Tracie Seed
[email protected]

Award-winning communicator and media relations expert with a strong foundation in editorial leadership, brand strategy, and visual design. Earned more than 70 state, regional, and national awards for excellence in writing, press releases, marketing materials, and graphic design. A compelling storyteller known for transforming complex topics into clear, engaging narratives supported by impactful visuals. Highly organized, proactive team leader and project manager with a proven ability to manage multiple priorities, meet tight deadlines, and deliver results with creativity, clarity, and consistency.

DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS & MARKETING            
Harmony Public Schools – Central Texas | Austin, TX
Mar 2022-present

Lead all facets of district-wide communications and marketing strategy for a multi-campus public charter school system. Drive visibility, engagement, and enrollment through compelling storytelling, strong media partnerships, and data-informed marketing initiatives. Lead strategic communications and marketing for a public charter school district serving nine campuses.

• Lead strategic communications and marketing for a public charter school district serving nine campuses.
• Manage media relations: write and pitch stories, craft press releases, and build lasting media partnerships.
• Increased positive media coverage by over 200% annually, earning 180+ placements since joining the district.
• Develop and execute short- and long-term marketing strategies and budgets based on trends and data insights.
• Oversee campus-level marketing teams focused on recruitment, engagement, and customer service.
• Provide training on social media, customer experience, and communications best practices.
• Grew district-wide social media engagement by approximately 40%.
• Analyze engagement metrics, secret shopper reports, and audits to refine strategy.
• Serve as creative director for photography, videography, and branding campaigns.
• Write, edit, and produce internal and external executive communications.
• Manage content, SEO, and updates for district and campus websites.
• Create marketing collateral including print materials, commercials, radio ads, and branded merchandise.
• Received 60+ state and national awards for writing, press releases, design, and marketing materials.
• Lead crisis communication efforts for the district and campuses.
• Conduct brand audits and maintain a consistent visual identity across platforms.

 
CONTRACT, MANAGING EDITOR OF COMMUNICATION MATTERS MAGAZINE
Texas School Public Relations | Austin, TX
Mar 2022-Aug 2022
 

• Led the editorial production of TSPRA’s award-winning quarterly digital magazine, serving education and public relations professionals across Texas.
• Supervised and coordinated a creative team of editors, writers, and designers; assigned tasks and managed all phases of editorial workflow.
• Created and maintained an editorial calendar to align with organizational goals and publication deadlines.
• Designed visual layouts and graphics for each issue using Adobe InDesign and Photoshop.
• Ensured consistency in branding, tone, and voice across all publication channels.
• Earned several national awards for editorial leadership and design.

 
COMMUNICATIONS & MARKETING MANAGER        
Texas School Public Relations Association | Austin, TX
Aug 2019-Mar 2022
 

• Developed, maintained, and managed TSPRA’s brand identity and voice across all channels, including the website, newsletters, quarterly magazine, social media, press releases, videos, and presentations.
• Spearheaded and launched Communication Matters, a quarterly digital magazine designed to boost brand visibility, support member education, and generate revenue.
• Served as Managing Editor and Lead Designer for Communication Matters, overseeing editorial strategy, layout design, contributor management, and production timelines.
• Led strategic communications and marketing initiatives, including media relations efforts to expand the organization’s reach and visibility.
• Created and implemented digital and geofencing marketing campaigns to target key audiences and maximize impact.
• Managed the design and publication of all print and digital collateral, ensuring brand consistency and high production standards.
• Directed social media strategy and content, resulting in a 75% increase in engagement.
• Supported planning and promotion of the organization’s annual conference serving 800+ attendees.
• Served as a judge for the South Carolina NSPRA Rewards for Excellence and the Wisconsin SPR Spectrum Awards, evaluating marketing and communication materials.
• Advised members on crisis communication best practices and provided real-time support during high-stakes situations.

