KATHLEEN MURPHY
Warrenville
Summary
Dynamic marketing and communications consultant with over a decade of experience, recognized for an innovative, client-centered approach and unwavering dedication. A trusted partner to candidates and organizations, strategic insights consistently drive impactful results. Invitation to run as the Republican candidate for Lt. Governor of Illinois alongside Jesse Sullivan exemplifies leadership and commitment to public service. This unique blend of expertise and advocacy positions as a formidable force in the conservative political strategy landscape.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Communications
Don Tracy for Illinois
Springfield, IL
08.2025 - Current
- Developed and executed comprehensive communication strategies to elevate public awareness of campaign initiatives.
- Increased media coverage through proactive media outreach, as well as fostering partnerships with local journalists, surrogates and influencers to enhance message dissemination.
- Cultivated relationships with stakeholders, facilitating collaboration to align messaging with organizational objectives.
- Improved social media presence with tailored content strategies for each platform, resulting in higher audience engagement.
- Prepared the candidate for media appearances, debates and major endorsements and appearances.
- Developed a comprehensive surrogate messaging platform to enhance clarity and alignment in messaging efforts.
- Developed targeted fundraising emails, focusing on donor retention and acquisition.
Pitch Manager
Civic Network
Chicago, IL
05.2024 - Current
- Pitched 25-50 stories weekly and assigned writing to various reporters for growing news and marketing network
- Align outside pitches with brand standards
- Develop potential news or feature stories for timely and quality distribution to public
Principal / Director of Communications
KM Consulting
12.2023 - 05.2024
- Led content development for a national non-profit and ancillary start up organizations
- Led a team in producing engaging and impactful multimedia content, including articles, blog posts, infographics, and social media campaigns, to raise awareness and drive engagement on key policy issues.
- Collaborated with principals, subject matter experts, and community stakeholders to research and analyze election security
- Used data and performance metrics to evaluate content effectiveness, inform grassroots campaigns to poll watchers, election judges and other volunteers across the country
- Managed website content and digital platforms, ensuring content accuracy, accessibility, and compliance with organizational branding guidelines and industry best practices.
- Cultivated partnerships with influencers, and community organizations to amplify messaging and broaden its advocacy reach, fostering strategic alliances.
- Provided editorial guidance and support to staff and volunteers, facilitating professional development opportunities and fostering a collaborative and inclusive content creation environment.
Director of Communication
Wirepoints
Illinois
02.2023 - 11.2023
- Media relations
- Major donor relationship-management
- Grant-writing
- Coalition building around key policy ideas
- Maintained and developed a working knowledge of state and national policy issues & solutions
Director of Communication
Congressional Race
Illinois
07.2022 - 11.2022
- Developed and implemented campaign communications strategy
- Achieved national media attention, including multiple appearances on Fox News, NewsNation, Sarah Carter, Megyn Kelly and numerous other podcasts
- Media relations
- Media interview prep / training
- Senior advisor to the campaign
- Worked with key advisors on messaging and outreach
- Served as a campaign spokesperson
Lieutenant Governor Candidate
Sullivan for Governor
Illinois
02.2022 - 07.2022
- Persuaded potential voters, donors, volunteers to support the Sullivan - Murphy ticket
- Collaborated with policy experts, teachers and parents to develop the campaign’s Education Plan
- Represented the campaign in the media
- Public speaking, including meet & greets and rallies
- Assisted on campaign strategy and communications
Co-Founder & President
Breakthrough Ideas
Illinois
02.2021 - 02.2022
- Developed business development plan and marketing strategy for a donor-funded 501(c)4 advocacy organization
- Developed parent networks to advocate for educational freedom
- Identified local advocates and developed grassroots networks throughout DuPage, Kane, Lake and Suburban Cook Counties
- Coordinated advocacy training and provided local advocates with the information and resources needed to reach local boards
- Implemented marketing and outreach campaigns across proprietary channels - including digital and email - as well as media
- Worked with digital teams to develop a bi-weekly podcast
