Tracie Seed
tracieseedart@gmail.com

Award-winning comprehensive communicator and strategic marketing director who is also a visual design specialist. Engaging storyteller who is experienced in analyzing complex topics and crafting compelling copy and visual support materials. Proactive, task-oriented team and project manager who is highly organized and adept at prioritizing and completing simultaneous assignments on deadline and under pressure. Inspiring team leader who strives to impassion and inspire colleagues to collaborate towards a common goal with the belief that there is no job too small.​

Director of Communication & Marketing for Central Texas: Harmony Public Schools, Austin, TX                              
March 2022-present

• Identify newsworthy stories within the district for news outlets or HPS stakeholders. 
• Write engaging, comprehensive press releases and pitch stories to local, regional and national media through a variety of methods, including press releases and direct contact. 
• Market and host media visits to campuses and campus events.
• Works with the Central Office and Area Superintendent to choreograph interview needs by journalists within the district
• Tracks district news coverage.
• Identify new and innovative marketing relationships and initiatives.
• Develop marketing collateral including print materials, TV/movie theater commercials, radio commercials, swag, and more to publicize programs, events, district initiatives and related content.
• Research, write, edit and produce internal and external communication.
• Write, design and distribute district-level newsletters to all staff, parents and stakeholders.
• Oversee KPI implementation and progress at both the district and campus level.
• Update and monitor all district-level and campus-level social media accounts.
• Oversee management and content of campus-level websites.
• Create content for social media pages and campus-level websites.
• Monitor online reviews and, along with campuses, implement procedures and initiatives to help grow online review scores.
• In coordination with the Central Office, assist campuses with the creation of crisis communications.
• Initiate and maintain relationships with external vendors.
• Lead marketing efforts and projects to increase student applications and retention districtwide.
• Organize and create presentations for philanthropic organizations.
• Organize and manage districtwide events.
• Provide or arrange guidance and training to campus and district staff regarding key department goals and initiatives

Contract Managing Editor Communication Matters: Texas School Public Relations Association, Austin, TX                            
March 2022-present

• Manage editorial publication of a quarterly award-winning digital magazine 
• Winner of four Certificate of Merit awards in 2022 NSPRA’s Publications and Digital Media Excellence Awards
• Build and nurture a team of talented writers and producers
• Assign tasks for writers, designers, producers and editors 
• Create and manage detailed content schedules 
• Edit copy and oversee proofreading procedures
• Manage and oversee a member magazine committee
• Design graphics and layout for each issue
• Maintain branding for the association
• Assist in evaluating finalized copy for compliance with policies, style and tone

 
Contract Managing Editor of Communication Matters Magazine: Texas School Public Relations Association, Austin, TX         March 2022-Aug 2022

• Managed editorial publication of a quarterly award-winning digital magazine.
• Winner of four Certificate of Merit awards in 2022 NSPRA’s Publications and Digital Media Excellence Awards.
• Built and nurtured a team of talented writers and producers.
• Assigned tasks for writers, designers, producers and editors.
• Created and managed detailed content schedules.
• Edited copy and oversaw proofreading procedures.
• Managed and oversaw a member magazine committee.
• Designed graphics and layout for each issue using InDesign and Photoshop.
• Maintained branding for the association.
• Evaluated finalized copy for compliance with policies, style and tone.

Communications & Marketing Manager: Texas School Public Relations Association, Austin, TX                            
 Aug 2019-March 2022

• Developed, implemented and measured marketing and communications campaigns and social media strategies.
• Managed TSPRA brand and ensure it was expressed in all communication channels: written and visual materials for website, three weekly newsletters, quarterly magazine, social media, press releases, promotions, displays, articles, videos and presentations.
• Served as managing editor and graphic designer for Communication Matters magazine, a quarterly publication.
• Managed annual conference planning and execution including creating conference logo, program and other visuals. Determined conference site logistics, developed feedback tools, managed volunteers and participated in conference-related decisions. 
• Determined and developed strategic communications and marketing campaigns that helped further organizational goals.
• Managed the design and publication of print and digital collateral.
• Managed and implement digital marketing and geofencing programs.
• Managed the maintenance, design, SEO and development of the association’s website.
• Managed development and production of professional promotional videos and contracted print materials.
• Managed member communication and professional development through surveys, focus groups, webinars and resource development such as talking points and legislative updates.
• Served as marketing and communications judge for the South Carolina Chapter of the National School Public Relations Rewards for Excellence and Wisconsin School Public Relations Association Spectrum Awards.
• Completed Spoken Word Crisis Communication course.

