Joseph Ellick
Atlanta
Summary
Innovative communications leader with over 10 years of experience in each area of communications, thought leadership, brand positioning, and content creation. Demonstrated expertise in developing and executing strategic plans that drive audience engagement and elevate organizational visibility. Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams, manage content creation and content management initiatives, and foster external partnerships. Adept at leveraging industry trends, performance analysis, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion to deliver measurable results.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Communications and Outreach
Interdenominational Theological Center
Atlanta, Ga
01.2026 - Current
- Developed and implemented communication strategies to enhance community engagement and outreach initiatives.
- Led cross-functional teams in executing comprehensive marketing and public relations campaigns.
- Cultivated relationships with diverse stakeholders to promote institutional goals and values.
- Oversaw digital content creation for social media platforms, increasing audience reach and interaction.
- Evaluated outreach programs to ensure alignment with organizational mission and objectives.
- Collaborated with academic leaders to produce promotional materials highlighting institutional achievements and events.
- Facilitated workshops and training sessions to strengthen community partnerships and enhance outreach efforts.
- Secured high-profile speaking engagements for executive leadership at industry conferences, positioning the organization as a thought leader in its field.
- Boosted web traffic by implementing comprehensive content marketing strategies, including social media campaigns and blog posts.
- Elevated brand awareness by developing and executing strategic communication plans.
Editor-in-Chief
Highly Unique Magazine
Atlanta, GA
10.2025 - Current
- Developed and implemented comprehensive social media strategies to enhance brand visibility and engagement.
- Led cross-functional teams to execute innovative campaigns across multiple platforms, driving audience growth.
- Analyzed performance metrics to refine content strategy and improve audience targeting effectiveness.
- Established brand voice guidelines ensuring consistency across all social media channels and platforms.
- Collaborated with editorial team to align social media initiatives with magazine content themes and trends.
- Conducted market research to identify emerging trends, informing strategic decisions for campaign development.
- Developed productive relationships with bloggers, online media outlets and social media influencers.
- Streamlined workflow processes to improve efficiency within the social media team, resulting in higher-quality output.
- Coordinated live event coverage across multiple platforms, driving real-time engagement from target audiences at key moments throughout events.
- Launched successful digital marketing campaigns that achieved goals for increased website traffic.
- Improved website visibility through development and implementation of SEO strategies.
- Developed creative presentations, trend reports, kitted assets, and product data sheets.
Senior Communication Manager
NCCPA (National Commission On Certification for PAs) Nonprofit
03.2024 - 06.2025
- Designed and implemented a robust digital content strategy, aligning with executive content and brand positioning goals
- Increased organizational visibility by 60% through innovative campaigns and strategic plan execution
- Guided cross-functional teams in digital media strategies, enhancing online footprint and user engagement by 70%
- Created PAS Do That Magazine, and spearheaded content creation while overseeing editorial direction and digital marketing
- Managed a team of 6, fostering diversity and inclusion in all communications initiatives
- Established external partnerships to expand reach and impact
- Conducted performance analysis to optimize content effectiveness
- Implemented project management system to streamline work with other departments
- Spearheaded the integration of AI systems for a enhanced functional workflow
- Led the organization and creation of media collateral for events for all staff
- Worked directly with the CEO to craft external and internal messaging including video recordings
SR Communications Specialist | Interim Director
Center For Employment Opportunities (Nonprofit)
10.2022 - 11.2024
- Managed media inquires, develop media protocols, and support staff and external partners in preparing for interviews
- Created and edit press releases, media alerts, talking points, op-eds, quotes, and other press materials for campaigns, events and program initiatives
- Integrated video content, increasing website traffic by 35% and video views by 70% through advocacy-driven campaigns
- Created and delivered communications department presentations for funders, executive and senior managers, and other key stakeholders
- Supervised a cross-functional team of 7, driving executive content and thought leadership across 31 sites
- Developed and executed a new brand positioning and strategic plan, launching the 'Returning Strong' campaign
- Managed content creation and content management, increasing website traffic by 35% and video views by 70% Fostered external partnerships to amplify campaign reach and impact
- -Promoted to Director January 2024
Senior Producer / Content Manager
Black News Channel/CNN+
02.2020 - 03.2022
- Scheduled guests entertainment etc. for live shows
- Contacted writers & producers to commission rights for use of movie and TV show clips or excerpts
- Established innovative executive content techniques for visual storytelling and thought leadership across 4 programs
- Completed post-production for 50+ news packages, ensuring high-quality content creation and management
- Captured visual content & edited general assignment stories for multiple platforms
- Produced website articles, including graphics, photos, and audio
- Devised unique & creative ideas for new features and content enhancements to advance strategic plans
- Worked with producers on task prioritization, and managed all deadlines and scopes
- -Promoted to producer January 2022
Digital Communications Manager / Account Executive
