by state, race and ethnicity, resulting in more than 100 new press hits in two years. Generated solid contacts at top-tier national outlets. Collaborated with policy and outreach teams to develop messaging on a wide variety of issues in women's health and reproductive rights. Wrote and edited pitches, releases, statements, LTEs, editorial board memos and more.

Developed and executed traditional and online communications plans for progressive organizations and unions. Conducted in-depth brand reviews and research projects, including stakeholder surveys and interviews; peer and media review; development of final report; and presentation to staff and board members. Drafted proposals, strategy memos and presentations. Wrote press materials, managed and conducted extensive pitching to national and targeted state media.

Contributor to popular feminist blog. Communicated regularly with various women’s, progressive and reproductive rights organizations, drafted blog posts, moderated comments, maintained Facebook page and calendar of events, and participated in online press events.

Washington, District Of Columbia, Us

Moved progressive messaging on health care, the economy and employment to reporters, and regularly pitched the organization’s principals for radio, television and editorial boards. Managed day-to-day press activities, communications associate and interns. Drafted releases and other press materials. Planned and ran press events and teleconferences. Organized “blogger row” and several events for online activists and reporters at the organization's national conference. Redesigned and implemented tracking systems for department activities and media relations within Cision/Vocus.

New York, Us

Managed all media relations in the civil rights and criminal justice portfolios at the ACLU Washington Legislative Office, including planning, drafting, pitching and fielding high volumes of incoming requests. Spearheaded online outreach in coordination with nascent digital team in New York, establishing regular contact between bloggers and ACLU lobbyists. Built ACLU presence on emerging social networks like Twitter and online communities like Huffington Post and DailyKos. Participated in planning live press events in-house, on the Hill, at the National Press Club and elsewhere. Trained national and affiliate staff on social media at staff conferences, and ran the online action booth at national membership conference.

Washington, Dc, Us

Drafted a wide variety of materials for press, members, donors and the general public, and played a key role in the organization's work against Supreme Court nominees John Roberts and Samuel Alito. Developed a network of progressive blogs, built and strengthened the organization's relationship with online progressive and feminist communities through regular outreach, teleconferences and in-person meetings. Authored popular email newsletter Choice News Weekly and helped with the launch of Bush v. Choice blog and Blog for Choice Day. Managed social marketing projects such as the "Sex Ed for Grown-Ups" tour. Provided media consulting, planning and technical assistance to more than ten affiliates across the country.

Washington, DC field organizer for Cover the Uninsured Week, a project of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. Organized events around the District - including a health fair, a business panel, a press event at a neighborhood clinic, and a faith event - and built and managed a coalition representing stakeholders from these various communities. Coordinated with project managers on budget and grant reporting.

Initiated media outreach, created press lists and templates for the newly established Allegheny County Council. Drafted materials such as releases, speeches, op-eds, as well as county legislation, committee reports and local resource guides.

Us

For Assistant Minority Whip - later, Minority Leader - managed office operations and staff of five. Drafted, reviewed and/or finalized all materials, itineraries, etc. on the senator's behalf. Conducted legislative research. Drafted talking points, speeches, press releases. Coordinated with caucus communications staff on media relations. Handled heavy volume of constituent cases and oversaw constituent responses.

Master’S Degree, Public Policy

Bachelor’S Degree, Interdisciplinary Studies (Western College Program)