Director of Marketing & Communications: Texas Self Storage Association, Round Rock, TX                                  
Sept 2018-July 2019

• Managed brand and ensured it was expressed in all communication channels.
• Developed and maintained all written and visual materials.
• Teamed with Executive Director, Director of Education and Director of Membership to provide them with the appropriate tools, materials, copy and display items needed to meet their goals and objectives. 
• Scheduled, created, implemented and measured the success of social media campaigns, increasing follower engagement and reach.  
• Managed the maintenance, design, SEO and development of the association’s website.
• Oversaw the production of Self-Storage News magazine, quarterly publication.
• Managed charitable fundraising efforts for the association’s chosen beneficiary.  
• Assisted in planning and running of annual conference.

Freelance Writer & Designer:    Tracie Seed Art                                                                                                                                     
1996-Present

• Articles, blogs, publications, marketing materials, websites, SEO copy and graphic design.
• Managing editor & graphic designer for Communication Matters magazine, the official quarterly publication of the Texas School Public Relations Association.

Senior Editor:   Newport Life Magazine, Newport, RI                                                                                                                 
Aug 2014-July 2018​

• Wrote and edited content for Newport Life Magazine, a lifestyle publication with seven annual issues and four niche products: Newport Wedding, Newport Home, Newport City Guide and Newport Best Read Guide.
• Personally earned 12 awards for writing, illustration and design.
• Served as interim managing editor during supervisor’s absence.
• Maintained editorial planning, production and publishing schedule while completing assignments on deadline.
• Researched, brainstormed, produced, wrote content and copy-edited each issue, including composing headlines, subheads and cover lines.
• Served as art director for photo shoots, cover designs, page layouts, illustrations and graphics. Photographed as needed.
• Created graphics and artwork for publications and provided creative direction for overall look of magazine.
• Managed teams for special projects.
• Supervised interns; maintained professional relationships with area academic institutions; assigned and supervised projects.
• Strategized innovative B2B and B2C marketing initiatives with sales team to increase revenue via advertisement and subscriptions.
• Leveraged responsive social media and email marketing campaigns to enhance branding. Acquired thousands of new followers across all platforms within months of securing role. Developed successful email strategy to increase brand awareness, subscriptions and advertisement revenue. 
• Assisted in planning and implementing annual Newport Bridal Show for more than 500 participants. 

 
Marketing & Communications Manager:   OOP!, Providence, RI                                                                                         
Sept 1997-Nov 1998  

• Led media strategy, wrote copy for website, wholesale products and press releases. Oversaw all public relations.
• Created and managed weekly promotional interactive campaigns for customers in support of area non-profits.
• Established and cultivated community outreach and professional network.
• Managed television and newspaper coverage.​

 
VP of Communications & Operations:  Rocky Mountain Taco, Colorado Springs, CO                                                      
April 1994-Aug 1997

• Oversaw operations of five restaurant locations, which operated three shifts seven days a week. GM of two locations, including hiring staff.
• Designed and implemented training programs for all managers and servers. Supervised kitchen staff training.
• Executive producer for product promotions, radio commercials and corporate communications. Designed visual marketing displays and point-of-sale materials.
• Maintained 100% in quality awards in corporate and operational excellence.

 
​Communications Manager:  Rainbow Days, Inc. Dallas, TX                                                                                                   
​Jan 1992-Apri; 1994   

• Provided program assistance and maintained client relations for more than 200 statewide agencies, including researching, developing and writing training materials and informational collateral.
• Edited and created copy for five monthly newsletters, marketing materials, training materials, informational pamphlets, articles, products, children’s activities, fundraisers and grants.
• Authored five successful grants resulting in a total of $350,000.

 
EDUCATION
B.A. English Literature                                                             Austin College                                                                                    Sherman, TX
CE Education - Graphics Art & Design                                 Rhode Island School of Design                                                     Providence, RI
Professional Education - Digital Marketing                         The University of Vermont                                                                            Online

REFERENCES UPON REQUEST

Writing & Illustration Awards for Newport Life Magazine**
Rhode Island Press Association:

• First Place Feature Front Page Illustration, May/June 2018, "Best of Newport County Awards"
• First Place Feature Story (Short), March/April 2016 issue, “Pipe Dreams”​
• Third Place Education Story, September/October 2016 issue, "Decoding Dyslexia"
• Second Place Best Feature Front Page, August 2016 issue, "Top 10 Groundbreakers" 
• First Place Feature Front Page Illustration, May/June 2015 issue, “Best of Newport County Awards”
• Honorable Mention Special Section, August 2015 issue, “Top 10 Groundbreakers”
• Third Place Science/Healthcare Story: March/April 2015 issue, “Toke of the Town”

New England Newspaper and Press Association:

• Third Place Human Interest Feature Story, March/April 2017 issue, "Deadly Diet"
• Second Place Social Issues Feature Story, September/October 2016 "Decoding Dyslexia"
• First Place Human Interest Feature Story, March/April 2016 issue, “Pipe Dreams”
• Second Place Illustration/Infographics, May/June 2016 issue, “Best of Newport County Awards”
• First Place Illustration/Infographics, May/June 2015 issue, “Best of Newport County Awards”