Resume

Lexi Robinson Hotchkiss

Work Experience:

Content Marketing Strategist, Public Relations Consultant and Freelance Writer
Lexi Hotchkiss PR, LLC
Cleveland, OH and Charlotte, NC (September 2006 – February 2007; April 2014 – Present)

  • Create strategic public relations plans and employ tactics to achieve client goals
  • Craft and implement creative content strategies across multiple platforms
  • Write online articles, newsletters, blogs, marketing collateral, news releases and web copy
  • Create, negotiate and place advertising (online display, print, social, radio, TV and outdoor)
  • Research local and national media; create lists; pitch stories, content and visual concepts
  • Assist in the execution of special events by coordinating logistics, scheduling and working to maximize partnerships
  • Clients: Destination Cleveland, Visit Charlotte, Greensboro Convention & Visitors Bureau, Cedar Point Amusement Park, Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage, National Hamburger Festival, National Buffalo Wing Festival, Co-Authors Barb Brown & Margie Flynn, Author Regina Brett, Citiview Publications, John Carroll University, Bagsmith Luxury Yarn, Corporate Research & Investigations, True 180 Personal Training, Dental Specialty Group

Managing Editor, Content & Publications
Previously held positions: Senior Manager of Content
Cleveland, OH (December 2018 – Current)

  • Responsible for the organization’s content outlets, which include social media channels, website, photo/video direction, visitation guides, print publications, third-party content partner sites and other owned media properties
    • This responsibility includes formulating and executing creative concepts; developing and implementing digital strategies; building content production processes that aim to streamline and augment messaging; and creating entertaining, story-based content for all content channels that engage, inspire, educate and entertain B2B and B2C audiences
  • Operate a full-scale social media command center to maximize brand engagement
  • Oversee all editorial content calendars (written, visual and social), act as the central liaison for branded content needs throughout the organization, while also managing the organization’s digital asset management system. Led the creation of a voice & style guide
  • Manage paid social media efforts, as well as hybrid virtual event content support
  • Created the organization’s plan/pledge to ensure an ongoing and “no-excuses” commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion within all content mediums, formats and creative
  • Partner with business development team to build and evolve a sponsored content program
  • Hire/supervise three full-time employees, as well as full-time/contracted external vendors, agencies, interns and 25+ freelance writers, designers, photographers and videographers
  • Serve as the organization’s primary editor for all content written for publishing by acting as final proofreader, ensuring appropriate tone for written content and applying AP standards
  • Continuously define, monitor, track and read key performance metrics and analytics

Director of Communications
Positively Cleveland (now known as “Destination Cleveland”)
Previously held positions: Communications Manager, Communications Coordinator
Cleveland, OH (February 2009 – March 2014)

  • Created and directed all strategic public relations, which integrated all areas of the organization’s key initiatives: leisure travel, meetings and conventions, group tour, group leisure travel, local advocacy, institutional/industry outreach
  • Pitched and maintained working relationships with worldwide media and social influencers directly resulting in more than 2,600 articles and $13.2 million in advertising (1,200 articles and $5.28 million in 2013 alone)
  • Hired and supervised four full-time communications employees, as well as three public relations agencies, seasonal interns, temps, freelancers, contractors and volunteers
  • Hosted 400 travel media in Cleveland; toured them around the region and coordinated their trip logistics (meals, transportation, accommodations, etc.)
  • Managed the writing and content development of company website and six e-newsletters
  • Wrote/edited news releases, op eds, story starters, speeches, advertising copy, RFPs, etc.
  • Sustained close working relationships with civic and government organizations, elected officials, event planners, statewide attractions and CVBs on a variety of initiatives
  • Served as company spokesperson for proactive and reactive media, as well as during industry activities, community events and crisis situations

Marketing Manager
Maui Sands Indoor Waterpark Resort
Cleveland and Sandusky, OH (September 2007 – December 2008)

  • Negotiated, bought and managed $500,000 multifaceted advertising budget
  • Coordinated promotions (exclusive soft drink partnership, added-value advertising, etc.)
  • Created and operated company website; developed online reservation system and promotional microsites; directed all social media and e-newsletter communications
  • Oversaw media relations, community relations and special events
  • Wrote, coordinated and distributed all marketing and group sales collateral
  • Hired and supervised team of 10 hourly employees, including the entertainment department

Assistant Account Executive
Landau Public Relations
Cleveland, OH (February – September 2007)

  • Wrote/edited news releases, advisories, web copy, newsletters, brochures, etc.
  • Researched, developed and maintained several media lists and on-going relationships
  • Pitched news stories to local and national media
  • Accounts included tourism, economic development, grocery industry and other CPGs

Public Relations Coordinator
Geauga Lake & Wildwater Kingdom Amusement Park
Aurora, OH (April 2004 – September 2006)

  • Served as company spokesperson; coordinated the release of all media materials
  • Handled crisis communication; wrote and trained staff with crisis policies
  • Managed and wrote the company’s website and all marketing/sales/ticketing collateral
  • Planned/executed added-value promotions, community activities, media days, etc.
  • Wrote speeches, talking points and internal communications
  • Hired and supervised team of seasonal employees

Education:

Kent State University
Kent, OH (Graduated December 2003)

  • B.S. in Journalism and Mass Communication, concentration in Public Relations
  • Minor: Political Science, focus on State Government
  • GPA: 3.65, Magna Cum Laude

Skills:

  • Certifications: Google Analytics certification; Professional Certified Marketer (PCM) in Content Marketing as designated by the American Marketing Association
  • Software and Other Digital Resources: Sprout Social (social media monitor/listen), Social Studio (social media monitor/listen), Crowdriff (digital asset management), Airtable (collaboration tool), Vocus (PR software), CisionPoint (PR software), Kentico (CMS system), Simpleview (CRM), Constant Contact (email marketing), MagnetMail (email marketing), WordPress, MS Windows Office Suite
  • Social Media: Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube
  • Writing: Fully proficient in Associated Press (AP) style, SEO copywriting, some HTML

Other Activities:

  • Cleveland Leadership Center: Cleveland Bridge Builders Class of 2013
  • Owner/blogger for Charlotte Moms Blog
  • Public Relations Committee Chair for Gay Games 9
  • Committee member for Riverocity Cleveland
  • Volunteer for Citizens Committee for Lakewood Animal Shelter
  • Kent State University Alumni Association – Cleveland Chapter
  • School board member for Lakeside College Preparatory Academy (board secretary)
  • Akron Civic Theater Annual Fundraising Event Planning Committee
  • Professional adviser and public relations/crisis communication speaker for PRKent
  • Professional speaker for the Public Relations Student Society of America
  • Kent State University’s Columbus Program in Intergovernmental Issues (2003)

PR portfolio samples viewable here. Writing samples available here.

Click here to download a PDF version of this resume.