Kevin Connor

Skills

Team leader/People management
Strategic Storytelling
Brand Reputation Management
Crisis communications
Internal Communications
Integrated communications Strategy
Executive Communications
Thought Leader management & development
Communication campaigns
Science and policy communications strategy
Media training
Media Relations
Spokesperson
Film crew management
Customer service communications
PSA Marketing
Narrative & Message development
Content Production
Talking points
Presentation & Speech writing
Project management
Donor Relations

About

My name is Kevin Connor. I'm a marketing leader with 18 years of experience using strategic communications and storytelling to enhance brand reputations, advance organizational objectives, and deliver measurable results for values-driven organizations. I’m interested in remote opportunities where my transferable skills, work experience, and values align to help employers that are seeking to make the world a better place for us all.

I’m known for seeing the big picture, navigating difficult situations to find win-win solutions, and leading with kindness and humor. My expertise spans branding, marketing, strategic communications, media planning, public relations, crisis communications, writing, and content creation. I love making connections between issues to find untold heroes. And, I get a thrill out of weaving those connections into powerful and compelling stories that move audiences.

Here are details about why I’m a strong candidate:
I’m an expert communications strategist. I create strategies that increase awareness, drive engagement, influence decision makers, and position brands as industry leaders. I develop cross-channel strategies that align brand identity, tone, and message across all communications products, channels, and points of engagement. An example from my time at Monterey Bay Aquarium, was the integrated marketing strategy I developed and led for its new exhibition (see details here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1VLG07IeU0sx44n6j3GzlJOsEQ6Vj61C0/view).

I’m an excellent writer. I’m skilled at crafting narratives that drive storytelling strategies. I excel at weaving complex interdisciplinary messages and information into compelling stories that establish clear positioning, resonate with audiences, and drive impact. I’ve written and developed the full spectrum of communications materials including media releases, talking points, fact sheets, web stories, scripts, presentations, and speeches. I’ve also written thought leader commentaries for high-level decision makers (see examples here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1dgVu_UYiAPjY5dxjAnLkmR0Z9iw6dQH2) and created strategic storytelling frameworks that establish organizational issue authority (see details here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1BJ1DqOEQCb53gJxLwka1CoWOs7ujr4SC/view).

I’m a public and media relations expert. Media strategy and engagement is the backbone of my career. I'm adept at securing favorable coverage across all platforms, building journalist relationships, and serving as a media-trained spokesperson. I also effectively train executives and subject matter experts for media engagement, cultivating them as brand ambassadors and thought leaders. I’ve delivered measurable improvement in media coverage in all my roles, most recently increasing the Aquarium’s annual average of total mentions (↑25%), sentiment (↑68%), and reach (↑120%).

I’m a crisis communications leader. I've led crisis communications responses for over a decade, working with executives to navigate high-stakes situations while maintaining clear messaging that protects trust and aligns with legal guidance. My most extensive crisis communications experience was leading Monterey Bay Aquarium through its unprecedented 14-month closure during the height of the COVID pandemic, extreme weather events, and litigation involving its Seafood Watch program.
I’m an internal communications strategist. I’ve led comprehensive internal communications strategies that drive employee engagement, foster organizational culture, and ensure strategic alignment. I launched the internal communications team for the Aquarium, developing its process, strategy, and style guide while building a new intranet platform.
I’m a team leader. I've led high-performing, cross-functional communications teams for over a decade, supervising specialists and managing vendors. I'm passionate about fostering positive, inclusive work environments and championing an equitable workplace that integrates diverse perspectives. I believe that cultivating a collaborative and creative culture enriches the work environment while achieving the best results.

I’m interested in opportunities where my transferable skills, work experience, and values align to help people and their companies make the world a better place for all.