Sonshine Communications
04.2018 - 02.2020
- Created award-winning programs, strategies, & sales tools from concept to completion, resulting in greater team efficiency & effectiveness
- Managed a team and partners of 5 to complete task of multiple accounts
- Directed the day-to-day operational activities for all digital communications accounts
- Aligned all visual design & brand messaging elements to deliver consistency across digital advertising & marketing platforms
- Directed social media & digital marketing strategy & initiatives to promote brand building, guest retention, engagement, reputation, and revenue-focused activities
- Lead communication and digital visual designs for client FDOT
- Created media plan and visuals for Jackson Memorial Hospital
- Proposed innovative storylines for digital content & developed unique campaigns to promote brand engagement
- Directed-executive content and brand positioning for major clients, including Knight Foundation
- Led cross-functional teams in content creation, increasing website traffic by 65% and social media engagement by 55%
- Orchestrated influencer content marketing campaigns, generating a 60% increase in brand awareness
- Promoted to Digital Communications Manager March 2019
Senior Communications Specialist/ Newsroom Editor
Black PR Wire
04.2017 - 02.2020
- Generated story ideas , maintained & organized relevant releases and documents while managing 3 other employees
- Served as content creator & reporter when necessary & constantly analyzed & monitored the media presence
- Developed and launched integrated, multi-channel print, catalog, web and direct marketing campaigns that propelled sales 25% in one year
- Managed multiple aspects of the content creation for all stories & press releases that appeared online, print, & on social media
- Created & maintained relationships with media outlets and personnel
- Developed communication strategies to ensure consistency of messaging
- Planned internal campaigns and events as per company standards
- Created and hosted award receiving series Thrivin Online
- Strengthened newsroom operations, delivering timely content and strategic communications
- Implemented multimedia campaigns, increasing customer acquisition by 30% and lead generation by 25%
- Led cross-promotional campaigns, driving a 40% jump in brand acknowledgment and 25% uplift in engagement
- -Promoted to Communication Manager May 2018
- Developed and implemented communication strategies to enhance brand visibility and stakeholder engagement.
- Led cross-functional teams in executing integrated marketing campaigns, resulting in increased audience reach.
- Crafted compelling messaging for press releases, social media, and internal communications, aligning with organizational goals.
- Mentored junior team members on best practices in communication techniques and strategic messaging development.
Content Manager / Communications Specialist
Trayvon Martin Foundation
03.2014 - 04.2017
- Orchestrating digital content strategies across all online platforms
- Produced executive content that increased donations by 45% and elevated brand positioning
- Managed cross-functional teams for documentary production, reaching 1.2 million viewers
- Led content creation and event logistics for the Trayvon Martin Peace Walk, managing 50+ volunteers
- Developed and implemented a social media strategy, increasing engagement by 65%
- Fostered diversity and inclusion in all communications initiatives
- Conducted performance analysis to measure campaign impact
- Create all promotional material for local and national events
- Liaison between all media and and government officials
Education
Bachelor of Arts - English/TV Communications
Florida Memorial University
Miami Gardens, FL01-2017
Associates in Business Marketing - undefined
Webber International University
Babson Park, FL01-2010
Skills
- VIDEO PRODUCTION - Expert
- Logo Animation - Expert
- Adobe Premiere - Expert
- PowerPoint- Expert
- Graphic design - Advanced
- Adobe After Effects -Advanced
- Social Media Strategy - Expert
- Digital Marketing
- Video Editing (8 years)
- Content Development
- Blogging
- Wordpress - Expert
- Social media strategy
- Content development
- Crisis management
- Internal communications
- Multimedia storytelling
- Media training
- Photography
- Marketing communications
- Web content management
- Media relations
- Press releases
- Community management
- Speech writing
- Influencer outreach
- Podcast production
- Community engagement
- Storytelling
- Multimedia content
- Analytics reporting
- Brand messaging
- Corporate communications
- Press release writing
- Excellent communication
- Organizational skills
- Team collaboration
- Creative thinking
- Active listening
- Effective communication
Timeline
Director of Communications and Outreach
Interdenominational Theological Center
01.2026 - Current
Editor-in-Chief
Highly Unique Magazine
10.2025 - Current
Senior Communication Manager
NCCPA (National Commission On Certification for PAs) Nonprofit
03.2024 - 06.2025
SR Communications Specialist | Interim Director
Center For Employment Opportunities (Nonprofit)
10.2022 - 11.2024
Senior Producer / Content Manager
Black News Channel/CNN+
02.2020 - 03.2022
Digital Communications Manager / Account Executive
Sonshine Communications
04.2018 - 02.2020
Senior Communications Specialist/ Newsroom Editor
Black PR Wire
04.2017 - 02.2020
Content Manager / Communications Specialist
Trayvon Martin Foundation
03.2014 - 04.2017
Associates in Business Marketing - undefined
Webber International University
Bachelor of Arts - English/TV Communications
Florida Memorial University
Published Writing
- Black College Today (column)
- The Miami Times ( field writer)
- South Florida Times (column)
- Westside Gazette
- Legacy Magazine
- Carrie Meek Foundation
- Miami Foundation
- Highly Unique Magazine (editor)
- Atlanta Journal
INTERNSHIPS
- Revolt TV
- 2016 -2017 (Video Editor, PA)
- Florida Memorial University
- 2015 - 2018 (Head of Sports Media) (Editor The Roar Magazine)
- NASCAR
- 2015 - 2018 (Videographer/Editor)
- 2015 - 2018 (Content Writer/Producer)
AWARDS
SEA Creator/Producer of the year nominee 2020, Legacy Miami 40 under 40 honoree 2019, Creative Media Awards recipient 2018, NABJ Digital Creator of the year 2018, NASCAR student of the Year 2017