 
DIRECTOR OF MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS
Texas Self Storage Association | Round Rock, TX                                    
Sept 2018-July 2019                      

• Created and managed a cohesive brand identity, ensuring consistent expression across all communication platforms and materials.
• Developed and maintained all written and visual marketing content, including brochures, digital ads, signage, and event collateral.
• Collaborated with executive leadership to support departmental goals through tailored communications, copywriting, and branded resources.
• Led social media strategy—planning, producing, and evaluating campaigns—resulting in a 100%+ increase in engagement and reach.
• Directed all media and public relations efforts, including writing press releases and securing positive coverage to elevate the association’s visibility.
• Managed website operations including design, maintenance, SEO, and content development, ensuring a strong user experience and brand alignment.
• Oversaw production of Self-Storage News, a quarterly print and digital magazine, including writing, editing, and managing contributors.
• Planned and executed charitable fundraising campaigns in support of the association’s selected nonprofit partner.
• Supported the planning and execution of the annual conference, serving over 1,000 attendees, through marketing, PR, and event communications.

 
SENIOR EDITOR
Sherman Publishing/GateHouse Media | Newport, RI
Jul 2014-Aug 2018                                                                            

• Wrote, edited, and designed content for five award-winning print publications: Newport Life, Newport Wedding, Newport Home, Newport City Guide, and Newport Best Read Guide, as well as contributing to the Newport Daily News.
• Personally received 12 regional journalism awards for writing, illustration, and design from the Rhode Island Press Association and New England Press Association.
• Maintained editorial calendars and managed production workflows to meet all publishing deadlines while producing high volumes of original content.
• Pitched, researched, and authored over 250 articles annually, crafting headlines, subheads, cover lines, and feature content for each issue.
• Directed all visual aspects of publication: led photo shoots, oversaw cover and page layout design, and created illustrations and custom graphics using Adobe Photoshop.
• Hired, mentored, and managed creative teams, interns, and external vendors, ensuring quality and consistency across all projects.
• Developed and led brand-aligned B2B and B2C marketing strategies in partnership with sales teams, supporting revenue growth through promotional campaigns.
• Spearheaded social media and email marketing efforts to extend audience engagement and enhance brand visibility across digital platforms.

 
FREELANCE WRITER, EDITOR & DESIGNER
Jan 1996-present                       
                                                                               

• Experienced in writing and editing articles, blogs, publications, marketing materials, website content, and SEO-driven copy tailored to diverse audiences and platforms.
• Skilled artist, illustrator, and graphic designer, with a keen eye for visual storytelling and brand alignment across print and digital media.

 
MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER        
OOP! | Providence, RI     
Sept 1997-Nov 1998                                                             
 

• Led media strategy and crafted copy for the company website, wholesale product descriptions, and press releases—ensuring consistent voice and brand alignment across all platforms.
• Directed all media relations, public relations, and community engagement efforts to build brand visibility and foster goodwill.
• Developed and executed weekly interactive promotional campaigns supporting local nonprofits, enhancing customer engagement and community impact.
• Designed visual marketing materials, including in-store displays and point-of-sale collateral, to support branding and sales initiatives.

 
MARKETING, COMMUNICATIONS & OPERATIONS DIRECTOR
Rocky Mountain Taco | Colorado Springs, CO                                          
Apr 1994-Aug 1997           
 

• Oversaw daily operations across five restaurant locations, including recruiting, hiring, and supervising staff to ensure high performance and service standards.
• Designed and implemented comprehensive training programs for managers and front-of-house teams to support consistency and operational excellence.
• Created and executed promotional campaigns, including radio commercials, corporate communications, and in-store marketing initiatives.
• Served as creative director for new store openings, leading brand-aligned visual merchandising and launch strategies.

 
COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER
Rainbow Days, Inc. | Dallas, TX                                                                                   
​Jan 1992-Apr 1994         
 

• Provided communications and program support to over 200 statewide agencies, developing branded materials that consistently reflected the organization’s voice and mission.
• Wrote, edited, and produced content for five monthly newsletters, marketing campaigns, training manuals, informational brochures, grant proposals, and fundraising materials.
• Created engaging, brand-aligned content for a variety of audiences, including children’s activities, educational products, and donor communications.
• Managed media relations efforts, including drafting press releases, coordinating outreach, and supporting positive media coverage to enhance public awareness of programs and initiatives.
• Ensured cohesive visual and written branding across all communications channels to strengthen organizational identity and stakeholder engagement.

 
EDUCATION
Aug 1987-May 1991   Bachelor of Arts, English Literature
                                        Cum Laude                                                                                                                             
                                     AUSTIN COLLEGE | SHERMAN, TX
 
Austin College, a private liberal arts college in Sherman, Texas, provided a rigorous, well-rounded education that emphasized critical thinking, communication, and academic excellence.