Laura Vann Stephens

Communication strategist | Perpetual optimist | Sunny day enthusiast

Experience

I am a communications strategist with 15 years of experience developing, executing and optimizing integrated campaigns that meet client goals using data-driven results.

Director of Marketing

Six Feet Up, Feb. 2021 - Present

I guide the marketing strategy for Six Feet Up — a consultancy that accelerates IMPACTFUL Projects™ by crafting superior and lasting software solutions. I am charged with expanding Six Feet Up’s presence within the tech industry and beyond.

Vice President

Finn Partners, Oct. 2013 - Jan. 2021

Promoted three times within four years, I represented and advised clients in the healthcare, consumer product, education, non-profit, technology and finance sectors. I led multi-channel communication campaigns, drove metric-based social media programs, worked extensively with local, trade and national media outlets and managed crises. My daily responsibilities included team leadership, budget planning/management and strategic counsel for current and prospective clients.

Specifically, I: 

  • Led teams (3-10 individuals/team) of researchers, web developers, designers, copywriters and media/social strategists to conceive, execute and optimize multi-channel campaigns that met company goals

  • Conducted digital research and analyzed brand mentions to identify industry trends and determine what was driving conversations about organizations and their competitors

  • Positioned C-suite executives, providers and researchers as leading industry experts via media training, social media engagements, earned media hits, speaking events, paid sponsorships and awards

  • Built online communities using organic and paid strategies to maximize engagements

  • Partnered with industry influencers to authentically represent and support brands

  • Developed messaging to differentiate brands and effectively tell company stories

  • Created all internal and external communication materials/talking points surrounding company mergers, acquisitions and crises

  • Earned media coverage in local, trade and national outlets to effectively reach target audiences

  • Planned and managed events using unique, creative tactics that bring positive attention to brands

Public Relations Specialist

Lynn University, Jan. 2006 – Nov. 2013

I helped build and grow the Lynn brand in substantial, nationally recognized ways. Responsibilities included:

Social Media

  • Developed, implemented, evaluated and optimized Lynn’s award-winning social presence

  • Brainstormed, executed and promoted interactive social campaigns

  • Initiated social strategies with a focus on measurement and analytics

  • Researched, wrote and published social media policies

  • Produced style guides for video production

  • Taught best practices to campus-wide social media users

Content Management

  • Created, managed and populated editorial and multimedia content for all digital channels, including News on Lynn.edu

  • Hired, trained and supervised six student employees (photographers, videographers and writers)

Traditional Media

  • Researched, wrote, edited and distributed weekly Tip Sheets / press releases garnering positive local and national media attention

  • Oversaw and facilitated media coverage of university news, events and people

  • Built professional relationships with local and national journalists

Crisis Communications

  • Served as the university’s back-up emergency contact and spokesperson

  • Wrote, updated and maintained crisis manuals / emergency message templates

  • Trained security dispatchers to use the university’s emergency communication system via voice, email and text notifications

  • Executed the university’s emergency communication system for lockdowns and weather-related threats

Media Events

  • Facilitated pool feeds and press conferences

  • Wrote, created and distributed digital and print media kits

  • Oversaw and published internal coverage via stories, photos, videos and social tools

  • Staffed events with volunteers and other employees

Blogger

Lynn University, Jan. 2007 – Sept. 2012

  • “Knight Writer” (Aug. 2007 - Sept. 2012): an internal blog written with my colleagues about life at Lynn.

  • My Life in Madrid” (Jan. - May 2007): the first blog published on Lynn University’s website and featured my personal, life-changing experiences in Madrid, Spain.

Reporter for the iPulse

Lynn University, 2005 – 2008