Open to opportunities

Nika Watkins

@nikawatkins

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Award-winning public relations professional with 15+ years of experience.

United States

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What I'm looking for

I am looking for a role that allows me to leverage my extensive PR experience while fostering a collaborative and innovative company culture.

I am an award-winning public relations professional with over 15 years of experience leading strategic communications and PR campaigns across various sectors, including sports, entertainment, nonprofit, and corporate. My proven track record in managing media relations, brand strategy, and crisis communications has equipped me with the skills to drive measurable results and build strong relationships with media and influencers.

Throughout my career, I have successfully led PR efforts for national brands, developed compelling narratives that elevate brand identity, and executed large-scale events. My passion for storytelling and my expertise in digital and social media strategy have allowed me to create impactful campaigns that resonate with audiences. I thrive in collaborative environments and am adept at managing cross-functional teams to achieve common goals.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Public Relations Manager

Current

US Ghost Adventures

Sep 2024 - Present (9 months)

Led all PR efforts for a national ghost tour brand operating in over 150 cities. Created and executed national media pitch strategies, managing press release distribution and securing influencer participation and media coverage for key markets.

Public Relations Strategy Media Pitching Press Release Distribution Influencer Marketing Content Development Digital Analytics

Agency Relations Director

M-Squared Public Relations

Apr 2023 - Jul 2023 (3 months)

Directed PR strategy and client communications for luxury and retail brands. Led campaign planning and production for major events and managed team performance, client reporting, and cross-team coordination.

PR Strategy Client Communication Campaign Planning Team Management Business Development

PR & Event Management Consultant

Independent Contractor

Sep 2020 - Apr 2023 (2 years 7 months)

Provided comprehensive PR services including press release development, media outreach, and pitch coordination for various clients. Managed social media strategy and content, and created media kits for distribution to press.

Press Release Development Social Media Strategy Content Creation EPK Development

Census Field Supervisor

U.S. Census Bureau

Jul 2019 - Oct 2020 (1 year 3 months)

Supervised a team of 45 enumerators for federal Census operations. Ensured accurate data collection, provided team training, and maintained quality control in the field.

Data Collection Training Quality Control Field Operations

Senior Communications Associate

American Kidney Fund

Jan 2018 - Jul 2019 (1 year 6 months)

Drafted media materials, managed press outreach, and supported various AKF campaigns. Promoted events through blogs, social content, and calendar listings.

Media Relations Social Media

Technical Writer & Public Relations Manager

Keller Foundations

Jul 2016 - Nov 2017 (1 year 4 months)

Developed technical documentation, business proposals, and corporate press releases. Contributed to internal newsletters and industry publication submissions.

Technical Writing Proposals Press Release Writing Internal Communications Industry Publications Corporate Communications

Communications Manager & Event Producer

greiBO Media

Jan 2012 - Jul 2016 (4 years 6 months)

Wrote and distributed public relations materials, managed event staff, and secured sponsorships for festivals and media tours. Oversaw comprehensive communications strategies for various projects.

PR Material Development Media Tours Communications Strategy

National Public Relations Manager

Maryland Public Television

Nov 2013 - Jul 2016 (2 years 8 months)

Managed public relations for the nationally syndicated show MotorWeek, including event production and national media pitching. Significantly increased YouTube engagement from 300K to 1.9M monthly views.

Public Relations Event Production Media Pitching YouTube Growth National Media Communications Strategy

Events Writer & Contributor

The Baltimore Examiner

Sep 2009 - Sep 2011 (2 years)

Authored 2-3 weekly articles, covering entertainment and community events. Ensured all content adhered to AP style guidelines for publication.

AP Style Content Creation Editorial

Education

Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework

Morgan State University

Bachelor of Science, Telecommunications / Public Relations

Earned a Bachelor of Science degree specializing in Telecommunications and Public Relations. Developed foundational knowledge in communication strategies and media relations.

Grambling State University

Undergraduate Coursework, Mass Communications - Public Relations

Completed undergraduate coursework focusing on Mass Communications with a specialization in Public Relations. Studied core principles of communication theory and public relations practices.

American Intercontinental University

Master of Business Administration, Global Technology Management

Completed a Master of Business Administration with a focus on Global Technology Management. Gained expertise in managing technology-driven projects and global business operations.