Resume

Laura J. Hampton

757 Medina Avenue
St. Augustine, FL 32086
904-699-2545
laurahampton130@gmail.com • ljhampton.com

Creative, adaptable and analytical Director of Corporate Communications with extensive experience in internal and external communications, content creation strategy and media relations. Demonstrates ability to collaborate effectively with leadership, editors and designers to produce compelling print, web and video content with the highest standards for clarity, readability and accuracy. An innovative storyteller and strategic thinker with passion for fostering relationships and seeking out compelling stories and thought-leadership opportunities.


Skills & Competencies

Editing – Internal & External Communications – Content Strategy

Thought Leadership     Video Production & Broadcast       Microsoft Office, WordPress, SharePoint
Marketing Communications     Business Consulting     Crisis Communications
Leadership, Advocacy     Strategic Counsel     Media Relations
Strategic Communications     Online Marketing Strategy     Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram
Management Skills     Strategic Alliances     Public Relations

Professional Experience & Achievements

Professional Journalist

LJHampton.com — Northeast Florida          May 2019 – Present

Pitched, researched and wrote articles for magazines and newspapers adhering to Associated Press guidelines. Proofread and edited special projects on contract basis.

Core Competencies: feature writing, copywriting, content development, media relations, communication skills, time management, SEO, online marketing, editing, research, creativity, relationship building

Work published in Visit Florida, Florida Trend, Jacksonville Magazine, Our St. Augustine, Family! and Gatehouse newspapers, locally and nationwide

Communications Manager/Marketing Manager

Stellar — Jacksonville, Florida          March 2022 to May 2024

Implemented and oversaw executive communications programs. Directed strategy for internal corporate communications. Wrote and edited content for executive communications, HR communications and departmental communications. Researched, wrote and submitted awards. Provided leadership and conducted online presentations using word processing and spreadsheets.

Core Competencies: Marketing Communications, Speech Writing, Canva, Publisher Relations, InDesign, B2B Marketing, Branding, Business Writing, Executive Communications, Corporate Communication, Social Media, Public relations, Website and Intranet Content Creation and Management

  • Developed communications strategy by creating editorial calendar, quarterly newsletter, email announcements and digital signage for lobby and breakroom; evaluated current practices and tools; created content plan and developed process to submit news to corporate; collaborated with IT and HTML team to create HubSpot newsletter
  • Increased social media audience 34% and impressions by 606% in 1 year; created content strategy and presentation to use in onboarding process; brainstormed content creation and launched posts
  • Spearheaded work group organizing Stellar Foundation’s holiday giving and increased YoY employee participation in donations 25%; solicited volunteers via email communications and posts; organized and led meetings to determine tasks and schedules; worked with organizers to assess needs

Adjunct Professor

Flagler College — St. Augustine, FL                              August 2018 to Spring 2021

Facilitate student understanding of feature writing with an emphasis on magazine writing. Help students develop talent through a range of exercises, readings and discussions. Develop lesson plans, organize the course and keep students on task.

Core Competencies: Task Management, Content Creation, Content Development, Strategic Communications, Executive Communications, Quality Standards, Leadership, Written Communications, Coaching

  • Developed curriculum for magazine and feature writing class; met with department chair to discuss needs; created weekly content plan for topics and hands-on activities; obtained approval from department chair and dean

Features Editor

The St. Augustine Record — St. Augustine, FL          March 2014 to May 2019

Managed content for lifestyle sections of newspaper from story development to final proof. Included food, health, religion, Sunday features and community news. Supervised production of weekly Arts & Entertainment tab. Acted as editor for special publications and tabloids.

Core Competencies: Storytelling, News Writing, Media Operations, Corporate Communications, Instagram, Strategic Communications, Coaching, Social Media 

  • Led editorial plan development, writing, editing and layout / design for lifestyle sections (17 pages per week); conceived story ideas and content strategies for each section; assigned articles to freelance writers; worked with community experts to develop regular features, columns and content; edited articles in content management system; worked with layout and graphic design team to create visually appealing pages and publications
  • Increased ad revenue 25% improving content, and advanced publication from annual to bi-annual; created content strategy for spring / fall publication; assigned articles to freelance and staff writers; conceived and assigned accompanying photos to staff photographer; edited articles and directed design; proofread final product and worked with print team to print and distribute

Other Relevant Experience 

Content Manager     

Breezego Internet Marketing Solutions — Jacksonville, FL                        April 2013 to March 2014

Senior Editor

Heritage Publishing Inc. — Jacksonville, FL                                        March 2011 to November 2012

Communications Specialist

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Oklahoma — Tulsa, OK                                 January 2005 to August 2007

Education

University of Oklahoma
January 2008–May 2011
Bachelor of Arts in Journalism

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