Open to opportunities

Kara SMITH

@karasmith

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Senior editor specializing in content strategy, communications, and SEO.

United States

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What I'm looking for

I seek communications work where I can lead content strategy, improve accuracy and SEO, mentor teams, and support high-impact programs in a collaborative, mission-driven organization.

I am a senior editor and communications professional with deep experience in marketing, reporting, content strategy and editorial leadership. I excel at aligning voice, style and messaging with organizational goals while managing high-volume workflows.

At New York State United Teachers I led content strategy, developed editorial processes and improved accuracy and SEO adherence across multi-channel content. I have experience creating and refining materials for leadership, media relations and public awareness campaigns.

In my recent roles I supported large-scale initiatives — facilitating the transition of over 250,000 caregivers and consumers for a New York State program and crafting communications to counter external disinformation. I produce training materials, video and written profiles, long-form articles and concise leadership messaging.

I bring a blend of hands-on editorial craft, strategic communications planning and teaching experience, and I am committed to clear, audience-aligned messaging that advances organizational priorities.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Marketing Communications Specialist

Current

PPL

Jan 2025 - Present (10 months)

Facilitating transition of 250,000+ caregivers and consumers into NY's CDPAP, producing publications and responses to counter a multi‑million dollar disinformation campaign, and developing training scripts and caregiver profiles to support outreach.

Content Strategy Crisis Communications Copywriting Stakeholder Engagement SEO Project Coordination

Current

Freelance Corporate Communication Writer

Current

Avangrid

Dec 2023 - Present (1 year 11 months)

Produce long- and short-form internal communications, research and write feature articles for the Pulse newsletter, and craft executive messages for the CEO and leadership to support internal engagement.

Internal Communications Newsletters Remote Collaboration

Senior Editor

New York State United Teachers

Jan 2008 - Jan 2025 (17 years)

Oversaw content strategy and editorial guidelines, edited multi-channel content for clarity and consistency, met monthly deadlines, and developed processes that improved accuracy and SEO adherence.

Content Strategy Proofreading Workflow Management Cross Functional Collaboration

Chief Public Information Officer

NYS Office for People with Developmental Disabilities

Developed and implemented communications plans to raise organizational awareness, oversaw media relations, and directed multi-platform communication campaigns to improve engagement.

Media Relations Strategic Communications Campaign Management Public Affairs Crisis Response

Communication Lecturer

Russell Sage College

Developed and taught curriculum in communication theory and public relations, mentored students, and instructed courses in writing, editing, and media relations.

Curriculum Development Teaching Mentoring Public Relations Editing Academic Assessment

Communication Specialist

New York State Legislature

Crafted press materials and editorial content for the Senate Minority Conference to enhance public awareness and optimize outreach through audience-aligned messaging.

Messaging Editorial Audience Targeting Community Engagement