Job Search Status
Open to workDesired start date: Open to discussion
Work Type
Full TimeConsultingLocation Preference
RemoteHybridOpen to relocation: Yes
Open To Work
DEE JEFFERIES
Chicago
Work Preference
Summary
Strategic communications leader with over 10 years of experience in editorial strategy and digital platform management. Successfully led website redesigns and managed CMS systems, resulting in enhanced organizational visibility and increased stakeholder engagement. Collaborated with program executives and community teams to implement equity-centered approaches in nonprofit and education sectors. Achievements include a 75% increase in recruitment engagement and impactful content development.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
EDUCATION CONSULTANT
TNTP
11.2021 - Current
- Lead strategic communications and content development for Nevada Teacher Corps, increasing recruitment engagement by 75% through targeted messaging and digital storytelling.
- Partnered with leadership, program teams, and external stakeholders to translate complex education policy into clear messaging, improving stakeholder understanding and engagement.
- Used engagement and performance data to refine messaging strategy and improve digital reach.
- Directed website redesign, conducting content audit, establishing information architecture, planning editorial content, and aligning stakeholders to enhance user experience.
- Managed CMS infrastructure and documentation systems, ensuring content accuracy and accessibility across platforms to maintain consistency and support user needs.
FOUNDER & EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
For The Kids Media & Arts
02.2021 - Current
- Lead brand, communications, and content strategy for a Chicago-based youth nonprofit serving 200+ families annually.
- Oversee marketing strategy and public-facing communications, ensuring message alignment with mission and equity commitments.
- Developed storytelling campaigns across web, social, and live events, enhancing organizational visibility and fostering community engagement.
- Direct stakeholder communications including funders, partners, volunteers, and community leaders.
- Produced annual event communications strategy (Out West Block Party), increasing attendance and reinforcing institutional presence.
- Supported a Chicago-based youth nonprofit in its mission to assist over 200 families annually.
FOUNDER & LEAD CREATIVE
DEE JEFF MEDIA
02.2020 - Current
- Lead content strategy and brand storytelling for nonprofit and education clients, increasing engagement by 60%+ through cross-platform campaigns.
- Produced long- and short-form digital content, including web copy, social campaigns, video storytelling, and brand narratives, to enhance client visibility and engagement.
- Managed editorial calendars and creative workflows while coordinating client communications across multiple concurrent projects to ensure timely delivery and alignment with client goals.
- Advised clients on digital optimization and SEO strategy to drive audience growth and enhance online presence.
PARTNERSHIPS RECRUITMENT MANAGER
CITY YEAR CHICAGO
01.2019 - 10.2021
- Managed external partnerships and communications with stakeholders, fostering collaboration between universities and community organizations.
- Developed messaging strategies that increased candidate diversity and awareness by 25%.
- Facilitated workshops and presentations that increased organizational visibility and reinforced mission alignment.
- Produced written and visual communications that enhanced brand presence among higher education institutions.
HOOPSHIGH PROGRAM MANAGER
For The Kids Media & Arts
03.2016 - 01.2019
- Develop and implement media production and sports broadcasting programming.
- Enhanced curriculum to instruct youth participants on video and live production.
- Developed partnerships with stakeholders, school administrators, community officials, and organizations to enhance support and resources for students.
- Coordinated relationships with local media professionals to provide guest speakers for youth workshops and facilitate hands-on training in the field.
- Supervised and coached team of 5 in supporting program facilitation, working successfully with youth and community partners, and media editing procedures.
- Recruited, interviewed, hired, and onboarded Production Coordinator and interns, ensuring comprehensive onboarding through background checks, closeout interviews, and CMS system overview.
- Developed and oversaw CMS system for maintaining and archiving youth projects.
Education
DIGITAL MEDIA PRODUCTION CERTIFICATE -
Illinois Media School
Chicago, IL01-2015
Bachelor of Arts - Communications: New Media
Valparaiso University
Valparaiso, IN01-2011
Skills
- Higher education partnerships
- Program leadership
- Stakeholder management
- Career readiness programming
- Curriculum Design
- Program Evaluation
- Data analysis
- Project oversight
- CMS management
- Website content management
- Content planning
- Grant Writing
- Cross-functional collaboration
- Diversity, equity, and inclusion communications
- Communication skills
- Analytics and performance tracking
- Cross-channel campaigns
- Stakeholder messaging
- Information architecture
- Brand voice development
- Social media strategy
- Editorial planning
- Learning Innovation
- Flexibility
- Quick thinking
- Adaptability
- Problem solving
- Planning skills
- Team leadership
- Equity-centered communications
- Learning Innovation
Digital And Editorial Skills
- Content Strategy
- Editorial Planning
- Website Content Management
- CMS Administration
- SEO Optimization
- Cross-Channel Campaigns
- Stakeholder Messaging
- Information Architecture
- Brand Voice Development
- Analytics & Performance Tracking
- Equity-Centered Communications
Timeline
EDUCATION CONSULTANT
TNTP
11.2021 - Current
FOUNDER & EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
For The Kids Media & Arts
02.2021 - Current
FOUNDER & LEAD CREATIVE
DEE JEFF MEDIA
02.2020 - Current
PARTNERSHIPS RECRUITMENT MANAGER
CITY YEAR CHICAGO
01.2019 - 10.2021
HOOPSHIGH PROGRAM MANAGER
For The Kids Media & Arts
03.2016 - 01.2019
DIGITAL MEDIA PRODUCTION CERTIFICATE -
Illinois Media School
Bachelor of Arts - Communications: New Media
Valparaiso University