- Managed key stakeholder relationship: donors, activists, influencers / community leaders, employees, vendors
- Pitched and secured weekly radio commentary for Breakthrough Ideas’ CEO
- Media relations
- Media training
Director of Communication
Congressional Campaign
Illinois
07.2019 - 11.2020
- Helped develop overall campaign strategy
- Grew the candidate’s social media following to one of the NRCC’s top 3 among first time Congressional candidates
- Editorial Board / Debate Preparation
- Senior advisor to candidate
- Worked with key advisors on staff and vendor personnel decisions
- Developed an innovative digital strategy and leveraged our digital platforms during the COVID shut down to include branded segments social media segments, Facebook Live Town Halls and Interviews with business owners and local experts
- Served as spokeswoman
- Wrote campaign literature, drafted speeches, and press releases
- Managed media relations
- Helped to manage campaign staff and day-to-day operations
- Assisted in developing a field strategy and hiring a field team
Director of Communication
Illinois Opportunity Project
Chicago, IL
05.2014 - 07.2019
- Directed public relations strategies and deepened media relations to promote the organization and principals; Authored press releases and communications materials to share vital information and promote intended messages; Cultivated relationships with the media
- Represented the organization regularly in the media
- Provided consultation on media and communications to state legislative and municipal campaigns
- Studied and summarized policy analysis for IOP Principals
- Developed communication strategies and tactics for policy advocacy campaigns
- Leading content producer for the organization’s digital platform, Upstream Ideas
- Managed all website copy and social media profiles and pages
- Attended speaking engagements as representative of Illinois Opportunity Project
- Researched organizational needs, goals, marketing strategies, and competitors to guide public relations presentations and planning
- Tracked media reports and other communication about the organization on websites and blogs and developed strategies for addressing it
- Wrote original content for Illinois Opportunity Project and Upstream Ideas; Published in numerous publications, including National Review
- Created content for Illinois Opportunity Project’s annual report
- Established effective working relationships with candidates, government officials and media representatives
Director of Communication / Campaign Spokeswoman
Primary Governor’s Race
Illinois
11.2017 - 03.2018
- Coordinated messaging and communication initiatives with the campaign's Volunteer Coordinators and Field Teams
- Cultivated statewide network of media contacts, secured positive coverage and facilitated a quick dissemination of information
- Served as a campaign surrogate as needed
- Represented the campaign daily in the media
Legislative Aide
Illinois House of Representatives
01.2013 - 06.2014
- Managed the District Office for IL-House District 42
- Worked with various government agencies to provide constituent services
- Developed regular communication channels with constituents and other key stakeholders - including daily emails, district events and town hall meetings
- Implemented a media and constituent communication plan that positioned Jeanne Ives as a policy expert, and highlighted her straightforward approach to Illinois politics
- Conducted policy research
- Revised documents, organize travel arrangements, submitted billable hours and coordinated other documentation for timely filings
Education
Bachelor of Science - Journalism, Communications
Northern Illinois University
Dekalb, IL05-2004
Skills
- Public relations
- Media training
- Communications strategy and planning
- Speech writing
- Creating collateral
- Digital strategy and content development
- Team leadership
- Crisis management
- Podcast production
- Campaign coordination
Timeline
Director of Communications
Don Tracy for Illinois
08.2025 - Current
Pitch Manager
Civic Network
05.2024 - Current
Principal / Director of Communications
KM Consulting
12.2023 - 05.2024
Director of Communication
Wirepoints
02.2023 - 11.2023
Director of Communication
Congressional Race
07.2022 - 11.2022
Lieutenant Governor Candidate
Sullivan for Governor
02.2022 - 07.2022
Co-Founder & President
Breakthrough Ideas
02.2021 - 02.2022
Director of Communication
Congressional Campaign
07.2019 - 11.2020
Director of Communication / Campaign Spokeswoman
Primary Governor’s Race
11.2017 - 03.2018
Director of Communication
Illinois Opportunity Project
05.2014 - 07.2019
Legislative Aide
Illinois House of Representatives
01.2013 - 06.2014
Bachelor of Science - Journalism, Communications
Northern Illinois University